Things to do
You set the agenda
Ulusaba is more than just a safari destination; it’s a place to slow down, reconnect and experience the African bush from every angle. Between unforgettable game drives, guests are invited to unwind with a soothing spa treatment at either of our lodges or take a refreshing dip in a pool overlooking the savannah, where wildlife roams freely below.
For those seeking a more active escape, days can be filled with tennis played against breathtaking views, meaningful visits to the local community, or evenings spent stargazing from our private observatory beneath vast, star-filled skies. Whether you’re drawn to adventure, moments of quiet indulgence or a balance of both, Ulusaba offers a world of experiences waiting to be discovered.
Set off on a game drive
Prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Twice daily game drives will set out in the early morning and late afternoon, when the bush is at its most alive, and the light is at its most magical.
You’ll explore more than 13,500 hectares of private reserve alongside your expert ranger and tracker, who will shape each drive around your interests, ensuring no two experiences are ever the same.
Binoculars at the ready, camera in hand, keep watch for the iconic Big Five and the countless smaller moments of wildlife wonder that make every drive unforgettable.
Safari walks
Step into the bush with your ranger and tracker as the wilderness begins to stir beneath your feet. This immersive walking safari will invite you to slow down, tune in and experience the landscape in an entirely different way.
Watch birds dart through the trees, follow fresh tracks in the sand and encounter the smaller creatures often missed from a vehicle. Along the way, you’ll uncover the hidden stories of the plants and trees around you, gaining a deeper understanding of the bush and a whole new perspective on life within it.
Relax with a spa treatment
Between game drives, relax with a spa treatment designed to restore balance and reconnect you with the rhythm of the bush. At both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, enjoy indulgent treatments in double therapy rooms, cold plunge pools, saunas, hydrotherapy pools, and a Rasul mud ritual.
Refresh in the crystal eco-pool, stretch on yoga decks with sweeping views, or find quiet moments for reflection along tactile reflexology walkways: an immersive wellness escape perfectly in tune with the landscape.
Safari meets sports
For those who prefer their movement with a bit more bounce, Ulusaba’s new pickleball court will join the much-loved tennis court - offering fresh ways to play under the African sky, or why not hit the gym and work up an appetite.
Community visits
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, before stopping 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 questions, and showing how education and empowerment are opening doors to new opportunities. Tours return to Ulusaba in time for lunch, leaving guests with a deeper connection to the people and the place. Proceeds support transport for the visits and help fund vital community projects.
Volunteering
For those seeking an even more meaningful experience, volunteering offers a hands-on way to engage with the community. Programmes are tailored to your interests and may include assisting at schools, planting and maintaining vegetable gardens, improving classrooms, supporting teacher training, visiting elderly or disability centres, helping local artisans, or contributing to extracurricular activities. Every activity is guided by Pride ‘n Purpose, ensuring your time makes a real difference while being rewarding and memorable.
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.
Looking for more inspiration?
What to pack for safari
From luggage restrictions on smaller planes to avoiding brightly coloured clothing, packing for an African safari can be daunting. To ease the process, we have gathered packing tips from our experts at Mahali Mzuri in Kenya and Ulusaba in South Africa to ensure you set off for your adventure fully prepared.
Ulusaba – an exceptional year round safari destination
Each season offers a unique safari experience in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa – home to Virgin Limited Edition’s Ulusaba.
Tracking Africa’s Ghost Hunters: Wild Dogs in Tsavo and Sabi Sands
Africa’s wilderness holds many wonders, but few are as elusive and thrilling to encounter as the African wild dog. These endangered predators are known for their great hunting skills, social behavior, and beautiful coats. They are making a strong comeback in some areas of the continent.