Overview
Luxury safari in ancient reserve
Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’ which originates from ancient times when brave Shangaan warriors lived high in the hills where Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is situated. The elevation was a great advantage point for lookouts – back then, and still for guests today.
Ulusaba Safari Lodge is located on the edge of a dry riverbed, tucked under a canopy of ancient trees. The camp offers a choice of 10 luxury tree-house style rooms - all with breathtaking views from their private decks, some suites even have rope swing bridges for added adventure.
The private game reserve is owned by Sir Richard Branson as part of his Virgin Limited Edition collection and has invested into preserving this pristine tract of land in the iconic Sabi Sands. You’ll traverse over 13,500 hectares of private reserve with your dedicated Ranger and Tracker who will tailor your Big 5 game drive just for you.
Facts
At a glance
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10 luxury tree-house style rooms
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Wine room for tastings and private dinners
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Aroma Boma spa
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Swimming pool, gym and tennis courts
Experiences
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![Ulusaba Safari Lodge Sabi Sands game drive]()
Game drives
Head out into the renowned Sabi Sands in search of the amazing wildlife on two daily guided game drives with expert guides in open Land Rovers. Morning drives include coffee stops whilst evening drives include magical sundowners.
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![Ulusaba Safari Lodge Sabi Sands safari walk]()
Safari walks
Join an experienced ranger and tracker on a walking safari after breakfast if you fancy it. A great opportunity to see smaller creatures and learn some fascinating facts about the medicinal use of trees and plants along the way.
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![Ulusaba Safari Lodge Sabi Sands community]()
Volunteering
Travel is always richer when you get the opportunity to find out about the daily lives of people who live in the area you’re visiting. If you’re in the mood for an authentic Shangaan experience, Ulusaba Safari Lodge can organise community tours to the local villages. The Community Tours and Excursions are organised by Pride ‘n Purpose, Ulusaba’s charitable arm.
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![Ulusaba Safari Lodge Sabi Sands Lisbon Waterfalls]()
Canyons, Cultures and Contrasts – Panorama Discoverer
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. 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.
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![Ulusaba Safari Lodge Sabi Sands Blyde River Canyon]()
Cascades and Canyons Spectacular
Take an exhilarating helicopter flight that swoops over deep and mysterious gorges, through lush valleys bursting with vegetation and colour. Linger above cascading waterfalls for some brilliant photo opportunities. The flight will continue to God’s Window, which offer beautiful panoramic views of the bushveld below. Then it’s on to the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the 1 000-metre-deep, 30-kilometrelong Blyde River Canyon, (the third deepest and greenest Canyon in the World). You will then land at a site with magnificent views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld, while you tuck into a delicious picnic.
Community & culture
Pride 'n Purpose is the charitable arm of Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It is committed to helping disadvantaged communities living adjacent to the Sabi Sand Reserve. Originally established in 2003 by members of the Ulusaba family, all the charity’s running expenses are covered by Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Unite. 100% of donations go directly towards much needed projects and it is estimated that Pride ‘n Purpose benefits over 35,000 people across six communities. The Pride ‘n Purpose philosophy is that people are most effectively helped if they are empowered to help themselves, emphasizing sustainable development initiatives. Additionally, Ulusaba partners with Pack for a Purpose, which asks guests to bring along with them much-needed supplies for community projects. As well as at least 15% of the spa treatment prices are also donated back to the local communities.
Conservation
A Guest Conservation Contribution is added to the rates during your stay at Ulusaba, which goes directly to the Sabi Sand Nature Conservation Trust which help fund anti-poaching and conservation efforts to secure the long-term survival of endangered and compromised animal species. This covers things like Waste and water disposal programmes, bush clearing, alien plant control and ecological burning, monitoring the health of wildlife, assisting in identification of the endangered white rhino, preventing erosion and assisting with inoculation against harmful diseases.
Footprint
Ulusaba make use of the sunshine with solar panels to generate electricity and hot water. Food is sourced locally and seasonally so far as possible as per the World Wildlife Foundation standards. Roughly 50% of waste generated at Ulusaba is recycled and drinking water is supplied in reusable bottles in guest rooms. Bathrooms are equipped with refillable bottles using Africology products, a locally based supplier with a commitment to sustainability. Elephant dung is turned into paper used for menus and guest welcome letters.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
