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a note from sir

The African Bush – just the thought of it conjures up some fascinating images of breathtaking wilderness, sunrise safaris, and a retreat far away from the city. Here your imagination becomes reality. At Ulusaba, we have set out to create the most beautiful game reserve in Africa – our two distinct lodges are both extraordinary in their own way, and I hope you get the chance to visit both of them during your stay. I hope you enjoy your experience at Ulusaba as much as I always do.

Sir Richard Branson

ma amukeriwa! (welcome in shangaan)

Welcome to Ulusaba Private Game Reserve! On behalf of all the team, we’re delighted you’ve come to stay. Whether you’re staying in Rock Lodge, perched high on the summit of a koppie (small mountain) with amazing views over the bush, or in Safari Lodge, right in the heart of the action, we hope your experience with us will be unforgettable! Read on for more information about what there is to do at Ulusaba, and we’ll also tell you about our conservation efforts and all about the animals you can expect to ‘bump into’ during your visit. If there’s anything we can do to make your stay at Ulusaba more enjoyable just let us know! Llané and Karl Langdon Ulusaba General Managers where is everything?

where is everything? SHARING SPACES As you will already know, there are two lodges at Bush Observatory Ulusaba: Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, and each has Computer corner DOING OUR BIT its own distinctive character.

contents Gyms Conservation at Ulusaba Mobile phones How can you help? Pools Pride ‘n Purpose Tennis anyone? SWIMMING POOL Viewing decks ROCK Did you know/Exclusive use ROCK LODGE SUITE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW makwela LOWER SUITE GYM POOL DECK Babysitting AROMA BOMA SPA Cash and credit cards AROMA BOMA BREAKFAST Pride ‘n Purpose and Virgin Unite DECK Cigarettes and cigars CLIFF LODGE Cub pampering Cliff Lodge MASTER Cub’s Club SUITE Departure FOOD AND DRINK Do not disturb LOWER DECK What’s on the menu? MAIN HOUSE Fire evacuation routes Breakfast, lunch and dinner Foreign currency exchange Children’s meals ROCK CLIFF ROOMS Gift Shop Private dining Internet connection Room service Laundry and dry cleaning Safari Lodge wine cellar Library

Lost or found something? safari LODGE BOMA GIFT Medical assistance and pharmacy ULUSABA CUB’S CLUB GYM SHOP Malaria prevention ELEPHANT 3

Newspapers RECEPTION DECK ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS POOLS Safety and security at Ulusaba AROMA BRIDGE TO BOMA Treehouse Suite Elephant Whispers ENTRANCE SAFARI SAFARI SAFARI MAIN HOUSE Treehouse viewing deck Canyons, cultures and contrasts – 2 1 3 WINE ELEPHANT 2 RIVER 1 ELEPHANT 1 Tipping panorama discoverer CELLAR MABRAK RIVER Voltage Cascades and canyons spectacular (helicopter trip) Wake up calls Golf Water WATERING HOLE Additional information Wine cellar RIVER 3 RIVER 2 About Pride'n Purpose RIVER 4

XIKWENGA DAM YOUR ROOM ULUSABA COMMUNITY TOURS TREEHOUSE SUITE What’s in my room? Heating and air conditioning Getting a bit chilly? ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – A HISTORY Music The Sabi Sand Wildtuin Room amenities SAFARI LODGE There are things missing from Just over 500m away from Rock my room… or are there?? OUT AND ABOUT AT ULUSABA Lodge, Safari Lodge is built along the banks Computers of the dry Mabrak riverbed. You’re very likely to A little about Shangaan culture So how did we do? see elephants, bushbucks, lions, hippos and other ROCK LODGE A little about the Shangaan language local wildlife passing by, as the animals are especially Perched high on the summit of attracted to the watering hole in front of the main dining a koppie (small mountain), Rock SAFARI GAME DRIVES TELEPHONE DIRECTORY deck, and to Xikwenga Dam next to the Treehouse Lodge is set against the backdrop Suite. Safari Lodge is also built over a natural elephant Play it safe – safety and security of the Drakensberg Mountain WHAT TO DO IN AN path, so the swing bridges and raised platforms are on game drives Range. The views from up here are EMERGENCY designed to allow them to pass through to the Safari walks amazing, especially from the Cliff watering hole unhindered. Bush Telegraph WELCOME TO VIRGIN Lodge Suites, and there are plenty of What to wear on game drives LIMITED EDITION viewing decks to choose from! Many of the rooms at Rock Lodge have been designed with the colours of a different African tribe or region. doing our bit doing our bit

