Ulusaba Private Game Reserve South Africa
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Reserve, Mpumalanga,
South Africa
www.virginlimitededition.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Virgin Limited Edition
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
1994
Hotel General Manager
Karl and Llane Langdon have been an integral part of the Ulusaba family since joining the award-winning Private Game Reserve in 2000. Prior to being appointed as Ulusaba’s General Managers in 2006, Llané previously held the position of Executive Lodge Manager at Ulusaba while Karl held the position of Head Ranger. The couple is responsible for the day to day management of Ulusaba, comprising of Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, and over 100 staff. Both were instrumental in establishing Ulusaba’s charity arm, Pride n’ Purpose.
Hotel Positioning
5-star Luxury / brand : Virgin Limited Edition
ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
History & Story
Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’. The local Shangaan tribe (from whose language the name comes) that occupied the area long ago used the hills as an outpost for the tribal chief and senior warriors. The elevation gave them a tremendous advantage during battle and meant their enemies were unlikely to win, as surprise attacks were virtually impossible. The tribal members could therefore live in safety – hence, the place of little fear.
The first incarnation of Rock Lodge was completed in 1983, with an access road having been built in the same year. In 1994 Ulusaba was purchased by Sir Richard Branson. Both Rock and Safari Lodges were entirely rebuilt, and have been transformed into world-class lodges. In 2008 the Treehouse Suite was built at Safari Lodge, giving guests the opportunity to get even closer to the Xikwenga Dam and watering hole, and in 2009 the Cliff Lodge Suites were completed at Rock Lodge.
Date Renewal
May 2017 – full interior refurb done on the Rock Suite and Master Suite
December 2017 – All Rock Lodge walkways and decks replaced.
December 2017 – full interior refurb done on the Makwela Suites and soft refurbs done to Cliff Lodge including new bathrooms. Interior refurbs completed for the River Rooms including brand new bathrooms.
March 2019- Safari Lodge Walkways & Decks replaced.
Date added extensions
June 2018 – the 3 Safari Rooms were transformed into an interconnecting Safari Suite & Safari Room featuring a private entrance, boma fire pit, and a large viewing deck with plunge pool, outdoor shower, and private dining table.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Rock Lodge is the only lodge that is elevated, offering panoramic views over the bush.
• The only lodge that has its own private airstrip.
• The only lodge where kids aged 11 years old and younger stay free of charge.
• With two lodges, one perched high on the summit of a koppie, and another one located right in the bush, Ulusaba offers two in one safari experience.
Location
Ulusaba is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve, near Kruger National Park.
Key sites/activities in the area
Pride ‘n Purpose
You can now incorporate a volunteering experience into your stay. Our team will create bespoke itineraries to participate in hands-on projects within the local communities, based around your own skills and interests. Not only will this create an opportunity to experience the local culture it’ll provide a way in which you can perhaps give a little something back to others.
Day in the Life
The Day in a Life village tour looks into some of the charitable projects and schemes Ulusaba is actively involved with. We tailor this tour’s itinerary according to your interests.
Justicia Village Tour
The Justicia Village tour has more of a cultural emphasis
Excursions :
A day out on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the Drakensberg Escarpment: this tour features visits to the Victorian Town of Pilgrims Rest, the infamous Robber’s Grave, Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Lisbon Waterfalls. You’ll get up close and personal with some of the region’s natural beauty, and we’ll tell you about the history of the area’s hardy pioneers. Lunch is enjoyed at Harries Original Pancake Restaurant in Graskop, where sweet, freshly prepared, pancakes and fresh salads and other country fare are served. This is a full day excursion.
– Canyons, Cultures and Contrats – Panorama Discoverer
A day out on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the Drakensberg Escarpment: this tour features stops at the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourkes Luck Potholes. You’ll get up close and personal with some of the region’s natural beauty, and learn about the history of the area’s hardy pioneers. The old wagon trail can still be seen on the Abel Erasmus Pass.
