While antelope squabbled over a patch of grass, a lioness wandered past our room on her way to the Ulusaba waterhole. One sly look at the Impala had her licking her lips in anticipation. And then the show began. The lioness pounced on the Impala who took off at speeds that Ferrari dream of! Mud was flying and the Impala were screaming. The vultures started circling above us and the birds were making loud noises. Then the lioness decided that she couldn’t be bothered with this lot and quietly went about her business of getting a drink.
Well, we were clutching our cocktails and jumping up and down, cameras on overdrive, wild with excitement. A near kill right in front of our room at Ulusaba Safari Lodge!
We spent two nights at Ulusaba while on safari in the Kruger Park. Ulusaba was the highlight of our trip and we had been looking forward to it for months. This was my Fiancée’s first safari and he had no idea what he was in for.
Ulusaba Safari lodge is situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve at the Kruger National Park. Richard Branson is the owner and I must say that he has a lodge to be proud of.
On arriving at Ulusaba, we were met with champagne and friendly faces. A lovely lady took our details and food preferences and then we boarded the 4×4 vehicle for our short drive to the lodge.
The Ulusaba Safari Lodge manager showed us around the lodge and to our room. Ulusaba has plenty of lovely areas to sit and relax, to have a drink or watch the animals at the water hole. Drinks are included in the rate, so people tend to make use of the lovely views and spend time watching the wild.
Our room was across a swing bridge, which nearly lost my fiancé! It is a balancing exercise and, I can assure you, not easy after a drink or two! But it certainly makes for more privacy in your room as people aren’t about to wander past.
The rooms are large and have views of the waterhole and bush. They have a definite safari feel and décor is quite “Out of Africa”. Bathrooms are large with an open shower and a big bath for two (incidently where I was proposed to!!). The big veranda is perfect for relaxing. In fact, we missed one game drive so that we could just enjoy the solitude.
Our ranger at Ulusaba was one of the best I have ever had. Sam was interesting and knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We were lucky enough to spot three leopards on our very first game drive! Even the elusive pangolin made an appearance – my first ever!
All in all, we had an excellent safari at Ulusaba. It was well worth the cost and is one of the best safari lodges I have stayed at. I would recommend Ulusaba Safari Lodge to honeymooners, small groups of friends traveling together and the young at heart. The swinging bridges would make it hard for the elderly and children are not allowed.
So take my advice and spoil yourselves at Ulusaba Safari Lodge!
