Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Star rating

The hotel

Owned by our own Sir Richard Branson, this is one of the most luxurious and exclusive game lodges in the world. It is located amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sabi Sands and combines exceptional service with a superb safari experience - what could be better? If you have a head for heights, stay in the unique Rock Lodge, high above the reserve, where all rooms have beautiful panoramic views and are carved out of the Ulusaba rock itself. For a change of scenery, why not combine your stay with Ulusaba's nearby Safari Lodge, located right in the heart of the bush. Your day starts early with a cup of tea and then it's out to the 4WDs in search of the reserve's exciting creatures. Then it's back to the lodge for a delicious hearty breakfast and a chance to enjoy the impressive leisure facilities. You'll also enjoy an evening safari to spot some different bush creatures, before enjoying a first-class dinner accompanied by excellent wines and occasionally by tribal dancers and singers.

Amenities

  • Honeymoon
  • Safari
  • Wedding
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant

Where is it

In the western sector of the Sabi Sand reserve. Road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga or Skukuza airport are available. We recommend to fly direct from Johannesburg to Ulusaba's private airstrip. Flight time approximately: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Hotel information

Ulusaba has 20 rooms and suites spread over 2 exquisite lodges. Rock Lodge is set 800 feet above the wilderness perched on the summit of a koppie. There are 8 rooms at Rock Lodge including 4 Rock Cliff Rooms, 2 Makwela Suites, Master Suite, Two Bedroom Rock Suite and also Cliff Lodge featuring 2 magnificent suites offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury. All with private entrances and terraces providing incredible views of passing animals on their way to the nearby waterhole, air conditioning, ceiling fan, mini-bar (restocked daily), a sitting area and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower. 

Rock Cliff Rooms are spacious with a private viewing deck and spectacular views over the vast landscape, en-suite bathroom, twin or double beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Please note: 2 of the Rock Cliff Rooms are split level with a spiral staircase.

All Inclusive of: all food and beverages - including top quality wine list, premium-branded spirits and French Champagne. Twice daily game-drives, daily walking safari (subject to favourable weather conditions), local entertainment, laundry service and transfers from Ulusaba air strip.

2 Bedroom Rock Suite features 1 master lavish bedroom with a full en-suite with views over the bush with 1 king-size bed and there is 1 smaller bedroom with an en-suite shower room. This spacious suite with separate living area, is ideal for families, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

The Master Suite has 3 levels, offering 1 double bedroom with spacious en-suite bathroom and balcony with infinity plunge pool providing beautiful views. The separate living area also has a private furnished sun deck and has a telescope to watch the stars - a perfect room for honeymooners! The Suite sleeps maximum 2 adults.

Makwela Suites are built on 2 levels offering a spacious bedroom, living area, library area, infinity plunge pool and outdoor showers on the private balcony, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Cliff Lodge features 2 magnificent suites offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury.

Cliff Lodge 1 is an opulent 2 bedroom suite with 1 large bedroom and a second smaller bedrooms - great for families as it can accommodate maximum 3 adults. It also features a spacious lounge with fireplace, kitchen with bar, a mini-gym and outdoor deck with large private pool.

Cliff Lodge 2 is a spacious one bedroom suite sleeping maximum 2 adults. The luxurious suite features a lounge area with fireplace and has its own Jacuzzi on the large viewing deck with stunning views over the bush.

You can hire both suites at Cliff Lodge for exclusive use which includes your own chef and private vehicle for game-drives. Cliff Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 5 adults when booked exclusively.

Romance/Honeymoon package

Enhance your stay by adding a Romance/Honeymoon package to your room or suite and recieve the following benefits:

- A fruit basket and champagne in the room on arrival

- The Aroma Boma Devotional Journey spa treatment for two (60 minutes)

- Lovers’ Picnic private lunch on a day of your choosing

- Romantic bath time experience on an evening of your choosing

- Private dinner on the last evening complete with own personal butler

- Complimentary space-available upgrade

- Gift on departure

Local entertainment. Daily game-drives. Late morning walking safaris. Outdoor swimming pool. Viewing deck. Aroma Boma spa*. Gym and 2 tennis courts. Video, music and book libraries. Wine cellar at Safari Lodge. Observatory in the bush for star gazing. Complimentary WiFi access.

3 nights between 22 Dec-1 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (352)
  • Very good (15)
  • Average (5)
  • Poor (3)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Highlight of our South African holiday!

