Ulusaba Rock Lodge
Africa, Southern Africa | South Africa | All Inclusive, Family, Group, Honeymoon, Safari, Tailor Made | Safari Lodge | Mountain, Private, Reserve | Luxury
Located in the heart of the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve on a rocky outcrop sits the unique and modern Ulusaba Rock Lodge. Offering sweeping views of the green savannah and endless horizons, Ulusaba Rock Lodge offers guests views which they will be hard pushed to find anywhere else. The rooms are comfortable and luxuriously appointed, with every suite coming with its own private balcony where guests can enjoy gazing at the panoramic views.
Guests can spend their days exploring the game reserve on guided walks or can spend some time unwinding with a game of tennis, an afternoon in the spa, or a dip in the glistening swimming pool. Spend your evenings enjoying a delicious dinner around the boma before heading to the bush observatory to spend the evening gazing at the wide starry sky.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge, South Africa
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is owned by Richard Branson and sits to the west of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Sabi Sands has been in existence as a game reserve since around the 1950s, this 65,000-hectare reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, meaning the animals of both the reserve and national park roam freely between the two, and creates one of the most biodiverse wildlife populations in Africa.
This diverse range landscapes is the home of many magnificent animals, with stretches of savannah, thick areas of woodland, emerald watering holes, winding rivers and endless horizons sheltering the big five; elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard as well as giraffe, hyena, zebra, cheetah and hippos. This game reserve is also a birders paradise, with the red-billed pecker, black-bellied bustard and comb duck all filling the sky with their songs.
Guests can access Ulusaba Rock Lodge by flying to Ulusaba’s Private Airstrip from Johannesburg which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The airstrip is also accessible from Nelspruit or Skukuza by a charter flight which takes 30 and 20 minutes respectively. Guests can also request self-drive instructions from Nelspruit, which will take roughly 2 1/2 hours.
- Located in the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
- Panoramic views of endless horizons and the sweeping horizons
- Modern and comfortable suites
- All suites come with their own private decking
- Pan-African cuisine prepared by talented chefs
- Dinners around the boma
- Immersive guided walks
- Indulge in some self-care with a massage
- Bush observatory for stargazing
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is a year-round destination, allowing travellers to choose which experience they receive from their stay. There is warmer weather from October to April, where temperatures can reach the high 30°Cs. This time of year also sees the rains, which fall mainly from December to February, and occur in thundery downpours in the afternoons. The bush becomes luscious and vividly colourful at this time of year with animals giving birth to their young and new life filling every corner of the bush.
The temperatures cool down in May and stay cool until September. Daily temperatures sit in the mid 20°Cs, with morning and evening temperatures dipping to as low as 10°C. Warm clothing is advised for these times if guests wish to partake in an early morning walk or an evening spent under the stars. Game viewing is exceptional during these months, with the savannahs thinning out and animals gathering at riverbanks and watering holes to keep refreshed.
The Rock Cliff Rooms at Ulusaba Rock Lodge are spacious and comfortable. Perfect for a couple wanting a private and romantic retreat, the rooms are chic and classy, with modern furnishings and exposed thatch ceilings, which add a touch of safari character.
A large king-size bed sits in the middle of the room, covered in crisp white bed linen and with mosquito netting, for a bug-free night. Large glass sliding doors fill the space with bright, natural light and fresh breezes, and work to open up the space and connect guests with the sweeping surroundings.
All cliff rooms come with an ensuite bathroom – in two of the rooms they can be accessed by a spiral staircase – which includes a large vanity and double hand-basin area, a shower, and a deep freestanding bathtub where guests can relax and soak in the view.
The private balconies offer guests an alternative place to unwind in the evenings, watching the pink tones of the sunset create a view which will take your breath away, vast colourful skies and sweeping savannah as far as the eye can see.
The Rock Suite is the family suite of Rock Lodge, accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 children. The suite is modern and luxurious, with the stunning views out the glass doors the only thing reminding guests they are in the heart of the wild Ulusaba Reserve and not a luxury hotel.
The main master bedroom includes a king-size bed – which can be split into two twins – covered in crisp white bed linens, plush pillows, a colourful bed runner, and mosquito netting which can be drawn around the bed. This bedroom comes with a large ensuite bathroom with a bath and a shower. The second bedroom consists of a queen-size bed, also covered in crisp bed linens and comfy pillows, and a smaller en-suite, which only comes complete with a shower.
A comfortable lounge area sits opposite glass sliding doors which open out onto the private decking. Guests can relax here with a drink from your complimentary mini-bar as you gaze over the green savannah, lose your gaze in the savannah – and feel wonderfully on the edge of the world.
The master suite is perfect for honeymooning couples, built over 3 levels the suite is romantic and cosy, filled with warm tones and wooden furniture and features, as well as exposed thatch ceilings which add a touch of safari glamour.
