Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Star rating

Rock Cliff Room
Breakfast at Rock Lodge
Cliff Lodge Two
Cliff Lodge Lounge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Wine Tasting Room
Sundowners
Cliff Lodge
Airstrip Arrivals
Lower Deck
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Makwela Dusk Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Makwela Dawn Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Lunch at Rock Lodge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Rock Lodge Lounge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa,
Rock Lodge Pool, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Spa Treatment Room at Rock Lodge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Rock Suite Bedroom, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Wedding
Ulusba Rock Master Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Platinum Collection, Sabi Sands, South Africa
A video preview image
Rock Cliff Room
Breakfast at Rock Lodge
Cliff Lodge Two
Cliff Lodge Lounge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Wine Tasting Room
Sundowners
Cliff Lodge
Airstrip Arrivals
Lower Deck
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Cliff Lodge
Makwela Dusk Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Makwela Dawn Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Lunch at Rock Lodge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Rock Lodge Lounge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa,
Rock Lodge Pool, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Spa Treatment Room at Rock Lodge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Rock Suite Bedroom, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Wedding
Ulusba Rock Master Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Platinum Collection, Sabi Sands, South Africa

The hotel

Owned by our own Sir Richard Branson, this is one of the most luxurious and exclusive game lodges in the world. It is located amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sabi Sands and combines exceptional service with a superb safari experience - what could be better? If you have a head for heights, stay in the unique Rock Lodge, high above the reserve, where all rooms have beautiful panoramic views and are carved out of the Ulusaba rock itself. For a change of scenery, why not combine your stay with Ulusaba's nearby Safari Lodge, located right in the heart of the bush. Your day starts early with a cup of tea and then it's out to the 4WDs in search of the reserve's exciting creatures. Then it's back to the lodge for a delicious hearty breakfast and a chance to enjoy the impressive leisure facilities. You'll also enjoy an evening safari to spot some different bush creatures, before enjoying a first-class dinner accompanied by excellent wines and occasionally by tribal dancers and singers.

Amenities

  • Honeymoon
  • Safari
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant

Where is it

In the western sector of the Sabi Sand reserve. Road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga or Skukuza airport are available. We recommend to fly direct from Johannesburg to Ulusaba's private airstrip. Flight time approximately: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Hotel information

Ulusaba has 20 rooms and suites spread over 2 exquisite lodges. Rock Lodge is set 800 feet above the wilderness perched on the summit of a koppie. There are 8 rooms at Rock Lodge including 4 Rock Cliff Rooms, 2 Makwela Suites, Master Suite, Two Bedroom Rock Suite and also Cliff Lodge featuring 2 magnificent suites offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury. All with private entrances and terraces providing incredible views of passing animals on their way to the nearby waterhole, air conditioning, ceiling fan, mini-bar (restocked daily), a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower. 

Rock Cliff Rooms are spacious with a private viewing deck and spectacular views over the vast landscape, en-suite bathroom, twin or double beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Please note: 2 of the Rock Cliff Rooms are split level with a spiral staircase.

All Inclusive of: all food and beverages - including top quality wine list, premium-branded spirits and French Champagne. Twice daily game-drives, daily walking safari (subject to favourable weather conditions), local entertainment, laundry service and transfers from Ulusaba air strip.

2 Bedroom Rock Suite features 1 master lavish bedroom with a full en-suite with views over the bush with 1 king-size bed and there is 1 smaller bedroom with an en-suite shower room. This spacious suite with separate living area, is ideal for families, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

The Master Suite has 3 levels, offering 1 double bedroom with spacious en-suite bathroom and balcony with infinity plunge pool providing beautiful views. The separate living area also has a private furnished sun deck and has a telescope to watch the stars - a perfect room for honeymooners! The Suite sleeps maximum 2 adults.

Makwela Suites are built on 2 levels offering a spacious bedroom, living area, library area, infinity plunge pool and outdoor showers on the private balcony, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Cliff Lodge features 2 magnificent suites offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury.

Cliff Lodge 1 is an opulent 2 bedroom suite with 1 large bedroom and a second smaller bedrooms - great for families as it can accommodate maximum 3 adults. It also features a spacious lounge with fireplace, kitchen with bar, a mini-gym and outdoor deck with large private pool.

Cliff Lodge 2 is a spacious one bedroom suite sleeping maximum 2 adults. The luxurious suite features a lounge area with fireplace and has its own Jacuzzi on the large viewing deck with stunning views over the bush.

You can hire both suites at Cliff Lodge for exclusive use which includes your own chef and private vehicle for game-drives. Cliff Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 5 adults when booked exclusively.

Romance/Honeymoon package

Enhance your stay by adding a Romance/Honeymoon package to your room or suite and recieve the following benefits:

- A fruit basket and champagne in the room on arrival

- The Aroma Boma Devotional Journey spa treatment for two (60 minutes)

- Lovers’ Picnic private lunch on a day of your choosing

- Romantic bath time experience on an evening of your choosing

- Private dinner on the last evening complete with own personal butler

- Complimentary space-available upgrade

- Gift on departure

Local entertainment. Daily game-drives. Late morning walking safaris. Outdoor swimming pool. Viewing deck. Aroma Boma spa*. Gym and 2 tennis courts. Video, music and book libraries. Wine cellar at Safari Lodge. Observatory in the bush for star gazing. Complimentary WiFi access.

