Arathusa Safari Lodge, South Africa


Arathusa Safari Lodge is located within the northern sector of the coveted Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. 'Arathusa' is derived from the Northern Sotho Word 'Reathusa', which means 'to help one another'. Arathusa was a family holiday retreat until 1998, when the land was leased to Chitwa Chitwa. They operated the lodge as Chitwa Chitwa Safari Lodge until April 2006, when the lease expired. Arathusa Safari Lodge has been owner-operated since then. Hannes and Anina are based at the lodge more often than not, and take a personal interest in each and every one of their guests. This is after all their family retreat. And guests are treated to a traditional safari experience in the hands of seasoned professionals.

Location

South African Express Airways operate a number of flights from Oliver Tambo International Airport (previously Johannesburg International Airport) into Kruger Mpumalanga international Airport and to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit. The drive time from Johannesburg to Arathusa Safari Lodge is approximately 7 hours, from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport 2.5 to 3 hours and from Hoedspruit 1.5 hours. There is also a shuttle service with Federal Air offering daily flights to and from Johannesburg and a nearby airstrip. Exclusive private charter flights may also be arranged.

Highlights

  • Arathusa prides itself on its leopard viewing.
  • As leopards are territorial, their regular appearances in the area allow the lodge to plot their movements and to observe their behaviour.
  • Approximately 14 leopards are found in the area in which Arathusa operate, 6 of which are seen on a regular basis.
  • Large herds of buffalo numbering in excess of 300 often find their way to the Arathusa lake.
  • One need not move far to enjoy the safari experience! Elephants are also seen in numbers.
  • There are various lion prides in the area, as well as a few nomadic males.
  • Over 90% of guests will experience The Big 5 – very often in one day, sometimes in one drive.

Facilities

  • Air conditioning
  • Swimming pool
  • Open plan lounge and dining area and boma

Activities

Game drives and guided walks

Meal Basis

Full board accommodation including twice daily game drives in open Land Rover, bush walks and tea / coffee / cake.

Child Policy

Arathusa Safari Lodge is strictly for visitors over the age of 12, unless the entire camp is booked exclusively.

Accommodation

Arathusa Safari Lodge has 10 thatched luxury suites each have a bathroom en-suite (with bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers), and a veranda for optimum enjoyment of the surrounding wilds.

Customer Reviews of the Arathusa Safari Lodge

Honeymoon to South Africa and Mauritius during May 2011

Amazing food, and brilliant drivers, guides and staff! The accommodation had lovely views over their lake and you never knew what you might see every meal.

Signed:

Philip AwtyRated...

Honeymoon to South Africa and Mauritius during May 2011

Staying at the Arathusa safari lodge was a highlight of our trip, when we arrived we were expecting quite basic accommodation but the lodge was amazing and not basic at all. The lodge we stayed in was stunning and this was just the standard lodge. The whole place had a great atmosphere and the food was amazing. I would definitely say you will not go hungry at Arathusa and I tried so many new foods, all delicious. The safari drives were great, our ranger was brilliant and we saw some amazing animals. My stay here so far has been the best holiday experience I have ever had not just because of the safari but the staff, accommodation and the food. We will definitely go back to Arathusa some day.

Signed:

Miss Hanna EllisonRated...

Holiday to South Africa during September 2010

I loved it. The only issue my sister had was that we - all the guests- were expected to eat together in one big communal dining table and that did not go well with my sister. I frankly did not care.

Signed:

Ms Rose Marie SimeRated...

Customer Review

Holiday to South Africa during January 2012

South Africa Review

We loved South Africa. From Table Mountain in Cape Town, Stellenbosch in the wine country, Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route and Amakhala in the Eastern Cape we feel we managed to cram in two weeks so many wonderful aspects ofSouth Africa had to show and are desperate to return and see more of th...

Rated...

Signed:

Celia Pool

South Africa Factfile

Timezone:
EAT (UTC+2)
Language:
English, local languages
Currency:
South African Rand
Best time:
Year round destination
Flights:
9 hours from Europe
Visas:
Not needed for many Europeans, call for info
Weather:
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