We know just how important How can you help? it is to take care of the We’re constantly working on initiatives to reduce our environmental impact, which is where you come environment, and we are in! You can help us out by considering the following extremely sensitive to the during your stay at Ulusaba. impact our properties may • Does the air conditioning unit have to be on while you’re off have on the local communities on a game drive? It’s always within which we operate. nice to escape from the One of our proudest achievements at Ulusaba is the heat, but the units are quite continuing good work done by our charitable arm, We believe in environmentally sustainable tourism efficient, and we promise you Pride ‘n Purpose. Our efforts extend from upgrading and remain committed to making a difference won’t have to wait long for the facilities of the local primary schools all the way wherever we can. them to cool your room once to facilitating help and medical treatment for those For starters Virgin formed Virgin Unite, the you return. affected by HIV/AIDS. entrepreneurial foundation of the to • Turn off all the lights as you The basic philosophy behind our work is founded on drive new and innovative approaches to tackle social leave the room. the principle of empowering people to help themselves and environmental issues. Conservation at Ulusaba • Help us save water by not while at the same time promoting sustainable One of the ways it is believed we can make the most In addition to the charitable work Ulusaba does in asking for your towels to development. the local community (more on our Pride ‘n Purpose impact on social issues is mobilising the pool of people be changed daily. You can charitable arm opposite), we’re committed to reducing Pride ‘n Purpose works on a non-profit basis, and we have within the Virgin Group and our extended do this by hanging them our environmental impact. We’ve been working with all the organisation’s expenses are fully funded by family of suppliers. Virgin Unite itself was motivated up once you’ve used them; a sustainable energy engineer to look into renewable Ulusaba and Virgin Unite, so 100% of donations can be by Virgin staff and will continue to be driven by their otherwise just leave them in energy technologies, and as a result the reception put into the much needed projects to improve living ideas and enthusiasm. the separate towel basket building at our airstrip is entirely solar powered! conditions for the local population. However, there was also a sense that we needed to and we’ll replace them. With the help of Ulusaba guests, Virgin Unite, and ‘get our house in order’ and lay the right foundations When it comes to game drives, our qualified Rangers supporters from around the globe, Pride 'n Purpose for launching more externally-facing projects. are sensitive to the environment and are committed to operating game drives with minimal impact to has been able to achieve the following: This combined effort can be considered as Virgin’s the surrounding terrain and animals. Extreme care answer to Corporate Social Responsibility. There are • Provision of clean drinking water to local is taken when off-road driving is required for game many facets to the project including supply chain communities tracking, and all our Rangers assess the environment management, fair trade policies, ethical dealings • Provision of health care through the opening of a and prevailing conditions before leaving the road. with employees and customers as well as the local new regional health care centre If you’re staying at Safari Lodge, you may well have community - and of course the environment! We • Training communities in the planting of organic been enjoying using the swing bridges that connect know that some changes can be made immediately food gardens while others may take a little more time. Virgin some of the rooms. As this lodge is built along the • Construction of new crèches and homes Limited Edition is proud to have taken steps at all banks of Mabrak riverbed, an established elephant for orphaned and vulnerable children our properties to reduce any negative environmental path, these bridges avoid any disturbance to the Rhino poaching impact, and Ulusaba is no exception. animals that pass through the area. At the time of writing the phenomenon of rhino • Support for local entrepreneurs by providing poaching has been receiving a great deal of attention start-up funds and mentorship from the teams at the lodges in the Sabi Sand Reserve For more about Pride ‘n Purpose, please visit our We at Virgin believe 100% that we owe it to our customers and our staff to as well as those tasked with wildlife conservation in the website at www.ulusaba.virgin.com/pridenpurpose greater Kruger National Park area. These animals are which will bring you up to speed on all the latest news ensure that our future economic growth is built on firm, ethically sustainable being targeted for their horns which are widely believed about our activities. business models. Businesses need to be bold and creative, to develop radical in certain cultures to have special medicinal properties. new products and find alternative ways of doing business. Since innovation Despite a concerted effort to spread the message and creativity are at the heart of the we feel that our group of that this is not the case, too many of these animals Virgin culture are being unnecessarily slaughtered for very businesses are well placed to take advantage of the opportunity this presents. short-term commercial rewards. To find –Sir Richard Branson out how Ulusaba is involved in the rhino protection effort please speak to your Ranger or Tracker. ‘ Virgin Unite is the VirginGroup’s entrepreneurial foundation, which works with a number of partners to address social and environmental issues around the world. To find out more about Virgin Unite, please visit www.virgin.com/ ’ unite. things you need to know things you need to know

