Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Star rating

Elephant Room
Safari Room
River Room
Safari Lodge Pool
Treehouse Suite
Safari Suite
River Room with Plunge Pool
Elephant Room
Airstrip Arrivals
Elephant Room, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
Fire pit
Elephant Room
Safari Lodge dining
Rangers and Trackers
Treehouse Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
River Room with Plunge Pool
River Room
Safari Suite lounge
Elephant Room
A video preview image
Safari Room
River Room
Safari Lodge Pool
Treehouse Suite
Safari Suite
River Room with Plunge Pool
Elephant Room
Airstrip Arrivals
Elephant Room, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
Fire pit
Elephant Room
Safari Lodge dining
Rangers and Trackers
Treehouse Suite, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge, South Africa
River Room with Plunge Pool
River Room
Safari Suite lounge

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 like to keep yourself close to the ground and the passing wildlife, you'll enjoy Safari Lodge - with treehouse inspired rooms and suites, all with private decks. 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
  • Near National Park

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. Safari Lodge has a fantastic bush location built along the banks of a dry river bed and offers a selection of Elephant Rooms, a  Safari Room, River Rooms, a Treehouse Suite and the new Safari Suite. All with private entrances and terraces providing incredible views of passing animals on their way to the nearby waterhole, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar (restocked daily), a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower. 

The Safari Room is located close to the main building and has a large viewing deck, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

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.

Elephant Rooms are 'treehouse style' built high above the bush and mostly accessed by swing bridges, sleeping maximum 2 adults. As the name suggests they are great for elephant viewing with their location being on a elephant migratory route!

River Rooms have the same facilities as an Elephant Room and 2 of the River Rooms have infinity plunge pools, sleeping maximum 2 adults. River Rooms are very secluded making them the perfect romantic bush getaway.

The Treehouse Suite is a stunning, unique suite featuring a private deck with magnificent views over Xikwenga Dam where hippos and elephants come to bathe. Perfect for honeymooners, sleeping maximum 2 adults. The suite is a 10-minute walk from the main lodge and is accessible by swing bridges and raised walkways.

Safari Suite - this private suite is next to the Main Lodge and is accessed through its own entrance into a walled garden with boma fire pit. There is a separate spacious lounge that opens onto a large viewing deck with jacuzzi plunge pool, outdoor shower and private dining table for maximum 8 adults. The suite boasts an en-suite bathroom with a separate toilet and an additional guest bathroom next to the lounge. The Safari Suite can be interconnected with the Safari Room to sleep maximum 4 adults.

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. Observatory in the bush for star gazing. Complimentary WiFi access. Gift shop.

5 nights between 22 Dec-1 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: Children over 12 years are welcome to stay at Safari Lodge.

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 (609)
  • Very good (12)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (1)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating There can’t be a better Safari experience

May 20, 2025 M1039CWjasonv

A truly perfect place. The staff is amazing, genuinely helpful and want to be there working which shows. We didn’t have a bad meal in 5 days. We had Peter and Respect as our guide tracker and when we go back will request them again. Truly the best
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Loved. It.

May 16, 2025 Judy L Leeds, United Kingdom

Third time visitor and it lived up to every expectation from the excited welcome to the very sad saying of goodbyes…… As always the game viewing was spectacular (first time of seeing cheetah there - four of them all with very large food babies 🤣) and the food and hospitality was top notch. Cannot wait to go back, with trips booked in before it… Read more
Third time visitor and it lived up to every expectation from the excited welcome to the very sad saying of goodbyes…… As always the game viewing was spectacular (first time of seeing cheetah there - four of them all with very large food babies 🤣) and the food and hospitality was top notch. Cannot wait to go back, with trips booked in before it shuts down for the works next year. James and Orange - you guys rock. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Magical Safari Experience with Exceptional Staff and Service

