Access & Location
The lodge is accessed via road transfer from Usulaba’s own airstrip. It’s situated on top of a large rock kopje, with breathtaking views over the Sabi Sand Reserve!
Ulusaba Rock Lodge
Luxurious accommodation within Sir Richard Branson’s private Ulusaba Reserve in the far western part of the Sabi Sands
Lounge with bar, dining room, dining deck, spa, gym, and swimming pool
A selection of eight rooms and suites, some with a private plunge pool
Game drives, safari walks, tennis, scenic tours, village visits, stargazing, and children’s activities
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
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Special, but not for everyone
The amazing views and one of the most commanding locations of any camp, particularly from the Makwela Suite, are a big draw to this property. However, the close proximity to the fences is an issue, as this can detract from the feel of being in the wild. The area in which Ulusaba game drives take place can also have a higher vehicle density at times. We tend not to book this camp too often.
Activities
The lodge offers an exhilarating variety of activities.
Game drives
Wildlife exploration
Big Five
Range of animals
Birdlife sightings
Safari walks
Tennis
Scenic tours
Village visits
Children’s activities
Other activities
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Expertly guided game drives are available during early morning and late afternoon into evening, providing thrilling opportunities to explore Ulusaba Reserve.
The reserve’s 13,500 hectares of savanna, woodlands, and water sources are home to a real wealth of wildlife.
All Big Five are in residence – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo.
Among the smaller mammals you can expect to see are cheetah, hyenas, jackals, wild dog, hippo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an enticing assortment of antelopes!
There are also hundreds of birds, so it’s well worth bringing your binoculars.
Safari walks take place in the presence of a knowledgeable and experienced ranger and tracker, and they’re ideal for taking a closer look at the reserve’s birds, insects, and plant life.
You can also get active by playing tennis!
Two scenic tours can be arranged – one a drive along the Panorama Route that takes in the main attractions, and the other a helicopter flight over the route, known as Cascades and Canyons Spectacular.
Village visits are possible too, and an evening of stargazing can be enjoyed in Ulusaba’s observatory.
And there are lots of things to do for children. All kids receive a backpack full of safari goodies on arrival, and youngsters aged 6 years and over are welcome on game drives.
For more information about children’s activities, and anything else to do with staying at Ulusaba Rock Lodge, please contact a member of the Yellow Zebra team.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
Make an EnquiryMake an EnquiryFacilities
Rock Lodge’s communal facilities are accessed from the guest accommodation along stone pathways and steps, some of which are fairly steep.
The main lodge is timber, stone, and thatch build, surrounded by pleasantly landscaped gardens. The interiors include sumptuous lounge areas, generally offering comfortable sofas and armchairs around coffee tables, elegant lighting, a widescreen television, and shelves displaying an array of artefacts. Adjacent to one lounge space is the dining area, featuring a long table flanked by upright chairs – and every chair has antlers on its top! The lodge also contains a well-stocked bar, a great spot for getting to know your fellow travelers. Outside, there are a number of decks, where you can relax, tuck in to delicious food and drink, and enjoy amazing views over the reserve. Anyone in need of a little pampering can head to the Aroma Boma spa for a range of facials and massages, while the gym has a treadmill, a bike, and a weight station for travelers who like to keep fit while on vacation. And there’s a very inviting pool with a view, perfect for a refreshing dip between activities – and heated during the winter months too!
*Please be aware that we are unable to book this property for families with young children under the age of 6 years, for safety reasons relating to the balconies/decks/walkways.*
Make an EnquiryAmenities
Guest accommodation consists of eight rooms and suites, in four categories.
All are timber, stone, and thatch structures, spread over the kopje and characterised by sharply pointed roofing. Four Rock Cliff rooms adjoin each other, with two built to a split-level design. Each bedroom contains a double bed or twin beds, headboard lighting, a writing desk and chair, a separate seating area, and ample storage space. The décor includes chunky wooden sculptures as part of the bed frame/s, variously patterned pillows, and wildlife wall artwork. The split-level rooms have a lounge area on the lower level. En-suite facilities typically comprise flush toilet, twin washbasins with mirrors over, shower, and freestanding bathtub. This option has a private veranda too, offering spectacular views to the south. Rock Lodge also has one Rock Suite, benefiting from two bedrooms. The second bedroom provides bunk beds and a modest en-suite shower room – it’s highly recommended for families! The third option, Master Suite, was constructed with honeymooners in mind. It occupies three levels and has a particularly spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and lounge with deck. There’s also a private balcony, complete with plunge pool and beautiful views. Finally, there are two Makwela suites, also offering a lot of floor space. They boast all the amenities of the Master Suite in addition to a study/library, and they’re fab for families too!
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Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.As Seen In