The bedroom consists of a king-size bed dressed in crisp bed linens and comfortable cushions, and comes with a lavishly appointed en-suite bathroom. Guests can spend time relaxing in bed, or can unwind in the lounge area on the comfortable sofas, and can spend their evenings with a private stargazing session, using the telescope which can be found here in the lounge.
A private balcony area includes a sparkling private plunge pool, where guests can escape the heat of the afternoon with a refreshing dip. Guests can unwind on the balcony gazing at the views of the rocky outcrops, dense woodland and distant sweeping plains with a beautiful mixture of green grasses, blue skies and golden sunlight creating an atmospheric tonal view.
For guests who wish to enjoy a truly exclusive and luxurious stay in Ulusaba then a Makwela Dusk Suite or Makwela Dawn Suite is the perfect choice. The suites are decorated with a modern interior, soft colours and fabrics, and exposed thatch ceilings.
The main bedroom consists of a comfortable king-size bed which is covered in crisp white bed linens and a cosy bed runner, which is sat next to wide glass sliding doors which open onto the private decking and offer views of the sweeping horizons from the comfort of your own bed. A lavishly appointed en-suite includes double hand-basins, a spacious walk-in shower and a deep freestanding bathtub.
The suites also include a comfortable sitting and lounge area, where a second single bed can be added if needed. The suites both come with a private decking and a sparkling infinity plunge pool where guests can swim up to the edge and gaze over the endless savannah and vast vista.
Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to the location of mealtimes. Dine on delectable food made in a Pan-African cuisine style by talented and renowned chefs, while you find yourself sat in a unique thatched dining room, sat al-fresco on the decking surrounded by sweeping views, or gathered in the boma warmed by the crackling fire. Private meals can be arranged for guests if they wish.
Journey through the bush in the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle for the opportunity to see some of the amazing animals of the bush up close and personal, in their natural habitat on the classic safari activity. An expert guide and tracker will be able to take you to all the best viewing spots and will be able to point out animals lurking in the grasses.
With a friendly and knowledgeable guide explore the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve on foot. Immerse yourself in the wild surroundings, and get up close and personal with some of the smaller workings of the reserve. Your guide will be able to point out things that may be missed by the untrained eye, such as micro-ecosystems and animal tracks.
Organised by Pride ‘n Purpose, which is Ulusaba’s charity, are community tours where guests can engage with the local people, and learn more about their culture and their life. There are three types of tour on offer to guests; the ‘Justicia Village Tour’ which has a focus on the local culture, the ‘Day in the Life Village Tour’ which looks at the charitable programmes which are currently being completed, and the ‘It’s Child Play Tour’ which involves more hands-on activities for guests to take part in.
All profits which are made from these excursions are directed straight back into these communities.
Make your way to the unique spa room at Ulusaba Rock Lodge. Enjoy a stress-relieving massage or refreshing facial with fresh African breezes and panoramic views, while using Africology products which use local active ingredients to pamper you in the most natural way. All spa treatments are available at an additional cost.
Spend the evening in Ulusaba’s very own observatory in the bush. Gaze up at the unpolluted night sky and marvel at the ethereal beauty of it. There is no experience like looking up at the sky and seeing it blanketed with stars and far away planets. See if you can spot the centre of the milky way, which is visible in the Southern hemisphere, or the southern pointers.
Make your way to the ambient wine cellar for an evening spent in good company, tasting some of the finest wines South Africa has to offer.
There is a fully equipped private gym at Ulusaba Rock Lodge which guests can use to get in an early morning workout before the day begins, followed by a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool, or if guests so wish then they can enjoy a game of tennis – with equipment provided – on the floodlit tennis courts.
Guests can explore the wonders of the natural world in this region on a canyons, cultures, and contrasts tour. On this tour guests will visit local villages and towns, as well as natural wonders such as Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Lisbon Waterfalls, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This is a full-day excursion, and lunch is enjoyed at Harries Original Pancake Restaurant.
Guests can also go on the canyons and cascades spectacular, which is a thrilling tour which includes a magnificent helicopter ride over the surrounding gorges, valleys, and waterfalls. Fly over God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon for a unique birds-eye perspective of the stunning savannah. A picnic lunch is provided at a site with breathtaking views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld.
With an emphasis on supporting the local communities which surround their properties, Virgin Limited Edition has initiatives and programmes which help to empower the communities. One of their charity partners, Pride ‘n Purpose, spends the whole month of September creating fun projects which help to improve life in the local community. The guests of Ulusaba are encouraged to join in by planting fruit trees, which they will be kept updated on by the Virgin Limited Edition team.