3 nights between 22 Dec-1 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (357)
  • Very good (15)
  • Average (5)
  • Poor (3)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful family visit

Aug 27, 2025 Alex M

Stayed at Rock Lodge for 5 days. Everything about the experience was exceptional and special. The arrival to the reception centre and transport to the lodge makes the experience feel wild and adventurous. The staff at the lodge were all friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Guests were made to feel like part of a friendly family of Ulusaba… Read more
Stayed at Rock Lodge for 5 days. Everything about the experience was exceptional and special. The arrival to the reception centre and transport to the lodge makes the experience feel wild and adventurous. The staff at the lodge were all friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Guests were made to feel like part of a friendly family of Ulusaba visitors. I can see why so many guests are return bookings. The Rock Cliff rooms are very well appointed and the bar resturant area is comfortable with the most incredible view out and down across the reserve. Many sightings from the lodge. Drives were top quality for information from Stuart and Derek sharing their skills and always happy to answer questions. Wildlife sightings were spectacular. We were very lucky with some of our encounters but they always felt worked for and never staged or predicable. Every track was explained and detailed what was being looked at and why. We were fortunate to be with Stuart the conservation manager. We could hear arrangements for any sightings being communicated and very well managed so it never felt the animals were being harassed or made to react unnaturally. Vehicle numbers were strictly controlled for the very best experience. Overall a wonderful place with every staff member we met being a pleasure. All the best for the redevelopment and we plan to return to see the new Ulusaba. Thank you for a wonderful experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous return visit

Aug 19, 2025 I1555TTangelaw

Oupa & Mango made our return visit just as special out in the game reserve, and fabulous to see guide Tom again. Researched other reserves but like many other guests opted to return to Ulusaba and the same welcome and charm as before from the moment you arrive at the landing strip to inside the lodges and during the game drives. Smart move to… Read more
Oupa & Mango made our return visit just as special out in the game reserve, and fabulous to see guide Tom again. Researched other reserves but like many other guests opted to return to Ulusaba and the same welcome and charm as before from the moment you arrive at the landing strip to inside the lodges and during the game drives. Smart move to refurbish to retain the vibe but freshen up the suites. Looking forward to seeing the renovations when they are complete in 2027. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating My happy place

Aug 16, 2025 Matthew J

10 years ago we came to Ulusaba Safari Lodge on our honeymoon and it was incredible. But I never ended up writing a review. We came back for our anniversary, but this time to Rock Lodge. I’m so happy to report that it once again met and exceeded expectations. In my opinion it is simply one of the greatest vacations on earth. To start, our… Read more
10 years ago we came to Ulusaba Safari Lodge on our honeymoon and it was incredible. But I never ended up writing a review. We came back for our anniversary, but this time to Rock Lodge. I’m so happy to report that it once again met and exceeded expectations. In my opinion it is simply one of the greatest vacations on earth. To start, our Ranger, Brad, and Tracker, Harold, were superb. They found all the Big Five of course, and this time the magnificent seven as we added Cheetah which we never saw 10 years ago. We even grabbed a glimpse of a Honey Badger which had become a running joke during the trip. The lodge is superb. Everything you could want, whenever you want. Great food, great wine, but above all friendliness, Ulusaba really is a family. We cannot wait to come back after the refurb. We certainly won’t wait another 10 years, but just long enough that our young children are old enough to also experience safari and the delights of the Ulusaba family. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect, as always

Aug 6, 2025 mikeandshirl West Sussex, United Kingdom

Another wonderful visit with exactly the same results! Peter and Respect are a great team and have the knack of always being in the right place at the right time for the best game viewing, thanks lads! The room was always spotless, and the laundry returned clean and ironed within 24 hours. Food was spectacular as always, so well done and thanks to… Read more
Another wonderful visit with exactly the same results! Peter and Respect are a great team and have the knack of always being in the right place at the right time for the best game viewing, thanks lads! The room was always spotless, and the laundry returned clean and ironed within 24 hours. Food was spectacular as always, so well done and thanks to all of the catering staff. Wonderful to meet up again with our faithful trip organiser Shelbeigh and her temporary substitute Kirsty who arranged a rapid transit through Jo'burg airport to enable us to get the FedAir in time for our ongoing flight to Ulusaba. Lovely to have Anel looking after the whole operation so efficiently as always. The highlight of the game drives for us was “meeting up” again with Vutomi after seeing this wonderful leopard as a three-month-old cub two years ago. Peter and Respect manoeuvred the Landrover through dense bush tracking him for fully twenty minutes and managed to work out exactly where he would come out into the open. We got our best ever safari video of Vutomi looking straight up at us from two feet away. Unforgettable, thanks both. As usual the sendoff was brilliant and emotional, made even better by Lauren and one of the anti-poaching rangers and his dog (no names mentioned here for obvious reasons) turning up at the airstrip to say goodbye (or to make sure we were actually leaving). See you all again in September. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I wouldn't safari anywhere else!

May 21, 2025 cindylou1985 Dallas, Texas

My experience was life changing!! First off, it's South Africa and fabulous as well as getting to see all the magnificat animals but the heart and soul of Ulusaba is the staff!!! They are a beautiful family who will touch your heart. We are already discussing going back in the future.