May 12, 2025 Karen G Los Angeles, California

This was one of the best trips my husband and I have ever taken. The animal viewing each and every game drive was insane - up close lions, leopards (and their cubs), elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and even less common animals such as the painted wolves (wild dogs) and a cerval among many others... Our tracker, Mango, and ranger, Oupa had… Read more
This was one of the best trips my husband and I have ever taken. The animal viewing each and every game drive was insane - up close lions, leopards (and their cubs), elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and even less common animals such as the painted wolves (wild dogs) and a cerval among many others... Our tracker, Mango, and ranger, Oupa had incredible knowledge of Sabi Sands, all the animals living there, and all aspects of the Bush. The Ulusaba Safari Lodge could not have been more luxurious from the rooms, to the high tea, to the three course dinners with wine selections each night and the staff was truly exceptional - attentive and genuinely friendly and kind. This was a truly magical experience and I would recommend to anyone who wants to do safari and do it in style. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable Safari Experience

May 3, 2025 Emir T London, United Kingdom

In December 2024, we visited Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, spending two nights at Rock Lodge and two nights at Safari Lodge, each offering a unique and breathtaking experience. Our journey began with a charter flight from Johannesburg, landing at Ulusaba’s private airstrip. We were warmly greeted by Brad, who assisted with check-in—little did… Read more
In December 2024, we visited Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, spending two nights at Rock Lodge and two nights at Safari Lodge, each offering a unique and breathtaking experience. Our journey began with a charter flight from Johannesburg, landing at Ulusaba’s private airstrip. We were warmly greeted by Brad, who assisted with check-in—little did we know he would become our ranger for the duration of our stay. Rock Lodge sits high above the landscape, offering panoramic views of the reserve. As we entered the lounge—adorned with dark timber, leather furnishings, and a thatched roof—I spotted a few wildebeest and an elephant wandering below, immediately setting the tone for the thrilling days ahead. Every part of Rock Lodge, from the rooms to the restaurants, features breathtaking views of the reserve. Waking up to a mesmerizing sunrise before heading out on an early morning game drive was a truly special experience. Safari Lodge, equally impressive, provided an intimate connection with the wilderness. We were incredibly fortunate to stay in the Safari Suite, which featured a spacious outdoor private deck and pool. The magic of this lodge was in its close encounters with wildlife—elephants, kudu, and playful monkeys frequently wandered near, creating unforgettable moments. When the time came to check out, I genuinely didn’t want to leave—I was ready to make the suite my permanent home! The rangers and trackers are undoubtedly the heart of the Ulusaba experience, as guests spend around 5 hours per day with them. Brad and Harold were both exceptional at their craft, making our adventure even more special. Harold amazed us with his keen eye—spotting tiny chameleons hidden in trees while driving at night, and even identifying celestial objects invisible to the average person. His knowledge and skills were unparalleled. Brad, with his incredible expertise and engaging personality, shared countless fascinating facts about the ecosystem. His company felt more like that of a close friend, making the experience even more enjoyable. In December, game drives met at 5 AM for the morning session and 4 PM for the afternoon session. The drives themselves were nothing short of spectacula, we saw an abundance of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and impressive herds with incredible frequency. The immersive schedule made every day feel fully lived: early game drive, breakfast, free time, lunch, more free time, an afternoon nap, late game drive, and then bar time or dinner. Our four-day stay felt like a much longer holiday, so rich with adventure that I still dream about it when I close my eyes. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ulusaba Safari Lodge

May 3, 2025 Shona952 Portsmouth, United Kingdom

We stayed at Ulusaba Safari Lodge. This was my second visit, the first being over 10 years ago. The Ulusaba camps are stunning but are showing their age. Our room was showing its age and looking was very tired. The area is lovely, situated near the border of the park so you can see the village does make the safari feel less remote. The drives and… Read more
We stayed at Ulusaba Safari Lodge. This was my second visit, the first being over 10 years ago. The Ulusaba camps are stunning but are showing their age. Our room was showing its age and looking was very tired. The area is lovely, situated near the border of the park so you can see the village does make the safari feel less remote. The drives and the animals were amazing. Our ranger and spotter Vincent and Dom were excellent. Dom deserves a special mention for his tracking skills, finding Wild Dog on our last drive when no other teams could. There are never too many vehicles looking at a sighting and everyone swaps over to give all guest the chance to see. The staff and service and food at the camp are excellent. Ulusaba will I’m sure be up to excellent after their closure to refurbish. Looking forward to seeing the changes they make. Great to know the staff will be looked after during this time. Read less