Fun Facts
*Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’. The local Shangaan tribe (from whose language the name comes) that occupied the area long ago used the hills as an outpost for the tribal chief and senior warriors. The elevation gave them a tremendous advantage during battle and meant their enemies were unlikely to win, as surprise attacks were virtually impossible. The tribal members could therefore live in safety – hence, the place of little fear.
• Shangaans are celebrated for their dancing and singing and a rich musical heritage.
• Built along the banks of a dry rivered, Safari Lodge guests cross swing bridges between the exquisite tree house style rooms.
Children’s Corner
We love kids and have a dedicated Cub’s Club to keep your little ones entertained during your stay. Children of all ages are very welcome at Rock Lodge (including Cliff Lodge), which is ideal for families with children, however we unfortunately don’t allow Cubs under the age of 12 to stay at Safari Lodge. As long as your Cub is aged 6 or over he or she is more than welcome on the safari game vehicles.
Because Rock Lodge is intimate we do not operate a set programme, but rather a range of great activities for your cubs to choose from. On arrival each cub will receive a backpack filled with fun and educational safari goodies. Cubs have their very own amenities in the room, just like their folks do, and in every Cub’s room there will be a personal welcome letter and a special introduction to their stay with a health and safety briefing specifically aimed at younger guests.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
ROCK LODGE: Total of 10 rooms
ROCK CLIFF ROOMS x 4: size 70m², adjoining, south-facing views, rooms are spacious and en-suite bathrooms have views. 2 of these rooms are built on split levels with a spiral staircase connecting the bedroom and bathroom.
ROCK SUITE x 1: size 147m², spacious 2 bedroom suite with living area and iPod docking station. Master Bedroom has full en-suite, 2nd bedroom has queen bed that cannot split into twin and smaller en-suite bathroom without bath. 2nd bedroom does not have a Bush view.
MASTER SUITE x 1: size 115m², built on 3 levels with beautiful views, en-suite bathroom, private balconies with heated infinity plunge pool, living area and iPod docking station.
MAKWELA SUITES x 2: size 125m², built on 2 levels with private balconies, full en-suite bathrooms as well as outdoor showers, heated infinity plunge pool, fireplace, living area and separate study/library. Each has a separate day bed in the lounge suitable for children.
CLIFF LODGE SUITE 1: size 330m², spacious 2 bedroom suite with one large bedroom (with two small pull out beds) and a second smaller bedroom which can accommodate one adult or two small children. Features private swimming pool, private bar, iPod docking station, spa, gym, satellite TV, Wii and fireplace as well as an outdoor barbecue. Access via a raised walkway from the Main House. When hiring Cliff Lodge Suites 1 and 2 exclusively rates include private game drive vehicle and chef. Available individually 4 months prior to guest arrival. Maximum occupancy is 3 adults and 2 children.
CLIFF LODGE SUITE 2: size 120m², spacious one bedroom suite with two small pull out beds that can accommodate two small children. Includes large lounge area with satellite TV, iPod docking station, fireplace and a Jacuzzi on the viewing deck. Access via a raised walkway from the Main House. Available individually 4 months prior to guest arrival. Maximum occupancy is 2 adults and 2 children
SAFARI LODGE: Total of 10 rooms
ELEPHANT ROOMS x 3: size 60m², built tree house style high above the Bush but still quite close to the Main House. Rooms are spacious and en-suite bathrooms have views. Large viewing decks.
RIVER ROOMS x 4: size 100m², built tree house style – very private. River 1 is not accessed by swing bridge and is quite close to communal areas. Rest are accessed by swing bridges, with River 4 being a good 4-5 minute walk from the Main Lodge. All are very spacious and ensure privacy. All en-suite bathrooms have views. River 2 and 4 have heated infinity plunge pools.
TREEHOUSE SUITE x 1: size 160m², spacious very private suite featuring deck with view directly over Xikwenga Dam. Situated a 10-15 minute walk along swing bridges and raised walkways from the Main Lodge. Also has large viewing deck adjacent to room perfect for breakfasts and receptions for groups of up to 16.
SAFARI ROOM x1, 40 SQM: Close to the Main Lodge elevated above the dry riverbed this room has its own private viewing deck, seating area and en-suite bathroom with separate WC. This room can be interconnected with the Safari Suite to create a two bedroom suite.