Babysitting Departure Internet connection Medical assistance and pharmacy Babysitting is available at no extra charge, however Check-out is officially at 11am on the day of your Wireless (WiFi) internet access is available free of due to our location we do not have professional child departure, however we try to be flexible. Just check charge in the lounge and dining areas at both lodges We have First Aid equipment at both lodges and carers. Experienced members of staff will instead be on with your Lodge Manager the night before you leave as well as in all rooms. There is also a guest computer staff are trained in administering First Aid. 24-hour hand to keep your children entertained! Professional and we will try to organise a later check-out if possible. with complimentary internet access available in both Emergency Trauma Paramedics and 4x4 ambulances babysitters can be arranged from Nelspruit at an extra lounges if you haven’t brought your own laptop along. are available in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Doctors cost though this must be requested in advance of are on call for telephone or personal consultations to your arrival. Do not disturb guests with minor aches and injuries. Please contact Laundry and dry cleaning Whilst the real monkeys will ‘disturb’ at their leisure, the main house on 212, or after hours, dial 9 for the leather monkey tags in your room should be hung Our laundry service is available seven days a week at assistance. Cash and credit cards on the door to let us know when you’d prefer not to no extra charge. Your laundry list and clothes bag are in We accept most major credit cards, including be disturbed by homo sapiens! the wardrobe. Just place your items in the bag, fill out American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club the sheet and we’ll do the rest. We can wash and press Malaria prevention as well as cash payments in South African Rand, US anything given to us before 9am and it will be delivered Malaria is sadly still endemic in the Sabi Sand Reserve Dollars, Euros and British Pounds. Fire evacuation routes back to you the same day. After 9am we will return and the Mpumalanga Province, so all guests must take When you arrive, please take a few moments to the items to you the following morning. Ulusaba appropriate precautions. Make sure you are wearing familiarise yourself with the emergency evacuation unfortunately does not offer a dry cleaning service a quality insect repellent - we provide the leading Cigarettes and cigars procedures detailed at the back of this directory. due to its remote location. We stock a selection of cigarettes and cigars at the local repellent (Peaceful Sleep) in all public areas and bars in the main houses at both Rock and Safari rooms, and it’s a good idea to use the mosquito nets Lodges, so ask a member of staff to assist you if you Foreign currency exchange Library in all bedrooms. That way you won’t have to worry need some advice on what to choose. Whilst indoors South African law prohibits us from exchanging There are small libraries in both of the main houses about being dive-bombed in the dark when you’re is a non-smoking environment, smokers are welcome foreign currencies for Rand, however you can pay for and a selection of books in the Makwela Suites and trying to sleep! outside on the viewing decks. any extras such as Aroma Boma Spa treatments or at Cliff Lodge. You are welcome to take a book home purchases from the Gift Shop at Safari Lodge either by with you if you haven’t finished, but we just ask that credit card or in one of the four currencies (USD/EUR/ you leave one in its place. CLIFF LODGE ZAR/GBP) we accept for cash payments. Any change Newspapers Located a short walk from the Main House at Rock you receive will be in Rand. If you want to keep up-to-date with the news, we Lodge, Cliff Lodge features two magnificent suites. Lost or found something? can print off a small roundup of headlines from Cliff Lodge 1 has a private pool and a second bedroom Never fear, we will hold on to your misplaced items for newspapers from the US, the UK and Germany on Gift shop for one adult or two children, and Cliff Lodge 2 has its up to six months. Just ask the Lodge Managers during request. You are also welcome to use the guest own Jacuzzi with stunning views over the bush. When Our Gift Shop is located at Safari Lodge, and your stay or contact them either by phone or e-mail computers in the lounges to read the news online. you hire both suites for exclusive use we include your is filled with a selection of arts, crafts, small after you leave. own chef and private vehicle for game drives. Cliff gifts, books, and clothing ranging from caps, Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 5 adults and shirts and beanies to gloves. We also stock 4 children when booked exclusively. necessities such as camera batteries and memory cards so you’ll be able to relive every moment of those amazing animal sightings on Safety game drives! and security at CUB’S CLUB Guests staying at Rock Lodge are welcome Ulusaba Ulusaba is a great place for children, to visit the Gift Shop at Safari Lodge at any Ulusaba is a wilderness area and the lodges are and we’ve got a special treat for kids of time. Just ask your Ranger or Lodge Manager unfenced to permit the animals to roam freely. You all ages. Rather than a set programme, to organise transport for you. The Gift Shop is can expect to see all sorts of animals in the lodge grounds we tailor activities depending on the open from 9am to 4.30pm, but we’re happy and perimeter, and a degree of caution is most definitely advised. ages and number of Cubs. See our to open it up later on should you require some Guests are requested not to leave the confines of the lodge unless Cub’s Club page for more information after hours retail therapy! accompanied by an Ulusaba Ranger. During the hours of darkness on what there is to do while you’re (both early mornings and evenings), security will escort you to and from with us, including specially designed your room just to be on the safe side. You can contact security at Safari spa treatments at Rock Lodge for and Rock Lodges by calling Ext 212. Guards are on duty from 6pm to 6am. cubs aged 4 to 12 years old. We must also stress the need to lock your windows and doors whenever you leave your room – the baboons are extremely clever and never miss an opportunity to act like rock stars in a room given half a chance. things you need to know your room

TREEHOUSE SUITE Tipping What’s in my room? The Treehouse Suite is about a 15 minute walk along Tipping is at your own discretion. If you would like to Bottled water, a safety deposit box, mini-bar, hairdryer, an elevated walkway from Safari Lodge. It’s a great leave a tip we ask that you please hand an envelope/ plug adapters, an umbrella, tea and coffee making place to get up close and personal with hippos and tips to the Lodge Managers at the end of your stay facilities, a selection of Africology guest amenities and elephants when they come to bathe and cool down so we can ensure tips are distributed evenly to all the insect repellent. Hypoallergenic pillows and duvets can in the nearby Xikwenga Dam. The dam is the largest staff. Please let them know if you wish your tips to go be requested to ensure a perfect night’s sleep. in the Western Sector of the reserve, and when you to someone in particular. You can also leave tips in the stay here it’s almost as if the game comes to you tip box or on your credit card when you check out. If rather than the other way round. Even the walk to you have any questions about tipping, please speak to Heating and air conditioning the Treehouse is an experience as you pass under the Lodge Manager. Every room has air conditioning and heating that you the canopy of ancient trees over the dry river bed – can adjust to your own comfort level. There are also there is a fantastic array of bird life on display. Guests ceiling fans in every room. Voltage staying here can opt to dine privately on the deck area just off the suite. A Treehouse security guard is on duty is on 220 volts and you will find Getting a bit chilly? from 6pm to 6am every evening. international adapters for you to use in your room. The air conditioning unit in your room also functions as a heater. On your bed in winter you’ll also find an Wake up calls treehouse viewing deck electric blanket to keep you extra toasty. There are Just next to the Treehouse is a viewing deck and There’s no such thing as a long lie-in in the African even fireplaces in the Makwela Suites and at Cliff Room amenities sitting area – perfect for evening drinks or meals as Bush! Arguably the best time of day to catch the Lodge – just ask a member of the team and they will Please feel free to make yourself at home in your room you watch the sun set! animals is early in the morning, so our morning game come and light them for you. during your stay. If there’s something from your room drives leave at sunrise (timings will vary depending that you’d like to take home as a souvenir, most items on whether it’s summer or winter). We’ll check with are available from the Gift Shop at Safari Lodge – just you after dinner if you plan to go on a game drive and Music ask your Lodge Manager for more details. will call your room so you have time to get ready. If Music is played in the main houses all day. If there’s you fancy a lie in be sure to let your host know so we something in particular you’d like to hear just ask any don’t disturb you! member of the team – we have a wide selection of There are things missing from music available. We also have iPod docking stations my room…or are there?? available on request, although some rooms are Unless you’re staying at Cliff Lodge you may have Water already equipped with sound systems. noticed that there isn’t a TV in your room. If you fancy At Ulusaba we bottle our own water using an EcoPure watching a DVD there are TVs in the lounges at both filtering system. Water from the tap in your room is lodges – we have a selection of the latest movies and treated and totally safe when brushing your teeth, TV shows for guests to borrow. However, if you’d but we recommend drinking from the filtered water prefer to watch a movie in the privacy of your own bottles provided. room, portable DVD players are available on request.