Local children are invited into the Ulusaba Lodges for two days of the year, to spend time in the kitchens and learn about nutrition, healthy eating and the local produce of the communities. In their lodge in Kenya, Virgin Limited Edition encourages guests to visit the local Massai community, to gain a wider understanding of this ancient culture. 100% of the profits are divided out, with 60% going to the Maa Trust, and 40% going directly to the host families.
A selection of treatments available at the spa at Mont Rochelle goes towards supporting the Kusasa Project. A minimum of 15% of the price will help them in their work promoting life skills, both academic and sporting to underprivileged children in South Africa.
With a focus on seasonality and local ingredients in their menus, the properties of Virgin Limited Edition have a drive on resourcing their food more sustainably. A total of four Virgin Limited Edition properties are part of the ‘Sustainable Restaurant Association’ which is a not-for-profit organisation which helps businesses that serve food to be as sustainable as they possibly can be.
The properties are rewarded with star ratings, and up to three stars can be rewarded to the most sustainable practices. Both The Lodge in Verbier and all three lodges in Ulusaba Private Game Reserve have the highest reward; three stars. Mont Rochelle in South Africa, and Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco have both achieved two stars.
Pride ‘n Purpose was established in 2003 by members of the Ulusaba family to help disadvantaged communities near the Sabi Sand Reserve. Today, all the running expenses are paid for by Virgin Unite – Virgin Limited Edition’s non-profit foundation. With 100% of donations they receive going towards the projects it supports, it is estimated over 35,000 people have benefited, across six different communities. With an emphasis on sustainable initiatives, Pride ‘n Purpose aims to empower the communities to be able to continue helping themselves.
Pride ‘n Purpose has installed 29 water storage tanks, as well as drilled 4 new boreholes, and has created what they have termed the ‘fun pump’. This is designed as a merry-go-round, and whilst the children play on it, it pumps water into a water harvester which the whole community have access to. As well as this clever initiative, they also have a focus on education, particularly for pre-school and primary school children.
So far Pride ‘n Purpose has helped build 12 pre-schools, which benefits over 500 children, and they have partnered with the Good Work Foundation to build a digital learning centre, and have built 3 literacy centres.
Two partnerships, with Trees for Africa and Foundations for Farming, have helped more food gardens be built in the local communities and at the local schools. Children from the local schools are being trained in cultivation and healthy vegetables in these gardens, which produce food for 700 pupils.
With Ulusaba being a big source of employment, Virgin Limited Edition has worked out that on average each employee supports up to 10 members of their household or family. Pride ‘n Purpose has set up various entrepreneurial schemes which attempt to create more accessible jobs for members of these communities.
They have an Entrepreneur Scheme which helps support businessmen and women who have just begun a starting venture and are currently fundraising for their ‘Ku-Humelela’, which is going to be a rural lifestyle centre that will create approximately 40-50 jobs and will include a curio shop, office space for Pride ‘n Purpose, a functional garden and a craft workshop.
Virgin Limited Edition supports various charities and initiatives to help them in their commitment to community support and sustainable practices. Founded in 2004, Virgin Unite is a non-profit foundation which works to help people who have bold entrepreneurial ideas make them a reality. 100% of the donations this charity receives go directly to the projects. The Eve Branson Foundation is another charity that is ‘dedicated to enhancing living standards in some of the most impoverished rural communities in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.’ Currently, a craft house which is managed by some of the local women and a carpet workshop has been opened.
Ulusaba are part of Pack for a Purpose which is a charity and initiative where guests can pack vital supplies in their luggage, and these will be dropped off at local schools – where they are needed most. Notebooks, pencils, pens, and textbooks are all supplies needed regularly, but Ulusaba will have a list of the specifics which are needed if guests are interested. Virgin Limited Edition also has a non-for-profit based in the British Virgin Islands called Unite BVI, which aims to unite people with great ideas which will help the community and environment.
Many of Virgin Limited Edition’s properties have solar panels to generate some of their electricity. This includes Ulusaba, who use solar panels to heat their water and generate electricity in their lodges. With an aim to reduce their carbon consumption they used LEDs and various energy-saving light bulbs to reduce the usage, and they have also installed motion detectors and time devices to reduce the amount the lights are on.
None of Virgin Limited Edition’s properties uses plastic straws, all having made the switch to bamboo straws. Guests are encouraged to use a reusable water bottle and fill it up from water filter machines. There are now no Virgin Limited Edition properties that use single-use plastic water bottles. There is an eco-consciousness down to the housekeeping, guests are encouraged to not change their towels daily to help reduce water and energy consumption.
All Virgin Limited Edition Properties try to reduce the amount of waste they produce and try to recycle as much as possible. One such way they do this is with their brochures and feedback forms, which are printed on recycled paper.
Children of all ages are welcomed at Rock Lodge.