Ulusaba Game Reserve...

Hi,
Just beginning to look at a possible trip to South Africa next year (in BA First with a bit of luck but that's another story!).

Browsing through the VH brochure, I found SRB's game reserve. It looks fantastic (even though it will burst a big hole in the bank balance [}:)]).

Anyone had any experience of the place.

Cheers,
Neil

[Scrooge]

Sarah if you please...I am sure she will be along shortly to tell us all about how great it is..don't know if they have been yet...but she knows everything about it.

Originally posted by Scrooge
Sarah if you please...I am sure she will be along shortly to tell us all about how great it is..don't know if they have been yet...but she knows everything about it.

Would that be 'Highflyer' Sarah by any chance?

I haven't been there, I always use http://www.tripadvisor.com, for most of my holidays it is really good site for reviews.

When we were in SA we stayed at Shamwari, Long Lee Manor this is a great Private Game Lodge really amazing. The best Safari we had.

Dominic

[HighFlyer]

Yes, 'tis me, though we have not actually been yet, it's just in the pipeline.

We've done quite a bit of research on Ulusaba and i have spoken to the staff there on occasion. The 5 night packages they sometimes offer (usually for Christmas) are actually rather good value over a normal stay as they are for two persons and everything from Champagne to daily game drives are included in the price.

Neil, if you do go please do feed back here. There are a few of us who would most appreciate your insights.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks Sarah. The reviews on Tripadvisor are the best I've seen for any property (although you always get one that breaks the trend).

I've got it down as one of those once in a lifetime opportunities - can't see us going to South Africa too many times! All I need to do now is sell the idea to Mrs Nibbs whilst covering the prices up on the website / brochure.....[:w]

Thanks

Neil

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by nibbs
The reviews on Tripadvisor are the best I've seen for any property (although you always get one that breaks the trend).

The Tokyo MO has reviews like that... and I can understand why! [:)]

Thanks,
Richard

Hi Neil & Sarah

If or indeed when either of you go to Ulusaba would you be so kind as to give me a nod.

The wife has threatened that if I don't take her for her unmentionable birthday in 3 years time that my life will never be worth living again.

Sarah I am interested to learn more about the five-day package that you refer to over the Christmas period. The wife's Birthday is on the 31st of Dec and if there are deals at that time of year it may well influence travel dates.

I look forward to hearing from either or both of you once you have been.

Cheers
Jerseyboy

[RichardMannion]

Hi Jerseyboy,

I can't remember the exact prices, and can't see them up on ulusaba.com at the moment. It was something like 42,000ZAR for the 5 night package (for two people) which was over Xmas Day or New Years eve. It included all food, drinks (inc Champagne), game drives and also private air transfers from JNB. Depended on room type too.

Looked reasonable in my book given the time of year, and what you got.

Thanks,
Richard

Originally posted by RichardMannion
Hi Jerseyboy,

I can't remember the exact prices, and can't see them up on ulusaba.com at the moment. It was something like 42,000ZAR for the 5 night package (for two people) which was over Xmas Day or New Years eve. It included all food, drinks (inc Champagne), game drives and also private air transfers from JNB. Depended on room type too.

Looked reasonable in my book given the time of year, and what you got.

Thanks,
Richard

Thanks for that Richard I have been instructed that we must stay in the rock lodge and probably will opt for a Makwela Suite (subject to terms and conditions as imposed by the Bank Manager), thankfully I don't have to pay for flights as my miles will get us there.

If you get any further info please message me.

Cheers
Jerseyboy

I'm hoping to go at the end of Feb/start of March. We're planning to goto South Africa for 2/3 weeks ending at Ulusaba. Have done a bit of research, but not a huge amount yet, anything I get I'll post here.

G.

We might see you there GrahamN - same time frame in mind for ourselves!

Thanks for the feedback so far guys - will keep in touch on our progress.

Neil

Hi Neil

I went to Ulusaba about 3 years ago and stayed in Rock lodge. This is about the only place I would ever return to, it is without doubt one of the finest places on Earth. The rooms don't really matter to much as you are out at 5am then return for breakfast, the rest of the day revolves around food, animals and Veuve Cliquot. There are walks, talks and lots of pampering to fill in the day between game drives.

I noticed that guests at rock lodge got picked up first before safari lodge, this allows you to pick the seat of your choice. The game was fantastic and spending 2 hours with a leopard and her 3 6month old cubs playing under and around the landrover will stay with me forever.

All staff are fantastic and will do anything and everthing to make your stay memorable.

Just go there and stop thinking about it. If you want and more infr feel free to PM me.

Mark.

Mark,

Sound amazing! Neil, we're thinking end Feb/start of March 2008.

G.

For lots of information check out the Africa section of Talk, on http://www.fodors.com

Here is a thread comparing Ulusaba with other local properties
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4

I am biased towards Mala Mala because they have the optimum conditions for great game viewing (nothing is guaranteed) whereas Ulusaba has several downsides in this department. I have been to Africa on safari, eleven times to both South Africa and Botswana, and for game viewing Mala Mala takes some beating.

Hi guys,

Well, if you can hear laughing, that will be the sound of our bank manager!

We've just booked up for the Master Suite in Rock Lodge for mid April - counting the days already.

I'll make sure that we return with a trip review and plenty of photos!

Cheers,

Neil

PS: Flying F with BA into JNB out of T5 - can't wait to see the new Concorde lounge either...

Originally posted by nibbs
Well, if you can hear laughing, that will be the sound of our bank manager!

Surely he should be crying - unless that is you're taking him with you. [:D]

FM

[HighFlyer]

Neil,

Brilliant [:D] I look forward to the pictures and trip reports on your return.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by FamilyMan

Originally posted by nibbs
Well, if you can hear laughing, that will be the sound of our bank manager!

Surely he should be crying - unless that is you're taking him with you. [:D]

FM

Have you seen the interest rate on my overdraft?!