WINE CELLAR Computers So how did we do? Whether you’re staying at Rock Lodge or Safari Lodge, If you HAVE to check your emails or do some As you can imagine, we’re keen you should definitely make some time to taste a few work during your stay, there is a computer in to find out what you thought of reds and whites in the Safari Lodge wine cellar. We can the lounge at each lodge – you can work or surf your stay with us. We’re always even organise dinner there for up to 6 guests. Just ask the net at no extra cost. You can also plug in looking for ways to improve, but we your Lodge Manager to book this for you on arrival. your own laptop and make use of our wireless need your help! A comment card will connection. be included with your provisional bill the night before you leave us to allow you to make suggestions, register a complaint, or just to tell us what you loved about Ulusaba (we like these the most!). We reply to all the cards we receive, even if it means admitting that we could have done better. safari game drives sharing spaces

Anyone who’s been PLAY IT SAFE – Safety and BUSH OBSERVATORY on safari before knows that security on game drives Far away from the all the light pollution you get in Our qualified and experienced Rangers and Trackers most cities and towns, a visit to Ulusaba is a great no two game drives are ever are fully trained to take guests on guided walks and chance to gaze at the night sky, and our Bush the same! There are two daily game drives. Before departure on a game drive or walk, Observatory is the perfect place to do this! Ask your game drives at Ulusaba, one your Ranger will give you a safety briefing. To keep the Ranger or Lodge Manager about arranging this as game reserve in its most natural state, it is forbidden to part of your game viewing experience. leaving early in the morning feed, call or disturb any of the animals (this also applies to animals spotted within the lodge perimeters). and one leaving late Computer corner afternoon. Times will vary Although a stay at Ulusaba is a really fantastic way depending on the season, but Safari walks to get away from the outside world, we understand Depending on the weather there is usually a safari that you might need to check your emails or spend you should always keep your walk scheduled to commence directly after breakfast some time online while you’re with us. We have a eyes peeled for the Big 5! at Ulusaba. Your Ranger and Tracker will guide you guest computer available in each lodge’s main house and will point out various birds and animals – this that you can use free of charge, and if you’ve brought is a great opportunity to see smaller creatures that your laptop then you’re welcome to plug in and go are often missed when you’re on the game vehicles. online. We have wireless access in both main houses And when we We’ll also teach you some fascinating facts about the and in all rooms. talk about the ‘Big 5’ medicinal use of trees and plants along the way. of course we mean: Gyms • Lions • Buffalos • Leopards Bush Telegraph We have a gym at both Rock and Safari Lodges, each • Elephants • Rhinoceroses Once you’ve spotted some of our local celebrities set in a unique environment with amazing views over

This refers to the five most it might interest you to know what they get up to after the African Bush. If you’re staying in Cliff Lodge 1 you The dangerous animals to you leave Ulusaba. You can keep in touch by visiting will have access to your own private mini-gym. For ‘Little 5’ hunt, and not to the the ‘Bush Telegraph’ blog on the Ulusaba website. the active types we have a running machine, bike, a Tennis anyone? biggest or strongest are: Our Rangers regularly update us with all the latest multifunctional weight station as well as free weights If you fancy a hit of tennis, there are two tennis courts. animals as • Rhino Beetles information on the animals they spot! Visit for you to get rid of any stress and tension and get Just ask your Ranger or Lodge Manager to organise commonly • Elephant Shrews www.ulusaba.virgin.com/bushtelegraph for the latest. back to what you’re supposed to be doing…relaxing! a lift over to the courts when you’d like to play; we thought. • Leopard Tortoises have balls and racquets you can borrow. The courts • Buffalo Weavers are floodlit so you can also play at night, but we • Ant Lions Mobile phones will organise a security escort just to make sure the The little 5, however, do Please use consideration when using your personal animals don’t gatecrash your match! live up to their name! mobile phone at Ulusaba, especially in public areas. what to We also ask that you do not take your mobile phone wear on game when you’re out on game drives or safari walks. It Viewing decks drives wouldn’t do to have your phone go off just as a lion is Whether you’re staring out over the bush from the top Your game drive will leave wandering past your vehicle! We have mobile phone of Rock Lodge, or getting up close and personal with You should also look out for: cheetahs, you with some vivid memories, chargers available on request. the animals at the Safari Lodge watering hole, there giraffes, zebras, hippos, impalas, klipspringers, so make sure you don’t forget the “Take nothing are viewing platforms all over Ulusaba. Try them all steenboks, duikers, wildebeests…and that’s following: but pictures. Leave and pick your favourite! Some also have telescopes just for starters. There are also reptiles and creatures Pools • A good camera, although so you can search the horizon for any activity. The that are generally nocturnal – ask your Ranger or nothing but footprints. Each lodge has its own outdoor pool which is heated take care when using a flash viewing deck at the Treehouse looks over the nearby Tracker for a full list and don’t forget to bring your Kill nothing but time.” during the winter months (May – September). – some of the animals aren’t Xikwenga Dam where the hippos come to play! camera and your complimentary copy of ‘Ulusaba particularly keen. Just ask your - Anonymous Sunscreen, towels, and bottled water are available Encountered’ from in your room which has a wealth of Ranger and Tracker for guidance poolside. There is also a self-service bar. Some of the information. If you need additional memory sticks or a – they’re on good terms with all rooms have plunge pools if you fancy the idea of a new battery we have some available in the Gift Shop. our neighbours. well-deserved soak after a game drive. • Binoculars. We have a pair on each game vehicle to share, but if you’ve got your DID you know? own you should certainly bring them. Ulusaba can be hired exclusively! Whether • Always bring sunglasses, and in the winter months a for a milestone birthday, anniversary, company sweater or fleece, especially in the evenings. retreat or just a time to get away with friends and family, We provide blankets and hotwater bottles in winter if Ulusaba is the perfect setting. You can hire either one or both it’s cold, and there are also ponchos if it is raining. lodges exclusively! You’ll have access to all the privacy, and flexibility that • It’s best to wear pale and neutral colours when on game you desire, as well as your own game vehicles, Rangers and Trackers. drives so not to attract the animals’ attention any more Your stay will be uniquely tailored; perhaps cocktails at sunset followed by tribal than strictly necessary! dances around a bush campfire or a safari themed child’s birthday party… • Please do not bring your mobile phone with Whatever your preference, the Ulusaba team will ensure an unforgettable you on game drives – we have radios in the African safari experience. cars to contact Ulusaba or the Sabi Sand authorities in case of an emergency. aroma boma spa food and drink

