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 down time 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.

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Relax with a spa treatment

Need to take some time out between the excitement of your game drives? Immerse yourself in calm at the Safari Lodge Spa.

Our Aroma Boma spa treatment room is built on the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed among the trees and away from the main lodge area, so the only likely disturbance is perhaps the odd elephant wandering past.

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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 tennis courts, and we have balls and racquets you can borrow. The courts are floodlit so you can also play at night, but we'll organise a security escort just to make sure the animals don’t 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 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.

Our commitment

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 Ulusba, and our team are experts at keeping 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

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Our 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Ulusaba and start your African safari with a delicious lunch served by our chef. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pools and spas and getting used to your surroundings. Experience your first game drive and view the ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat.

Upon your return, enjoy an evening of traditional South African fare, paired with fine wines and an evening of chilled music.

Day 2

An early start to the day to see the local wildlife hunting their breakfast; your Ranger and Tracker will search for the animals in their natural environment while refreshments are provided during the drive.

Retreat back to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a guided safari walk where we’ll point out various birds and animals that are often missed when you’re on the game vehicles. Or perhaps you’d prefer a competitive game of tennis?

Return to Ulusaba for afternoon tea and then head out for your evening game drive adventure, stopping by the Bush Observatory for some stargazing. A South African Braai dinner barbeque around the campfire will be a great way to finish the day.

Day 3

Take the day to learn more about the local initiatives and works of Ulusaba’s charity, Pride ‘n Purpose, by spending a day with our local communities. The charity is committed to helping disadvantaged communities living adjacent to the reserve, with all proceeds donated to the local community. Pride n’ Purpose is jointly funded by Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Unite (Virgin Group’s charitable arm).

Returning from your evening game drive, experience South African’s finest wines during a wine tasting pre dinner experience, followed by a gourmet Gala Dinner and entertainment.

Day 4

Up early for a morning game drive, you’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing around the pools or treating yourself to a spa treatment from our in-house therapist.

Finish the day by taking part in a South African cooking demonstration from the chef. Enjoy a final night of your favourite cuisine followed by an evening of movies and popcorn in the lounge.