Branson Bundles Safari and Luxury in Africa

Dining at Ulusaba: During daytime meals, guests sit in strategic groupings of two and four along the outdoor terrace to minimize interaction. Ulusaba may not be the priciest or most luxurious safari lodge, but it captures sophisticated, well-traveled guests. A small buffet of salads and pastries accompany a breakfast and lunch menu of traditional salads, sandwiches and hearty meal items like steak and pasta. To spice things up and remind you of Africa, local specialties and wild-game meat add an element of flavor. Dinner comes at the end of the evening safari drive, in the dramatic main dining room with its regional furnishings and river views. A long communal table means you'll be getting to know all the guests as you sip South African wines, sample regional cuisine and share stories with the Ulusaba family like the hotel manager, Duarte and even Sir Richard Branson himself on occasion.

Final impression: Ulusaba is a first-class luxury lodge more about the safari experience than cutting-edge bathrooms or first-class spa. On average 20% cheaper than Londolozi or Singita, the location at the edge of the park means you may be able to see lights from a neighboring village or even the electric fence of Sabi Sands on some game drives. But the unparalleled staff of adventure-seekers, like Duarte and his crew, offers the leading safari experience currently found in the Sabi Sands.