The Aroma Boma Spas at Ulusaba are the perfect antidote to all What’s on the menu? Private dining the excitement of being out on game drives. A whole range of Our internationally renowned chefs have developed Of course, if you’d like a more intimate experience, numerous pan-African dishes influenced by many we’d be delighted to organise private dining for you relaxing treatments is available, from facials to massages to those African cultures, flavours and spices. Our recipes either on a secluded deck or at a location you choose. essential grooming rituals. are constantly refreshed and consist of seasonal, We ask only that you give us a little notice! Just ask local ingredients. Whether dining under the African your Ranger or Lodge Manager for more details and sky, in the Boma, on a deck or in the dining room, we’ll make all the arrangements. Guests who have The Aroma Boma at Rock Lodge is located 800 feet our menus and meals promise to be exciting, social hired Cliff Lodge exclusively have their own private above the African Savannah with truly stunning views and inspirational. All our breads and pastries are chef and Braai (BBQ) area. over the bush. At Safari Lodge, the Aroma Boma is homebaked daily and we also cater for private meals built on the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed amongst and special occasions. In addition, we can cater for all Room service the trees and away from the main lodge area, so the dietary requirements. only likely disturbance is perhaps the odd elephant You are welcome to order from your room. Just dial wandering past! 212 for assistance and to place your order. Breakfast, lunch and dinner At Ulusaba we use products from Africology. Dine by firelight, candlelight or star light - feast on a Africology’s ethical skin care products capture the BE AN ANGEL – SUPPORT OUR SAFARI LODGE WINE CELLAR traditional Braai in the heart of the bush, or sample the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa, helping LOCAL CHARITABLE INITIATIVE local specialties overlooking the animals wandering by The well-stocked wine cellar at Safari Lodge makes for to revitalise the skin as well as prevent damage and PRIDE ‘N PURPOSE! below. Let the staff at Ulusaba know what you would a fantastic dinner venue for up to six guests, and wine premature aging. Africology prides itself on its roots, like and they’ll be happy to make it for you. Breakfasts tastings are a must before you head home! Remember taking inspiration from home and using local active Pride ‘n Purpose is Ulusaba’s charitable arm and lunches are organised ‘restaurant style’, but in the to book these with the Lodge Manager on arrival. ingredients including Rooibos, Aloe, Marula and working to improve the lives of those in the evenings guests dine together at communal tables, An experience at the Safari Lodge wine cellar starts African Potato. The entire range is suitable for vegans, communities adjacent to the Sabi Sand Reserve. comparing notes on the animals they spotted that day! with us establishing your own personal tastes. If you is not tested on animals and is free from harmful prefer hearty reds we won’t delay your enjoyment chemicals and perfumes. The charity was set up by members of the Ulusaba family and all our running expenses are covered by showcasing our best rosés, and likewise if you The brand’s empowerment philosophy is also apparent by Virgin Unite, The Virgin Group’s entrepreneurial can’t wait to sip a refreshing glass of chilled white we in its approach to social responsibility. Africology only foundation and Virgin Limited Edition. Pride won’t hold you back. South Africa has an excellent practices fair trade and is always looking for new ways ‘n Purpose has achieved a great deal in the reputation for wine worldwide and naturally we’re to help develop individuals and communities in Africa. community but our work has only just begun – we keen to showcase some of the best local vintages on The products have also been designed for reed-bed need your help to continue to make a difference. offer. The wines speak for themselves, and we want disposal so they contribute to the conservation of the you to feel at home, so we don’t have a lengthy wine When you buy a spa treatment at Ulusaba 15% of African landscape. list full of ‘winespeak’. Our friendly team is familiar with the purchase price will go to Pride ‘n Purpose. Africology products are great for a luxurious spa all the wines we stock, so engage them in conversation experience, but also for a pampering session at home, to find out more. so feel free to purchase some so that you can continue CHILDRENS About our selection: You’ll find wines from tiny family- to enjoy the effects of your treatment once you’ve left MEALS owned cellars that put so much passion into their Ulusaba. craft because they want people to love their wine We have a great range as much as they do. The traditional bigger names of child-friendly meals. Your are also present along with some newer, equally Cubs (that’s the children) can impressive small producers, with wines from organic choose from a selection of tasty, Additional and biodynamic producers. There’s something to suit well balanced, healthy and fun meals information everybody: a dry rosé for lunchtime, a beefy cabernet keeping both the parents and the sauvignon with your game dish as well as South Treatments are not included in Cubs happy! the normal rates and are priced in South Africa’s very own pinotage and local specialty chenin African Rand. You can book an appointment blanc. You’ll also find exquisitely oaked and unoaked with one of our Beauty Therapists, or just contact the chardonnays and delicate pinot noirs for lighter dishes. main bar. Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. If you are unable to make your appointment please let us know the day before. A 100% cancellation charge will be incurred for any appointments cancelled cub pampering on the same day and this will be charged After a busy day on safari your Cubs to your account. can relax with the Africology Kids Care range – If you would like to have your treatment a series of treatments specifically designed with outside the spa, you can opt to enjoy a the purest of ingredients for children aged from massage in the comfort of your own 4 to 12 years. We offer facials, chocolate room or on one of the outdoor decks. manicures and pedicures, coconut and fairy stone massages, honey wraps, sleepy feet foot massages and LaStone castle building. ulusaba cub’s club activities and excursions

