Arathusa Safari Lodge is unique and highly sought-after by visitors because of its prime location within the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the unfenced Kruger National Park. Together these two areas comprise one of South Africa’s most incredible and pristinely preserved wilderness sanctuaries.
Arathusa offers an exceptional safari experience – expect a high concentration of an assortment of game, including the Big Five, and frequent leopard sightings. A large waterhole is situated in front of the lodge ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the camp.
Add to this the private luxury accommodations, exceptional service, great value for money and decadent spa treatments, and you have just a few of the things that put Arathusa Safari Lodge in a league of its own.
Arathusa’s is an intimate environment… its open-plan design and natural décor mean that it blends seamlessly with the African bush surroundings. The main living area is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view, reading a good book, or enjoying conversation with friends or fellow safari goers, the warmth and charm of the lodge environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.
The infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole, and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing while cooling off on a sweltering African summer’s afternoon (mind you, winter’s warmth is not far behind). Guests can enjoy an alfresco dining experience in the traditional open-air boma, while being serenaded by the sounds of Africa’s nightlife. Sumptuous cuisine is the order of the day.
There are twelve Suites, eight of which face the waterhole in front of the lodge, and four of which are remotely located within the bush a short distance from the lodge. Each Suite is uniquely designed, with fresh interiors and a focus on light and space. Each has a bathroom en-suite, with shower, as well as a private outdoor shower and verandah. Amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages on request), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities.
In keeping with the traditional natural safari experience, there are no televisions in the Suites at Arathusa. Guests are, however, able to connect to Wi-Fi in the public areas and in reception with our compliments. Each of the four remote Suites also has its own plunge pool, and affords guests the ultimate privacy (please bear in mind that these Suites are a bit of a walk from the main Lodge area).
As part of the Sabi Sand Reserve and greater Kruger National Park, Arathusa is located in one of the world’s most abundant natural wilderness areas where hundreds of animal species roam free. Including the much acclaimed Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo – the five most dangerous animal species to be hunted on foot). Leopards, in specific, are abundant in this region with perhaps the globe’s highest population.
Arathusa prides itself on its leopard viewing. As these elusive cats are territorial, their regular appearance in the area enables us to plot their movements, and to observe their behaviour. Many of the animals become familiar and are easily recognised. Approximately 14 leopards are seen in the area in which Arathusa operates, six of which are seen on a regular basis. There are also a number of different lion prides in the area, as well as a few nomadic males. Over 90% of guests will experience sightings of The Big Five – very often in one day, and sometimes on one drive! General “lowveld” game species are abundant in this section of the Sabi Sand Reserve, including giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala and more.
Within the lodge itself, guests will often see the resident bushbuck and nyala roaming between the Luxury Suites, or perhaps elephants drinking from the more remote Suites’s private splash pools. Hornbills may tap on their reflections in the windows, while the cry of the fisheagle signals its presence as it searches for prey.
