Things to do
You set the agenda
While the highlight of any stay at Ulusaba will be the game drive excursions, there are plenty of other wonderful experiences to be enjoyed.
Whether you’re enjoying some downtime with a relaxing spa treatment, giving something back to the community with volunteering or knocking back cocktails by the pool, there’s never a dull moment at Ulusaba.
Set off on a game drive
Prepare for the experience of a lifetime! There are two game drives a day at Ulusaba, one that sets off in the early hours and another in late afternoon.
You’ll traverse over 13,500 hectares of private reserve with your dedicated ranger and tracker who will tailor your game drive just for you.
Bring your binoculars, pack your camera and look out for the Big (and little!) Five.
Relax with a spa treatment
Immerse yourself in tranquillity at our Aroma Boma spa, the perfect spot to unwind after the thrill of a game drive. Choose from soothing treatments like rejuvenating facials and relaxing massages.
At Rock Lodge, the spa is perched high above the savannah, offering incredible bush views and a peaceful escape.
At Safari Lodge, the spa sits beside the dry Mabrak riverbed, shaded by trees and tucked away from the main lodge - fully immersed in nature.
Have fun back at the camp
There’s plenty to keep you occupied without leaving Ulusaba.
Cool off with a dip in one of our two pools, visit the Safari Lodge Wine Room for a tailored wine tasting or visit the gift shop in Safari Lodge to pick up a memento of your stay or stock up on essentials.
Take a safari walk with your Ranger and Tracker, and you’ll get an opportunity to see smaller creatures that are often missed when you’re on the game vehicles.
If you fancy a bit of tennis, there are two courts. We can arrange a security escort to ensure no curious animals gatecrash your game.
Or why not hit the gym at Safari Lodge and work up an appetite? It’s equipped with a running machine, bike, multifunctional weight station and free weights.
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'd like to have an authentic Shangaan experience, we organise community tours to local villages.
You can also incorporate a volunteering experience into your stay. Our team will create bespoke itineraries to participate in hands-on projects within the local communities, based on your own skills and interests.
Not only will this create an opportunity to experience the local culture, but it'll also provide a way in which you can perhaps give a little something back to others.
Excursions
If you want to spend some time soaking up the environment and wildlife, scoot away for the day for one of our scenic tours.
The Canyons, Cultures and Contrasts tour involves a full day out at the Drakensberg Escarpment, with 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.
The Cascades and Canyons Spectacular is an exhilarating helicopter flight that swoops over deep and mysterious gorges and through lush valleys bursting with vegetation and colour. This tour takes in God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, ending in a scenic picnic overlooking the Mpumalanga Lowveld.
Family Time
We love children at Ulusaba, and our team are here to help keep your little cubs entertained while you enjoy some rest and relaxation during your family vacation.
At Ulusaba, our youngest explorers are in for an unforgettable adventure! Cub’s Club is specially designed for guests aged 0-11 years old, offering a world of fun, discovery, and hands-on experiences in the heart of the African bush.
Activities at Ulusaba
Wellness
Fitness - If you fancy a bit of tennis, we have two courts at Ulusaba. Just let us know a time that suits you, and we can arrange a security escort to ensure no curious animals gate-crash your game. Or why not hit the gym at Safari Lodge and workup an appetite? It’s equipped with a running machine, bike, multi-functional weight station and free weights.
Pool - Whether you’re soaking up the sun or relaxing with a good book, the main outdoor pool at each lodge is the perfect place to unwind. Heated during the winter months, these pools provide a comfortable retreat all year round.
Spa - Immerse yourself in tranquillity at our Aroma Boma spa - the perfect place to unwind after the excitement of a game drive. Indulge in rejuvenating facials, soothing massages, and other restorative treatments. At Rock Lodge, the spa perches high above the savannah, offering breathtaking bush views and a serene escape. At Safari Lodge, it sits beside the dry Mabrak riverbed, shaded by trees and tucked away from the main lodge, fully immersed in nature.
Explore Ulusaba
Stargazing - Towards the end of your game drive, step into the magic of the African night at our Observatory. Let your eyes wander across a sky bursting with stars, far from city lights, as your guide points out celestial wonders through a telescope. With the sounds of the bush as your soundtrack, this serene stargazing experience is the perfect way to reflect on the day’s wild adventures.
Treehouse Viewing Deck - Follow a 750-metre elevated walkway through the treetops to our Treehouse Viewing Deck, where sweeping views of the iconic Xikwenga Dam await. Perched above the bush, it’s a tranquil spot to soak in the sights and sounds of nature, watch wildlife drift by, and feel fully immersed in the rhythm of the wilderness. The treehouse itself is another safari experience in miniature form.
Retail Therapy - Our curio shop at Safari Lodge is stocked with treasures, from caps and shirts to cosy beanies and gloves. Whether you’re looking for a keepsake to remember your safari or a special gift to take home, it’s the perfect place to browse and discover something memorable.
Travel with a Purpose
Community Visit - Experience the heart of the communities around Ulusaba on our Pride ‘n Purpose Community Tours. After breakfast, explore Dumphries Village, visiting a preschool, a disability centre, and the Good Work Foundation’s digital learning hub. Stop at the Kuhumelela Craft Centre to discover unique handmade treasures. At every stop, the Pride ‘n Purpose team brings the projects to life, sharing stories, answering your questions, and showing how education and empowerment are changing lives and opening doors to exciting new opportunities for the local communities. Returning to Ulusaba in time for lunch with a deeper connection to the people and place. Tours are R 700 per person, supporting transport for the visits and funding vital community projects.
Volunteering - For those seeking a deeper connection with the community, volunteering with Pride ‘n Purpose offers a hands-on, rewarding experience. Every activity lets you make a real difference, with Pride ‘n Purpose guiding you to ensure your time is meaningful and rewarding. Each programme is tailored to your interests and might include:
- Assisting at a preschool or primary school
- Planting and maintaining vegetable gardens
- Painting and improving classrooms
- Supporting teacher training programmes
- Visiting an elderly home or disability centre
- Supporting local artisans and the crafts centre
- Helping with extracurricular activities
- Visiting the Good Work Foundation digital hub
Excursions
For a day immersed in nature and wildlife, choose one of our scenic tours outside of Ulusaba.
Canyons, Cultures & Contrasts - Explore the Drakensberg Escarpment, Pilgrim’s Rest, Robber’s Grave, Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Lisbon Waterfalls.
Cascades & Canyons Spectacular - An exhilarating helicopter flight over gorges andlush valleys, taking in God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, and The Three Rondavels, ending with a scenic picnic over the Mpumalanga Lowveld.
All excursions are subject to availability and additional charges.
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