Here’s an idea of the If you’re staying with us for several days, read on for some great things your cub could get up to! excursion ideas we can organise for you.

We’ll Elephant whispers ABOUT PRIDE ‘N PURPOSE organise a At Ulusaba, kids of all ages treasure hunt Get up close and personal with these magnificent Working on a non-profit basis, Pride ‘n Purpose around Rock Lodge creatures! This experience allows you to touch, is Ulusaba’s charitable arm committed to helping staying at Rock Lodge will be – how good are exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats to disadvantaged communities living adjacent to the invited to join the Cub’s Club. your tracking elephants in Hazyview on the banks of the Sabie River. Sabi Sand Reserve. Originally established in 2003 skills?! Several different types of excursions are available, so by members of the Ulusaba family, all the charity’s Because Rock Lodge is small contact us for full details. running expenses are covered by Virgin Unite, the and intimate, and because we Virgin Group’s non-profit foundation and Virgin Settle in to watch The Limited Edition, so 100% of donations go directly Canyons, cultures and contrasts know each Cub is different, Lion King or Madagascar toward much needed projects. We’re not big – in fact we do not operate a set on DVD, and see if you can - Panorama discoverer apart from two full-time members of staff Pride ‘n spot some of the characters’ A day out on the famed ‘Panorama Route’ along the Purpose has to rely almost exclusively on volunteers programme. Instead we offer friends from the game Drakensberg Escarpment: this tour features stops at to achieve its goals. That doesn’t mean we don’t have a fantastic range of activities vehicles during the day (only the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourkes a big impact, however, and we estimate that Pride if you’re at least 6 years Luck Potholes. You’ll get up close and personal with ‘n Purpose now benefits over 35,000 people across that we tailor to each child or old though!). some of the region’s natural beauty, and learn about six communities. Our philosophy is that people are group. Play some the history of the area’s hardy pioneers. The old most effectively helped if they are empowered to games! We’ve wagon trail can still be seen on the Abel Erasmus Pass. help themselves, so the emphasis is most definitely on got lots of ideas, sustainable initiatives. but maybe you have All Cubs will be given a Cub’s Club Backpack which a favourite game? Cascades and canyons spectacular contains lots of little goodies to help keep them (helicopter trip) Ask your entertained and to educate them about the African Take an exhilarating flight that carries you over Most of the work Pride ‘n Ranger to tell you Bush. In every Cub’s room there will be a special deep and mysterious gorges and through lush Purpose does is divided into about the animals in welcome letter and a list of phone numbers they can valleys bursting with vegetation and colour. Linger five key areas the bush, or perhaps dial from their room so it is easy for them to get hold above cascading waterfalls for some brilliant listen to a bedtime story 1. Access to clean and safe water other members of their pride, as well as the Ulusaba photo opportunities before continuing to God’s with milk and cookies! 2. Education at all levels staff. Also for their safety, we have security guards Window, which offers awesome panoramic views of on duty that will pay particular attention to rooms See the bush below. Then it’s on to the fascinating and 3. Extracurricular activities for children occupied by Cubs. what you can dramatic rock formations of the 1,000 metre-deep, 4. Support for orphans and vulnerable children spy around Rock 30-kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon (the third 5. Support for local entrepreneurs Lodge. We can arrange deepest and greenest canyon in the world). You NOTEs FOR THE GROWN-UPS: a short excursion to will also have a bird’s eye view of the curious Three • Cub’s cuisine such as pizza and toasties etc. can be spot lizards, insects, Rondavels! You will then land to enjoy magnificent arranged. Ask for the children’s menu or speak to the and birds. views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld while you tuck into How can I get involved? chef if nothing on the menu tickles your cub’s fancy. a delicious picnic. We operate community tours to the local villages • A babysitting service is available free of charge run and there are plenty of opportunities for guests to by experienced staff members Now that GOLF volunteer during their visit and to experience the • Professional babysitting can be organised for an area near the Sabi Sand Reserve on a different level. you’ve been to We can arrange rounds of golf at various courses in additional charge with sufficient prior notice If you would like to get involved or you would like Ulusaba, you’re part of the area including the world-renowned Leopard Creek to understand more about a specific project, please • For larger groups, a set programme can be arranged the family! You can become a Country Club which has played host to the annual contact Pride ‘n Purpose or the Ulusaba team. permanent member of Cub’s Club, Dunhill Championship. and we’ll send you a newsletter and a birthday card. We hope to see you again soon!!! Additional information • Prices for all tours are available on request. Try • Please note that all trips are weather a Cub’s spa permitting and excursions should be treatment at the pre-booked to avoid disappointment. Aroma Boma Spa • All prices are subject to change (additional charge without notice. applies) ulusaba community tours

