Game, set and match - to Ulusaba!

SUCH have been the "tremendous changes" that have taken place Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in Mpumalanga's Sabi Sand since being bought by British tycoon, Sir Richard Branson, and incorporated into The Private Collection by Virgin a year ago, that even the local residents want to be part of the action! Two recently completed tennis courts have reportedly become a favourite haunt on the local wildlife circuit, witnessed by a number of surprised guests who, having viewed a pride of lions sleeping all day below Rock Lodge, were enthralled as, at dusk, it moved past Safari Lodge to take up temporary residence on the warmed playing surfaces. A new gymnasium, built on the crest of Rock Lodge hill high above the Sabi Sand Reserve, features state-of-the-art equipment where guests can scan the horizon across the bushveld as they work-out on the step-up machine and treadmills. In addition, a health and beauty spa is now fully operational - for which there is a nominal charge - offering treatments that include facials and massages. Sales manager, Helen van Tonder, says that the rebuilding of Safari Lodge continues and should be completed by month end. Changes include six luxury suites, four new double safari rooms, swimming pools, lapa and boma and a library area. (Southern African Tourism Update - July 2000)