SAFARI SUITE x1 185 SQM: 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 plunge pool, outdoor shower and private dining table for up to 8 guests. The suite boasts an en-suite bathroom with a separate WC and an additional guest bathroom next to the lounge. The Safari Suite can be interconnected with the Safari Room to sleep up to 4 guests.
Restaurants & Bars
All meals and beverages including top quality wine list and fine champagne are included in the rate.
Our internationally renowned chefs have developed numerous pan-African dishes influenced by many African cultures, flavors and spices. Our recipes are constantly refreshed and consist of seasonal, local ingredients. Whether dining under the African sky, in the Boma, on a deck or in the dining room, our menus and meals promise to be exciting, social and inspirational. All our breads and pastries are home baked daily and we also cater for private meals and special occasions.
PRIVATE DINING
Of course, if you’d like a more intimate experience, we’d be delighted to organize private dining for you either on a secluded deck or at a location of your choice. Be sure to win some brownie points by organizing this before arrival and we’ll make sure we ramp up the romance.
CUB’S CLUB MEALS
We have a great range of child-friendly meals. Your Cubs (that’s the children) can choose from a selection of tasty,well balanced, healthy and fun meals keeping both the parents and the Cubs happy!
ROOM SERVICE
Feeling peckish? Just buzz our team from your room and we’ll keep you feeling full with something tasty off our menu.
SAFARI LODGE WINE CELLAR
Wine lovers won’t go thirsty with our well-stocked wine cellar at Safari Lodge. If you prefer hearty reds we won’t delay your enjoyment by showcasing our best rosés, and likewise if you can’t wait to sip a refreshing glass of chilled white we won’t hold you back. South Africa has an excellent reputation for wine worldwide and naturally we’re keen to showcase some of the best local vintages on offer. The wines speak for themselves, and we want you to feel at home, so we don’t have a lengthy wine list full of ‘winespeak’.
Wellness
SPA TREATMENTS
The Aroma Boma at Ulusaba is the perfect antidote to all the excitement of being out on the game drives. Book in for a relaxing treatment, from facial rituals to massage to essential grooming. The Aroma Boma at Rock Lodge is located 800 feet above the African Savannah with truly stunning views over the Bush and offers complete privacy. At Safari Lodge, The Aroma Boma is built on the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed amongst the trees and away from the main lodge area, so the only likely disturbance is perhaps the odd elephant wandering past! Ulusaba uses a range of products from Africology. Africology prides itself on its African roots, taking inspiration from home and using local active ingredients including Rooibos, Aloe, Marula and African Potato.
Make a splash
Fancy a dip? We’ve got two pools to choose from, our pool at Rock Lodge surrounded by stunning views or venture to Safari Lodge and take a dip after your game drive. Both are heated during the winter months.
Tennis anyone?
If you fancy a hit of tennis, there are two tennis courts. We have balls and racquets you can borrow. The courts are floodlit so you can also play at night, but we will organise a security escort just to make sure the animals don’t gate crash your game!
Gym
Hit the gym and work up an appetite. It’s equipped with a running machine, bike, multifunctional weight station and free weights
Corporate & Celebration Events
Ulusaba mostly caters to celebration events like weddings, birthday, and anniversaries.
Locations where special celebrations are held :
Lower Deck at Rock Lodge
The Mabrak Dry Riverbed
Xikwenga Dam
The Grassland Spot
Rock Lodge Lounge
Safari Lodge Wine Cellar Deck
Extra Notable Features
• Wine tasting
• Stargazing
• Safari walks
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2016 :
• Voted as the number 1 Resort in Africa in the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards 2016
• Ranked third in Conde Nast Traveler’s ‘Top 50 Best Resorts in The World’ 2016
2015-2014 :
• Won ‘Best Property 20 Rooms or Less’ for Ulusaba Rock Lodge and ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program’ for Pride n‘ Purpose at the SATOA (Africa and Indian Ocean Travel Association) Awards 2015
Number of employees
124