Travel is always richer when ‘Day in the life’ Village Tour WITH you get the opportunity to PRIDE ‘N PURPOSE find out about the daily lives On this tour you will join Pride ‘n Purpose to experience of people who live in the area their work in action in the traditional villages near to you’re visiting. If you’re in Ulusaba. You will meet at Dumphries Gate - about 10 minutes’ drive from the lodges. the mood for an authentic Tour agenda and approximate timing Shangaan experience, we • 10h30 Depart Ulusaba after breakfast Justicia Cultural organise Community Tours of This tour is tailor-made around you. You decide which Village Tour projects or developments are of interest to you and the local villages. If you’d like to discover more about the local people, decide for how long you wish to be out and about in the Shangaan, why not join in the fun - you might even these truly rural villages. There are two types of tours: make some new friends along the way! • Pride ‘n Purpose will take you into the Amashangaan Tour agenda and approximate timing a tour of the Justicia Village Tribal Lands where you will hop into a local taxi which has more of a cultural with a Pride ‘n Purpose representative and our • 10h30 Depart Ulusaba after breakfast emphasis, and a ‘day in the trusted driver The tour may include some or all of the following: • You will visit various Pride ‘n Purpose community • A visit to a local pre-school where the children life’ village tour with Pride ‘n initiatives, including: will entertain you with their delightful singing and Purpose, which looks into some - Crèche developments nursery rhymes. This may not be available during school holidays and weekends. of the charitable projects and - Orphaned and vulnerable children’s homes - Clean water supply projects • The Justicia Magical Voices will welcome you to the Signing up for schemes Ulusaba is actively - Location education projects village with their rich vocal harmonies under the a Community Tour involved with. We can tailor - Family support projects shade of a bush willow tree. For more information about these projects please - Community food gardens • Sampling local culinary delights: taste wild spinach this tour’s itinerary according talk to your Lodge Manager or ask for a Pride ‘n - Sport and recreation initiatives and home-made peanut butter at a residence in Purpose team-member who will gladly help with your to your interests. - The Bhubezi Health clinic – if you wish to visit the the village, or try your hand at crushing corn to questions. clinic please inform the lodge two days before make porridge. Please liaise with your Lodge Manager or Ranger at • Gumboot dancing. This form of dance was born in least one day in advance if you wish to sign up for the gold mines of Johannesburg at the height of the the ‘Day in the life’ Tour or the Justicia Cultural migrant labour system during the Apartheid era. Village Tour. Gumboot dancing has developed into a working A for the class, South African art form. Extremely physical, the per person fee Justicia Cultural Village is payable – please enquire when making your dancing serves as a cathartic release, celebrating the Tour reservation or when you arrive at Ulusaba. Revenue body as an instrument as well as the richness and generated from this tour will go directly back into the complexities of South African culture. community - a percentage to the guides, performers • A visit to a traditional Shangaan hut where your and to the local tour operator - all of whom live in the guide will explain the various crafts and artefacts; village. A percentage also goes directly towards Pride you will also see how Shangaan grass mats are ‘n Purpose community development projects. woven. The Mchongolo Dancers will perform their The fee for the Tour is charged per warrior dance. Rich in tradition, this dance has been ‘Day in the life’ hour and will be arranged with you once a tour agenda passed down from generation to generation. has been decided. All funds raised during the tour with • The Justicia Youth Choir performing traditional Pride ‘n Purpose will go directly back into the villages choral music and dance. and towards their community development projects. • 13h00 Return to Ulusaba in time for lunch ulusaba private game reserve - a history out and about at ulusaba

Ulusaba means ‘place of little fear’. The local Shangaan tribe (from whose language the name comes) that occupied the area long ago used the hills as an outpost for the tribal chief and senior warriors.

The elevation gave them a tremendous advantage during battle and meant their enemies were unlikely to win, as surprise attacks were virtually impossible. The tribal members could therefore live in safety – hence, the place of little fear. The Sabi Sand Wildtuin (SSW) Ulusaba sits entirely within the Sabi Sand Reserve Some of the land in the Sabi Sand ‘Wildtuin’ – Afrikaans near Kruger National Park, surrounded by 13,500 for ‘Reserve’- has been in private hands since 1869, A little about hectares (about 33,000 acres) of open bush. The and much of it was initially used for hunting. During Shangaan culture hills of Ulusaba are spectacular as they rise above the early 1920s cattle were introduced and by 1927 the surrounding terrain, offering a view unsurpassed about 2,500 cattle were competing with the wild Most of our staff are Shangaan and hail from the anywhere else in the reserve. game for grazing space. Since the wild animals communities that border Ulusaba. Shangaans are celebrated for their dancing and singing, and their rich The first incarnation of Rock Lodge was completed naturally preyed on the livestock, about 500 lions musical heritage is based on playing a wide variety of in 1983, with an access road having been built in the were shot between 1927 and 1933. Fortunately musical instruments. same year. Back then there was a dining room, a bar or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, a and four chalets. The property changed hands in 1990 foot and mouth epidemic broke out in 1938 resulting Traditionally the Shangaan from the area SHANGAAN ENGLISH and three chalets were built at Safari Lodge. These in the planned slaughter of all the livestock in the area. depended on farming for their livelihoods, were designed to be self-catering. In 1991 the property The foundations for the current land management but a number of jobs and development Avuxeni (a-vu-sheni) Hello was again sold and both sites underwent a complete structure were laid shortly afterwards once the opportunities now come from the lodges overhaul. farmland (Wallingford and Exeter Farms) was and game reserves that attract visitors Nkomu (in-ko-mu) Thank You and tourists from all over the globe. Disaster struck in early 1998 when Rock Lodge was hit acquired by a Mr. Rattray in the 1940s. The Sabi by lightening and the main structure burnt down. Two Sand Wildtuin name was adopted and landowners Although the Shangaan now have Minjani (mim-jaa-ni) How are you? months later a massive bushfire ravaged the area, jointly agreed on a preservation policy. To prevent access to modern medicine, almost completely destroying Safari Lodge. any further outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, a historically their culture made Ndi Kona (n-di-ko-na) I’m well thanks fence was built in 1961 between Kruger Park and the extensive use of Sangomas (healers) Almost 18 months later, the stage was set for a SSW, which was finally proclaimed a private nature who continue to practise some of the Ndlopfu (in-d-lo-foo) Elephant new era at Ulusaba when it was purchased by Sir reserve in its own right in 1965. As the conservation traditional bush remedies, making use Richard Branson. Under new management both drive began to gain momentum, to minimise of the plants and herbs available locally. Nyarhi (in-ya-ri) Buffalo Rock and Safari Lodges were entirely rebuilt, and conflict between humans and the wildlife, the local are now operated by Virgin Limited Edition having tribes people resettled outside the Reserve in 1976. been transformed into world-class lodges. In 2008 A little about the Mkombo (m-kom-be) Rhino The fence dividing the SSW from Kruger was itself the Treehouse Suite was built at Safari Lodge, giving removed in 1993 to allow the ancient east-west game Shangaan language guests the opportunity to get even closer to the Ingwe (ing-we) Leopard migration routes to be re-established. Shangaan is widely spoken in the local Xikwenga Dam and watering hole, and in 2009 the communities, with either English or Afrikaans being Nghala (in-ga-la) Lion Cliff Lodge Suites were completed at Rock Lodge. spoken on a secondary basis. Locals will be thrilled if you try to greet them in their local language. Here are a few basic words for you to try: telephone directory what to do in an emergency

