Ulusaba Private Game Reserve - Safari Lodge
Virgin Limited Edition Announces a Complete Re-Design of Ulusaba
Virgin Limited Edition, the award-winning collection of unique retreats part of the hospitality brand Virgin Hotels Collection, is delighted to announce the re-imagining of its iconic private game reserve, Ulusaba, one of the original properties that launched the portfolio 25 years ago. Both lodges at the reserve in South Africa’s world-famous Sabi Sand will be re-designed from the ground up to create a truly extraordinary 20-bedroom retreat featuring spacious all-suite accommodations with private plunge pools and enhanced wellness facilities.
Both Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge closed at the end of January 2026, with reconstruction work underway and bookings now open for the brand-new Ulusaba, which is due to reopen on 1st April 2027. The project marks an exciting new chapter for one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations, blending stunning design inspired by the landscape, a comprehensive wellness offering and exceptional wildlife experiences.
The new interior design concept has been created by renowned multi-faceted design firm Luxury Frontiers, based in Johannesburg and Memphis, USA. The Architectural Digest 2025 Great Design Hotel award winners specialise in designing sustainable and immersive resorts in beautiful locations. Through their expertise, both lodges will offer guests an even deeper connection to the surrounding bush, blending in with naturalistic decor, while remaining true to Ulusaba’s beloved spirit and sense of place. Playful accents will add personality to the spaces and the sense of fun that Virgin Limited Edition is known for. Tsonga inspired detailing and craftsmanship will reflect the deep-rooted connection to the surrounding communities nurtured over the past two decades by Ulusaba’s not-for-profit arm, Pride n’ Purpose.
Brand-new wellness facilities and a wide range of treatments, in partnership with South African spa brand Africology, will become central to the Ulusaba guest experience, celebrating ethically-sourced African ingredients and inspired by the natural rhythm of the bush. Both lodges will offer multiple treatment rooms alongside cold plunge pools, Himalayan salt saunas, hydrotherapy pools, rasul mud experiences, a tactile reflexology walkway and an impressive yoga deck with sweeping wilderness views. A pickleball court will also be added to the two existing tennis courts, offering truly wild racquet sport experiences in the middle of the bush.
Rock Lodge, famed for its unique position perched dramatically atop the granite koppie for which Ulusaba, meaning ‘place of little fear’, is named, will feature nine accommodations, including five new Rock Suites and two new interconnecting Makwela Suites, with two Cliff Lodge suites remaining part of the accommodation mix and available to book together exclusively. Children under 12 years old will continue to be warmly welcomed at Rock Lodge, offering a personalised Cubs Club experience filled with fun and hands-on exploration, while Safari Lodge welcomes guests from 12 years upwards. Cubs Club activities range from learning resourceful bush skills, to tracking animals like mini rangers, followed by pampering with Africology spa treatments created just for kids.
The exterior re-design of Rock Lodge is being led by dynamic local architects Orbic, who bring valuable experience and sensitivity to the unique challenges of building into the koppie. As part of the transformation, the positioning of the new Rock Lodge has been thoughtfully considered to further enhance privacy and immersion within the natural surroundings, maximising views of landscape beyond the reserve.
Situated along a dry riverbed, Safari Lodge has been designed end-to-end by Luxury Frontiers and will comprise of 11 further accommodation options. These will include eight beautifully appointed Elephant Suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and vaulted ceilings, alongside an exciting new addition in an elevated position overlooking the Xikwenga Dam - three further suites and a separate shared living area complete with expansive deck and boma firepit, which can be booked together exclusively for larger groups. This new private enclave will be known as The Hide, offering an ideal option for families or friends travelling together while retaining the intimate safari feel that Ulusaba is known for.
As with all Virgin Limited Edition properties, sustainability remains central to the re-design, with the lodges set to operate on up to 60% renewable energy upon opening, incorporating the existing solar panels already in place. This commitment builds on Ulusaba’s long-standing focus on conservation and responsible tourism within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Additionally, Pride n’ Purpose will continue its vital work within the surrounding communities, with Ulusaba staff members focussing on volunteering across various community support initiatives during the closure period.
Rates at Ulusaba start from $2,200 / £1,640 per person per night, including all meals, drinks and twice daily game drives. To book visit https://www.