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.
Based on 653 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (634)
Very good (12)
Average (4)
Poor (1)
Terrible (2)
A truly special place
Dec 29, 2025FrancesHouse208
Thank you so much to the full team here who make this resort so special, especially our guide Peter who looked after us from start to finish - we’ve seen the most amazing animals and encounters, learnt so much, but also had so much fun!
No drive was the same and full of encounters we’ll never forget with a perfect balance of getting close to the…
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Thank you so much to the full team here who make this resort so special, especially our guide Peter who looked after us from start to finish - we’ve seen the most amazing animals and encounters, learnt so much, but also had so much fun!
No drive was the same and full of encounters we’ll never forget with a perfect balance of getting close to the animals, but leaving them wild taken very seriously.
The lodge will be renovated soon but I’m sure the feeling will remain the same- personal, special, and made to feel like it’s your own home.
We loved the family style dinners, help yourself to anything attitude and mixing with the other guests and guides.
An unforgettable experience.
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Special Ulusaba
Dec 21, 2025Shona952Portsmouth, United Kingdom
We visited as a group of 6 adults for a 4 night stay. This was my 3rd visit and Ulusaba was beautiful. The lodge is closing in a few weeks but this has not affected the wonderful service. The staff looked after us with their usual standards under what must be a difficult time for them. Even with their jobs secure it can't be easy. Our ranger and…
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We visited as a group of 6 adults for a 4 night stay. This was my 3rd visit and Ulusaba was beautiful. The lodge is closing in a few weeks but this has not affected the wonderful service. The staff looked after us with their usual standards under what must be a difficult time for them. Even with their jobs secure it can't be easy. Our ranger and tracker this visit were Tom and Sam. What a team they worked so well together. they were superb. The sightings we had were unbelievable. Leopards mating, wild dogs hunting, lion cubs playing, elephants swimming, walks, New borns and the bird life was spectacular. We saw so much the list is so long. Ulusaba is located in a special area. It is due it's refurbishment next year so I hope it will not reopen with silly prices. The food is lovely. This visit our room River 4 was in much better condition than the previous. Our group included 4 first time safari goers who were amazed at their experience and cannot wait to return. Thank you Ulusaba for this trip. I'm sad to see you close. Hopefully we will return. I was here just after opening and as you close. Thank you for the memories. I wish the team a successful refurbishment and hope to see you all again soon.
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Outstanding experience with lovely people
Dec 15, 2025Berni S
Fantastic stay at Safari Lodge with wonderful professional and friendly staff.
Spending time every day with Brogan our Ranger and James our Tracker was the highlight. Brogan's knowledge and clear love for all wildlife made it a most joyful experience.
Amazing holiday
Dec 14, 2025Brigg19
We had the most fantastic experience which exceeded all our expectations. The game viewing was phenomenal and the experience and knowledge of our guide second to none. The food was amazing and we we were looked after brilliantly. If only we could go every year...
An unforgettable experience
Dec 12, 2025Mario S
The place has an amazingly warm feeling to it and the game drives are superb! All the staff are friendly and can't do enough for you. Great location with lions, elephants and hippos walking past your breakfast, lunch or dinner table.
A truly special place