Bringing a whole new level of luxury and service to the traditional safari experience, Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive private game reserve. Situated in the western part of the wildlife-rich sabi sand reserve, it is close to the border with Kruger, and with game roaming freely between the two parks, there is an intensity of sightings here, so, as well as the Big Five, you can take the opportunity to try and spot hippo, giraffe, cheetah and wild dogs.

The resort has its own private airstrip and is a 1 hour 20-minute flight from Johannesburg airport or a 30-minute flight from Kruger airport.

In the western part of Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

There are 20 air-conditioned rooms and suites, spread between Rock, Cliff and Safari Lodges. Rooms and suites feature a complimentary mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, Bose or iPod station, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, Africology toiletries and complimentary WiFi. Rock Lodge sits on a hilltop with spectacular views of the bushveld and Drakensburg Mountains, and has eight rooms, some with a private infinity-edged plunge pool. The luxurious Cliff Lodge is just a short walk away from the main house at Rock Lodge and has two suites, a one-bedroom suite and a two-bedroom suite, each with a large viewing deck, including an infinity-edge plunge pool, and if both suites are booked for exclusive use, your own chef and private game drive vehicle is included. Children all of all ages are welcomed at Rock Lodge, and Cliff Lodge is ideal for families. Safari Lodge is located on the banks of a dry riverbed, and many of the suites here are connected by swing bridges. Our favourite is the Treehouse Suite, which has an impressive private deck with views over the Xikwenga Dam; keep your camera at the ready, as you’re likely to spot an elephant pausing for a drink. 

Tea, coffee and refreshments are served before the morning game drive and then a delicious breakfast buffet, including cooked items to order, is served when you return. Lunch is à la carte and there are a range of options to choose from, then afternoon tea is served later in the day before the afternoon game drive, where sundowners are served in the bush. Dinner is often also taken in the heart of the bush, on candlelit tables, and accompanied by tribal dancers and singers from local communities. Romantic private dining experiences can also be arranged and there’s a well-stocked wine cellar, where you can take part in tastings or simply pick a bottle to accompany lunch or dinner.

All-Inclusive

Two game drives (for guests 6 yrs and above) are included daily and there’s usually a safari walk after breakfast too, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try spotting all of the Big Five. Aside from safaris, there are plenty of things to do throughout the day, with two floodlit tennis courts, two outdoor pools, two 24-hour gyms, a Bush Observatory for stargazing and the Cub’s Club to keep younger guests entertained. The spa offers a range of revitalising treatments, including massages, facials, scrubs, manicures and pedicures, or if you want to see more of the local area, why not take a helicopter flight over Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest canyon in the world, for spectacular views.