Thursday, April 23, 2009

Ulusaba Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Kruger National Park in South Africa

THINGS TO DO AT ULUSABA

Beyond the twice daily game drives at Ulusaba there’s still plenty to do once you’re back at the lodges! All activities are included unless otherwise mentioned.

All about relaxation

The Aroma Boma at Ulusaba is the perfect antidote to all the excitement of being out on the game drives. Book in for a relaxing treatment, from facial rituals to massage to essential grooming (additional charge).

The Aroma Boma at Rock Lodge is located 800 feet above the African Savannah with truly stunning views over the Bush and offers complete privacy. At Safari Lodge, The Aroma Boma is built on the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed amongst the trees and away from the main lodge area, so the only likely disturbance is perhaps the odd elephant wandering past!

Ulusaba has recently introduced a new range of products called ‘Africology’. ‘Africology’ prides itself on its African roots, taking inspiration from home and using local active ingredients including Rooibos, Aloe, Marula and African Potato.


‘Nose and swirl’ around a few reds and whites


There is a wine cellar at Safari Lodge with an outdoor dining area for up to six guests - great for private dining. The wine cellar overlooks the waterhole with views over the dry riverbed and nearby waterhole which attracts all kinds of game. Guests staying at Rock Lodge are welcome to use the wine cellar at Safari Lodge.
See the stars up close and personal!

Guests can enjoy a star gazing evening as part of their game viewing experience at our Observatory tucked away in the Bush.

Shopping

The Gift Shop situated at Safari Lodge is filled with a selection of arts, crafts, small gifts and clothing ranging from caps, shirts and beanies to gloves. It’s the perfect place to buy a little something for your friends, family or even yourself, and has all the bits and pieces you may need when on holiday.

Swimming pools

There are also two outdoor pools which are heated during the winter months – one at each lodge.

Tennis in the Bush?

Fancy a spot of tennis? We have two floodlit tennis courts for you to play on during your stay. Don’t worry about tennis racquets and tennis balls - we have everything you need as well as a fully stocked bar! There is no additional charge for this experience.

Treehouse Viewing Deck

The Treehouse Viewing Deck overlooking the Xikwenga Dam is a great place to get even further into the Bush to see where the hippos and elephants come to bathe. In the evenings dining can be organised with other guests on the deck. The Treehouse is a 15 minute walk along the elevated walkway from Safari Lodge.

Walking in the Bush

The daily Safari walk usually commences after breakfast. This is a fascinating activity as it allows you to observe the smaller animals that you would usually not see while out on the game vehicles. Our knowledgeable Rangers and Trackers will enthral you with stories about the medicinal properties of plants, local beliefs regarding the wildlife and fascinating facts regarding the animals.

Working out

There are gymnasiums situated at both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, available for guests to use 24 hours a day.

EXCURSIONS

Cultural, Wildlife and Scenic Tours

Please note that all trips are weather permitting and excursions should be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. All prices are available on request.

Elephant Whispers

Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. This experience allows you to touch, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats to elephants in Hazyview on the banks of the Sabie River. Several different types of excursions are available, so contact us for full details.

Canyons, Cultures and Contrasts - Panorama Discoverer


A day out on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the Drakensberg Escarpment: this tour features 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. You’ll get up close and personal with some of the region’s natural beauty, and we’ll tell you about the history of the area’s hardy pioneers. Lunch is enjoyed at Harries Original Pancake Restaurant in Graskop, where sweet, freshly prepared, pancakes and fresh salads and other country fare are served. Duration: Full Day

Cascades and Canyons Spectacular


Take an exhilarating flight that swoops over deep and mysterious gorges and through lush valleys bursting with vegetation and colour. Linger above cascading waterfalls, for some brilliant photo opportunities. The flight will continue to God’s Window, which offers awesome panoramic views of the bushveld below. Then it’s on to the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the 1 000-metre-deep, 30-kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon, (the third deepest and greenest Canyon in the World). You will have a bird’s eye view of the curious Three Rondavels! We will then land at a sight with magnificent views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld, while you tuck into a delicious picnic. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes departing Ulusaba around 10h30
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre Tour (Kapama)

This tour features the Cheetah and Endangered Wildlife Breeding Project and commences with a short video presentation as background information. Guests are then taken on a safari vehicle to view the endangered species personally. Animals one is likely to see are Cheetah, Wild Dog and Ground Hornbill to name but a few.
Duration: Full Day