Apr 22, 2025 369sharond London, United Kingdom

We have just returned today from the most wonderful 5 night stay at Ulusaba Rock Lodge. This was our 6th visit, and the 2nd visit with our 9 year old son. Safe to say that Ulusaba never fails to deliver and this was probably our best stay ever. We had the most wonderful ranger, Tom, and our tracker, Sam, was so skilled and together they made an… Read more
We have just returned today from the most wonderful 5 night stay at Ulusaba Rock Lodge. This was our 6th visit, and the 2nd visit with our 9 year old son. Safe to say that Ulusaba never fails to deliver and this was probably our best stay ever. We had the most wonderful ranger, Tom, and our tracker, Sam, was so skilled and together they made an amazing team. Tom was so wonderful with our son, and he loved every minute of learning about all the incredible wildlife. The staff at Ulusaba are superb and a special shout out to the wonderful Godfrey, who made us feel so welcome. We are already planning to return in 2027 after the refurbishment… and our son is already counting the days. Thank you Ulusaba. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing stay at Ulusaba Rock Lodge

Feb 18, 2025 Edward H

Our honeymoon at Ulusaba Rock Lodge was nothing short of magical! From the breathtaking views to the world-class service, every moment felt like a dream. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable, always warm, welcoming, and attentive. The food and wine were absolutely exceptional. Waking up to the stunning African landscape… Read more
Our honeymoon at Ulusaba Rock Lodge was nothing short of magical! From the breathtaking views to the world-class service, every moment felt like a dream. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable, always warm, welcoming, and attentive. The food and wine were absolutely exceptional. Waking up to the stunning African landscape and experiencing the incredible wildlife made this an adventure of a lifetime. If you're looking for luxury, romance, and the ultimate safari escape—Ulusaba Rock Lodge is it! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable

Jan 27, 2025 theclarkes2019 Marlow, United Kingdom

Ulusaba is a place you will instantly feel the most powerful connection with. We decided to fly out our friends and family to have our wedding here and it will forever be the most amazing experience of our lives. When you land you are welcomed by some of the most amazing human beings you will ever meet in your life. To be then taken up to your… Read more
Ulusaba is a place you will instantly feel the most powerful connection with. We decided to fly out our friends and family to have our wedding here and it will forever be the most amazing experience of our lives. When you land you are welcomed by some of the most amazing human beings you will ever meet in your life. To be then taken up to your accommodation where you are welcomed with open arms. Brogan & Jimmy our ranger & tracker and James & Orange our guests ranger and tracker are out of this world. We had the best laughs with these people but also learnt so much. We had our two children with us and they absolutely loved the boys ! Absolute dream team ! Teagan and Lauren the organization queens sorting out everything for our wedding. The most beautiful attention to detail but all the little extras were so appreciated and so heart warming. Precious & Anrea the queens of the lodge helping us with everything we needed and putting up with a lot of banter and laughs ! We thank you for making us feel so at home. The team at Ulusaba are just incredible and you will never forget them. Everything is so relaxing and you feel like part of the family. My parents have luckily visited a few times and my father always said when you leave you will be upset because it’s just so magical and he was right. We were all sat on the small plane getting waved off by our amazing rangers and the sadness really sunk in. Our two children have asked us non stop when we are going back and we are already planning our next trip over. Thank you Ulusaba for creating us these ever lasting memories and letting us be part of your daily for our stay. Phoebe, Luke,Harlem & Lettie xx Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic

Nov 21, 2024 aspectmick Basildon, United Kingdom

We have just left and missing it already amazing experience we had the most amazing ranger Stu accompanied by the tracker David what a team the knowledge they had is fantastic and the things they find from the large to small animals is amazing they can see them and every animal Stu would give us a complete explanation about it. Made extra special… Read more
We have just left and missing it already amazing experience we had the most amazing ranger Stu accompanied by the tracker David what a team the knowledge they had is fantastic and the things they find from the large to small animals is amazing they can see them and every animal Stu would give us a complete explanation about it. Made extra special with the family we shared the jeep with The high light was seeing a mother cheeta and her 3 cubs Managed all the big 5 a few times highly recommend everything about Ulusaba Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic viewing and lodge experience

Oct 24, 2024 julesh5 Geneva, Switzerland

Incredible game viewing, fantastic service and team! Our guide Brandon was just phenomenal as was our tracker Eric! Knowledgeable, fun and interactive with us and the kids each drive was full of fabulous sightings of all the big 5 multiple time and extras! Lodge staff were amazing, helpful and made our stay very special - hope to go back! Loved it… Read more
Incredible game viewing, fantastic service and team! Our guide Brandon was just phenomenal as was our tracker Eric! Knowledgeable, fun and interactive with us and the kids each drive was full of fabulous sightings of all the big 5 multiple time and extras! Lodge staff were amazing, helpful and made our stay very special - hope to go back! Loved it and highly recommend! Read less