Ulusaba

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa

Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve in the Sabi Sand, reimagined for a new era of safari

At a glance

Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve in the western sector of the world-famous Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park. Set across 13,500 hectares of unfenced wilderness, it is one of the finest Big Five destinations on the continent, particularly renowned for its leopard sightings. Twice-daily game drives venture off-road through private land shared by just one to three vehicles, delivering a quality of wildlife encounter that a national park simply cannot offer.

When Ulusaba reopens in April 2027, both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge will have been completely reimagined in partnership with design studios Luxury Frontiers and Orbic. Inspired by Tsonga heritage, the new interiors use natural textures, artisan detailing and a palette drawn from the surrounding bush. Every suite will feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a private plunge pool and an expansive deck with uninterrupted views across the plains. The team, the wildlife and the warmth that have always defined Ulusaba remain entirely unchanged.

Please note: Ulusaba is currently closed for a full transformation and reopens in April 2027. Bookings for stays from April 2027 are available now.

Why families love it

Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve in the Sabi Sand, with no fences between the reserve and Kruger National Park and some of the best Big Five sightings on the continent

Twice-daily game drives off-road through 13,500 hectares of private land, with sightings shared by just one to three vehicles

Cub's Club for children aged 11 and under at Rock Lodge, with personalised activities including treasure hunts, wildlife spotting, mini ranger courses, sand art, pizza making and community visits

Children aged six and over are welcome on game drives

Rock Lodge welcomes families with children under 12; Safari Lodge is for guests aged 12 and over

Complimentary babysitting provided by experienced off-duty team members

Spas at both lodges with a kids' spa menu, cold plunge pools, saunas, a Rasul mud experience and yoga decks

Private bush observatory for stargazing, treetop walkway to The Hide Viewing Deck, tennis, pickleball and Pride 'n Purpose community visits

All-inclusive format covering accommodation, meals, game drives and selected activities

Where you'll stay

All 20 suites across both lodges feature floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, a private plunge pool, expansive deck, air conditioning, minibar, safety deposit box and a sofa bed for one additional guest.

From £POA/night*

*Prices from are indicative only - see Terms & Conditions for details.

Rock Lodge — families with children under 12

Perched on the summit of a koppie with sweeping views over the Sabi Sand, Rock Lodge is the dedicated family lodge and home of Cub's Club. It has nine suites across three room types, plus a gym, spa, pool, wine cellar, boma firepit and bar.

Rock Suite (62-64 m²) — Five suites with vaulted ceilings, retractable glass doors, a private infinity plunge pool and a freestanding bathtub overlooking the bush.

Makwela Suite (75-76 m²) — Two larger suites with the option to interconnect, well suited to families needing two rooms. Private infinity plunge pool and freestanding bathtub.

Cliff Lodge (63-106 m²) — Two suites on a secluded rocky outcrop with dramatic southerly views, a shared communal deck and pool, private chef's prep kitchen and their own access road. Can be booked exclusively.

Safari Lodge — guests aged 12 and over

Built along the banks of a dry riverbed and immersed in the bush at ground level, Safari Lodge has eleven suites across two room types, plus a gym, spa, pool, wine cellar, boma firepit and bar.

Elephant Suite (55 m²) — Eight suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a private deck and plunge pool, vaulted ceilings, freestanding stone bathtub and private outdoor shower.

The Hide (50 m² per suite) — Three elevated, treehouse-inspired suites overlooking the hippo dam. A separate shared living area with lounge, indoor and outdoor dining and a boma firepit deck makes this a strong option for families with older children or groups travelling together.