No-one expects an emergency when you’re on holiday, but it’s best to be prepared! Ulusaba has plans in place to cope with virtually any contingency, but regardless of the situation, there are some common rules that apply to them all. General telephone numbers General telephone numbers 212 Main house bar 212 Main house bar 212 Security escort 213 Main house bar (alternative number) In case of an emergency… NEED TO KNOW 0 To dial an outside line 212 Security escort 1. Keep calm – do not panic The following items are located behind the door to enter your room: 220 Gift Shop 2. Walk – do not run 3. Before attempting to lend assistance to others • Emergency pouch containing a whistle and light stick To call another room 0 To dial an outside line ensure that your surrounding area is safe and • Evacuation map indicating the location of fire 201 Makwela Dusk Suite you are not putting your life at risk fighting equipment and the nearest assembly point 202 Makwela Dawn Suite To call another room 4. Do not re-enter a building until told it is safe to 205 Rock Cliff 1 201 Elephant 1 do so by emergency personnel FIRE 206 Rock Cliff 2 202 Elephant 2 If you discover a fire: EVACUATION 207 Rock Cliff 3 203 Elephant 3 • Use your whistle to sound the alarm or if you are in the 208 Rock Cliff 4 204 Safari 1 If it becomes necessary to evacuate a lodge or your region of a fire alarm located around the main building room, please proceed as quickly as possible to the 210 Master Suite 205 Safari 2 area, activate the fire alarm by breaking the glass designated assembly points – the nearest point to • Immediately evacuate the building, closing doors 211 Rock Suite 206 Safari 3 your room can be found on the back of your door. behind you 225 Cliff Lodge 1 207 River 1 If you are in one of the main lodges, please listen to If you hear the fire alarm: 224 Cliff Lodge 2 208 River 2 instructions from a member of staff. • Follow the evacuation procedures detailed above 209 River 3 Roll call will be taken by a Fire Marshall (if the situation is fire-related) or by a member of staff to account for • Notify a staff member if you suspect someone is 210 River 4 all guests and personnel. Do not return to your room trapped inside one of the buildings 211 Tree House or to any of the lodge buildings until the all-clear has If you are trapped in your room: been given by the emergency personnel attending. • Wet or place a cloth material such as a towel around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering POWER FAILURE the room Ulusaba runs off mains power, however should the To call a room at Safari Lodge when staying up at Rock Lodge dial 8229 and ask to be transferred. • Close as many doors as possible between you and power be lost for any reason the lodges are connected To call a room at Rock Lodge when staying at Safari Lodge dial 8230 and ask to be transferred. the fire to a generator which will be activated within a • Attempt to signal to someone outside using your maximum of 15 minutes following a power failure. Local telephone dialling codes: If you need to call a local number in South Africa, please dial the whistle and light stick for assistance following: 0 + area code + telephone number. If you are in a common area such as the dining room or bar during a power failure, remain where you are MEDICAL ASSISTANCE International dialling codes: If you need to call another country please dial the following: until the generator is activated. If you are in your room We have First Aid equipment at both lodges and 0 + 00 + country code + area code + telephone number. and the generator is not activated within 15 minutes, collect the emergency pouch containing your whistle staff are trained in administering First Aid. 24-hour and light stick from behind your room door. Open the Emergency Trauma Paramedics and 4x4 ambulances In case of emergency, dial 9. Alternatively, dial 0 for an outside line and then 083 453 9597 from light stick, shake it and snap it in half to provide light are available in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Doctors Safari Lodge and 083 453 9598 from Rock Lodge. and to signal where you are for staff to come and are on call for telephone or personal consultations lend assistance. Use your whistle to sound the alarm to guests with minor aches and injuries. Please if required. contact the main house on 212, or after hours dial 9. Alternatively, dial 0 for an outside line and then (from Safari Lodge) 083 453 9597 and (from Rock Lodge) 083 453 9598. WELCOME TO virgin limited edition

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