Ulusaba: Richard Branson’s Private Eden in the Heart of Sabi Sands

Ulusaba, Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa’s Sabi Sands, offers an immersive safari experience combined with luxury accommodations and community-focused sustainability initiatives. Named “place of little fear” by ancient Shangaan warriors who used its hill as a lookout, Ulusaba spans approximately 33,000 acres near Kruger National Park, where diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, roam freely.

Ulusaba is comprised of 20 rooms and suites across two lodges: Rock Lodge, perched on a hilltop, and Safari Lodge, offering treehouse-style rooms along a dry riverbed. Each lodge provides spectacular views and invites guests into the natural beauty of the African bush.

Ulusaba’s 20 rooms and suites are divided between two distinctive lodges, Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, each designed for a unique experience of the African wilderness. Rock Lodge sits atop a koppie, offering expansive views of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge includes eight rooms with various themes like the Master Suite, Makwela Suites, Rock Cliff Rooms, and Rock Suite, blending African-inspired decor with luxurious amenities, including air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Nearby, Cliff Lodge features two spacious suites, perfect for groups or families desiring additional privacy, along with exclusive amenities like a private pool, chef, outdoor bar, and gym.

Meanwhile, Safari Lodge is situated along a dry riverbed, where its treehouse-style rooms elevate guests closer to the wildlife action. Accessible via raised walkways, these accommodations include Safari Rooms, River Rooms, and Treehouse Suites, each featuring open-plan interiors, outdoor showers, and private decks that enhance the connection to nature. The Treehouse Suite, set further from the main lodge, overlooks the Xikwenga Dam, providing a private deck ideal for wildlife viewing. With these options, both lodges at Ulusaba ensure an immersive, luxurious stay that brings guests closer to the African bush experience.

Dining at Ulusaba is a highlight, where guests enjoy pan-African dishes made from seasonal ingredients. With six dining opportunities each day, meals are enjoyed communally at the lodge or privately upon request, offering guests diverse settings like bush dinners or starlit braais. Ulusaba’s wine cellar, stocked with South African wines, and tailored tastings add a refined touch to the experience. Additionally, wine lovers can sample offerings from family-owned and organic vineyards, showcasing the country’s rich wine culture.

Ulusaba’s Aroma Boma Spa, located at both lodges, offers a serene retreat. The Rock Lodge spa provides stunning views from 800 feet above the savannah, while the Safari Lodge spa nestles along the Mabrak riverbed, ensuring a tranquil experience amid nature. Treatments use Africology products, an eco-friendly brand inspired by African botanicals like marula and rooibos, aligning with Ulusaba’s commitment to sustainability.

The safari experience at Ulusaba is expertly curated with twice-daily game drives led by seasoned rangers and trackers who tailor each drive to the interests of guests. Early morning and late afternoon excursions optimize wildlife sightings, with big cats often returning from hunts at dawn, and predators prowling again by dusk. Besides the iconic Big Five, guests may also encounter the elusive “Little Five,” with help from the guides, as well as engage in guided safari walks, offering a chance to spot smaller creatures and learn about the ecosystem’s flora and fauna.

Community involvement is central to Ulusaba’s ethos. Through the Pride ‘n Purpose foundation, Ulusaba supports local communities, with 100% of donations directly funding sustainable projects. Initiatives include water access through FunPumps, education and extracurricular activities, and entrepreneurial support. Community tours and volunteer opportunities allow guests to engage meaningfully, creating a lasting impact while learning about local culture. Pride ‘n Purpose’s focus extends to clean water initiatives, school supplies, and food gardens that provide fresh produce for schools and generate income for the villages.

Ulusaba’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in numerous initiatives. The reserve works with local suppliers for fair-trade products and has extensive recycling practices. Nearly half of the waste produced at Ulusaba is recycled, and refillable Africology toiletry bottles in guest bathrooms reduce plastic use. Even menus and guest welcome letters are printed on elephant-dung paper, reinforcing Ulusaba’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Excursions beyond Ulusaba include day tours to South Africa’s scenic highlights. The Canyons, Cultures and Contrasts tour takes guests to the Drakensberg Escarpment, passing through iconic sites like the Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window, while the Cascades and Canyons Spectacular helicopter tour offers sweeping views of lush valleys and gorges, ending in a scenic picnic. These excursions add depth to the Ulusaba experience, showcasing South Africa’s natural beauty beyond the reserve.

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