View Room Types: Rock Lodge — families with children under 12

Perched on the summit of a koppie with sweeping views over the Sabi Sand, Rock Lodge is the dedicated family lodge and home of Cub's Club. It has nine suites across three room types, plus a gym, spa, pool, wine cellar, boma firepit and bar.
Rock Suite (62-64 m²) — Five suites with vaulted ceilings, retractable glass doors, a private infinity plunge pool and a freestanding bathtub overlooking the bush.
Makwela Suite (75-76 m²) — Two larger suites with the option to interconnect, well suited to families needing two rooms. Private infinity plunge pool and freestanding bathtub.
Cliff Lodge (63-106 m²) — Two suites on a secluded rocky outcrop with dramatic southerly views, a shared communal deck and pool, private chef's prep kitchen and their own access road. Can be booked exclusively.

Safari Lodge — guests aged 12 and over

Built along the banks of a dry riverbed and immersed in the bush at ground level, Safari Lodge has eleven suites across two room types, plus a gym, spa, pool, wine cellar, boma firepit and bar.
Elephant Suite (55 m²) — Eight suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a private deck and plunge pool, vaulted ceilings, freestanding stone bathtub and private outdoor shower.
The Hide (50 m² per suite) — Three elevated, treehouse-inspired suites overlooking the hippo dam. A separate shared living area with lounge, indoor and outdoor dining and a boma firepit deck makes this a strong option for families with older children or groups travelling together.

Dining for all ages

Dining at Ulusaba is all-inclusive and shaped around the day: early bites before the morning drive, bush breakfasts on the plains, long lunches on the deck, afternoon tea, sundowners in the bush and candlelit dinners around the boma or under the stars. Private bush dinners are available on request.

Pan-African menus using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with wine cellars at both lodges stocked with South African wines
All meals and drinks included; indoor and outdoor dining settings at both lodges
Children's menus available; dietary requirements accommodated on request prior to arrival

Experiences for all ages

Twice-daily game drives through private Sabi Sand with expert rangers and trackers, off-road and shared by just one to three vehicles; strong Big Five sightings with leopard a particular highlight
Guided safari walks after breakfast: tracking fresh prints, spotting birds and smaller wildlife, and reading the bush at ground level
Private bush observatory for guided stargazing after the evening drive
750-metre treetop walkway to The Hide Viewing Deck overlooking Xikwenga Dam
Excursions to Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and the Cascades and Canyons scenic flight with picnic above the Lowveld
Pride 'n Purpose community visits to Dumphries Village, including a preschool, disability centre and digital learning hub (additional charge)
Tennis, pickleball and gym at both lodges
Cub's Club at Rock Lodge: treasure hunts, wildlife spotting, sand art, rock painting, mini ranger courses, pizza and cookie making, and community tours

Wellness for parents

Spas at both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, each with two double treatment rooms, cold plunge pools, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and Rasul mud experience
Yoga deck with bush views, reflexology walkways and quiet reflection spaces at both lodges
Treatments using Africology skincare: vegan, cruelty-free, crafted with rooibos, aloe, marula and African potato; 15% of selected treatment proceeds donated to Pride 'n Purpose
Kids' spa menu available at both lodges
Gym at both lodges

Family Logistics

Located in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, adjacent to Kruger National Park; Ulusaba has its own private airstrip

Federal Air operates daily shuttle flights from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB); private charters available from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Skukuza; road transfers can be arranged

Sabi Sand entrance fee applies per vehicle and per passenger, payable at Newington Gate

Rock Lodge: children under 12 welcome; Safari Lodge: guests aged 12 and over only

Children aged six and over may join game drives; children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Children under 12 must have adult supervision at the pool; no lifeguard on duty

Complimentary babysitting available from experienced off-duty team members

All-inclusive rate covers accommodation, all meals and drinks, twice-daily game drives and selected activities

Ulusaba reopens April 2027; bookings for stays from that date are open now

Family Suite Exclusives

Exclusive perks designed to make your family feel truly welcome — from personalised gifts for little travellers to complimentary activities and flexible check-in options.

Booking via The Family Suite includes:

TFS Exclusive Credit: £100 (or equivalent in local currency) towards a family experience

*Subject to Terms & Conditions

A special bespoke welcome amenity will be provided

To enquire and access your Family Suite exclusives, please complete the form below. Your request will be shared directly with the hotel’s reservation team.