South Africa safari
What happens during a ‘typical’ day in a game reserve?
South Africa safari
You’ve booked your (perhaps first ever) safari and are raring to go and spot the famous Big Five – but might still be wondering what actually happens during a ‘typical’ day in a game reserve. It’s fair to say that most game lodges adhere to certain itineraries when it comes to safari schedules and the best time to observe wildlife – which is not to say however that they’re all the same, far from it. Levalux Founder Bibiana Smith recently stayed at two wildly different but equally riveting game lodges, Ulusaba in Sabi Sand and RockFig in the Timbavati, and shares a first-hand account of her experiences at both. Here’s what to expect at Ulusaba – for her account of RockFig, click here.
The 13,500-hectare Ulusaba Private Reserve, one of the top luxury safari lodges in South Africa, is surrounded by the larger Sabi Sand Reserve – itself renowned as one of the best places in South Africa for wildlife viewing, thanks to many waterholes and dams that function as an important water source for large herds of animals throughout the year. That, coupled with the fact that your landlord is Richard Branson (the reserve is owned by Virgin Limited), should give you an indication as to what to expect on a safari trip to Ulusaba.
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Located in the bush under ancient trees you really get the feeling of being in the heart of the bush here, with the chance to watch thirsty animals stroll past your deck on their way to the nearby waterhole.
Safari Lodge has 10 tree-house-style suites, some of them only accessible via rope swing bridges. The lodge caters to different types of travellers – the interconnecting rooms are perfect for families with kids over 12, while the tucked-away Treehouse Suite overlooking the nearby Xikwenga Dam is a secluded haven for honeymooners. For the ultimate luxury, book the Safari Suite, which comes with its own walled garden and boma fire pit – or rent the entire lodge on an exclusive basis!
Here’s what to expect during your stay at Safari Lodge
Stay at safari Lodge - Late afternoon
South Africa safari
To see both lions and leopards on our first drive was absolutely riveting.
South Africa safari
“an ice-cold beer or G&T from your safari-vehicle-turned-pop-up-bar, enjoyed in a scenic location in the middle of nowhere“
Stay at safari lodge - Evening
Stay at safari lodge - ( Very early) morning
We started our morning tracking the pride of lions from the previous day. Eric explained that the pride was trying to escape from two lions emigrating from the Kruger National Park, ready to fight for new territory. He went on to say that the new lions would try to kill or chase the male lions away, then kill the cubs and start mating with the females – nature at its most brutal and fascinating. We found our lions in the middle of the bush, where the parents were slowly preparing for a hunt, leaving the little ones behind.
That day we also saw six leopards, including two leopard cubs – one eating their prey on top of a tree, another just sleeping by the river, a mother with two cubs playing in the grass, two others randomly passing by our vehicle. Highly elusive in many other areas, leopards seem to be part and parcel of a stay here – if you’re a fan of these elegant creatures, then Sabi Sand really is the place to be.
South Africa safari
Stay at safari lodge - Daytime
South Africa safari
What we loved about Ulusaba:
The game drive experience was truly impressive, with wonderful sightings throughout. If this is your first safari, and you’re especially keen on leopards, a stay here will prove to be magical.
Game viewing from the comfort of your lounger. Our room offered mesmerising views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole.
The sheer amount of activities at the lodge, including swimming, a gym, spa, tennis, stargazing…
The choice of lodges. We loved Safari Lodge for its style and location, but were also taken by the hillside Rock Lodge during a site inspection – the views from the top were simply phenomenal (its location was once a lookout point for Shangaan warriors – ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’). Cliff Lodge meanwhile is the most exclusive offering, with just two multi-level suites that can sleep five adults and four children in total.
We were amazed by the architecture and the fact that no room is the same at Ulusaba. Each one has its own style, layout and design – my personal favourite was the master suite at Rock Lodge.
