Ulusaba Safari Experience: Q&A with Trevor Savage
Ulusaba is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa. Meaning ‘place of little fear’, Ulusaba was given its name because of the koppie (or hill) that was once used by the ancient Shangaan tribal warriors as a lookout point.
Surrounded by 13,500 hectares (or 33,000 acres) of open bushland, guests will be treated to an adventure of a lifetime, with tree houses, rope swing bridges, safari experiences, guided bushwalks and star gazing at the bush observatory.
The Reserve has 21 rooms and suites spread across 2 lodges. Rock Lodge is set on top of a koppie with panoramic views of the bush below, and Safari Lodge is built along the banks of a dry riverbed. Guests also have the option to exclusively book out one or both of the lodges, or split their stay between the two.
Travel Weekly speaks to Trevor Savage, Conservation Manager and Game Ranger at Ulusaba about what it is like at Ulusaba Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game Reserve Sabi Sand South Africa.
- What for you makes Ulusaba truly special among game reserves?
What makes Ulusaba so special is its diversity; we have a perennial river running through it in the north which makes for spectacular game viewing in the winter months and more open areas in the south which welcomes a great range of animals. We believe in making a difference and we’re committed to ensuring our core brand values translate into the best possible experience for our guests. This means making sure that they get value for money, brilliant customer service, and of course have fun while they’re with us! Taking care of the environment is also high on our agenda and Ulusaba is committed to sustainable development and respecting the local community and environment in which we operate.
- Would you talk us through a ‘typical’ day for you in the reserve?
I’m usually up at 04:30, a nice early start so we can get down to the lodge to prepare tea and coffee for the guests before we head out on the first drive of the day. After our morning adventure, which will include a drive and maybe a bush walk we all sit down and have breakfast. After breakfast I catch up with my team to make sure the daily logistics are all sorted and talk through the plans for the day. In the afternoon we serve afternoon tea at the lodge before heading out for more safari action. We usually get back to the lodge around 19:30 and everyone freshens up for dinner. This is my favourite part of the day as we all get to catch up and share stories from the day over drinks with the other guests and Rangers. For me it is then time to head home to see my family for dinner.
- What’s your favourite time of day at Ulusaba and how does the character of the bush change from dawn to evening?
Sunset is by far my favourite time of the day. It is incredibly peaceful and so wonderful to hear the sounds of the birds giving there last calls and the nocturnal animals starting to wake up for the night’s activity. For me there is no better sound than that of a Hyena whooping or a Lion roaring as the sun sets.
- What’s your personal favourite view or spot within the reserve?
The misty morning sunrise from Rock Lodge is spectacular.
- Would you tell us about any characters among the animals that live in the reserve?
I am fascinated by animal behaviour, over the years I’ve taken the time to try and interpret what animals may do. Not only has this helped from a photographic point of view but also tracking particular animals. Elephants are one of my favourite animals to watch, especially the herds as they are always doing something and to watch the different ages interacting with each other is fascinating.
- If you were to come up with your personal ‘Big 5’, which animals would make the list?
My personal big five would be Elephant, Black Rhino, Leopard, Lion, and Giraffe.
- Have you ever had any unusual requests from visitors and if so, can you share them with us?
Unusual requests are part of a Rangers daily life, and there have definitely been some that bring a smile to your face over the years. I think one of my favourites was when a guest asked me if they could take a selfie with an Elephant!!!
- How popular are walking safaris and can you see different animals on foot that you won’t see on a driven safari?
We offer daily walks so that guests can experience the smaller aspects of a safari like tracking and reading signs as well as the medicinal uses of plants and bush craft. This is where our trackers can show our guests what they learnt as kids growing up in the local villages. The bush walks for me also offer a time of tranquillity; walking in silence listening to the bush sounds is very peaceful.
- What’s the best thing for you about being part of Ulusaba’s extended family?
We are a family that strive from all departments to give guests a life changing experience. From a guiding point of view we have a very well qualified and passionate team of Rangers and Trackers who truly love what they do. The team focus on a holistic experience for the guests so that they leave with a full experience and not just ticking boxes. I would like to think that most of our guests leave Ulusaba with piece of Africa imbedded in their heart, not only from experiencing our incredible wild life but also experiencing the wonderful people.
Check it out here:
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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