Arathusa Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands
Arathusa Game Reserve is situated in the prestigious Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in the Bushveld of South Africa and forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Arathusa Safari Lodge – originally a hunting lodge – is owner operated and belongs to the Dannhauser Family since 1960. The lodge offers guests a true African Safari in the heartland of Big Five country.
The Arathusa Game Reserve experience is an intimate, exclusive and private experience reserved only for a few as the lodge accommodates only ten people.
The area is known world wide for its quality game drives and the exceptional sightings. Our qualified ranger and tracker ensure that guests are offered the opportunity to view and photograph the animals from as close as a few feet!
A visit to Arathusa Game Reserve is an experience that lives on in memory long after the visit itself. Be sure not to miss out on a visit to one of the few genuine African Safari destinations!
Arathusa Safari Lodge is an intimate and hospitable camp. Thatched luxury suites are within the camp’s perimeter. Each have a bathroom en-suite (with bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers), and a verandah for optimum enjoyment of the surrounding wilds. Twin rooms may also be arranged.
Arathusa also has 4 ultra-luxurious suites. These remote and exclusive units are further removed from the main camp facilities, and have their own private plunge pools and lounge areas.
Please note: Luxury rooms do not have a view of the waterhole.
Fabrics are natural, furniture classic and the interior design both simple and elegant.
Additional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities.
There are no televisions in the rooms. In keeping with the traditional safari experience, the bush is best experienced “al dente”. Guests are however able to make calls from the reception area, and to send or receive e-mails and faxes. meal under the stars to the sounds of the African wild.
Because a lake is at the heart of Arathusa Safari Lodge, the five thatched chalets provide a 180 degree view of a great variety of game joining the odd hippo for a drink – giraffe and kudu, zebra and any one of the Big Five – with the flash of kingfishers or the squeak of guinea fowl.
Arathusa Arrival & Departure Times:
• Guests can check in anytime from 12H00 on the day of the reservation
• On the day of departure guests will check out at 11H00.
• Special arrangements can be made
Meal times at Arathusa Game Reserve are another African experience, whether breakfasting alfresco under cool thatch or dining, in the spirit of Africa, around a huge camp fire. You will experience gastronomic delights, accompanied by the best wines.
After dinner the creatures provide the entertainment – there’s none of the human kind – while you quietly sip a night cap.
All meals are prepared by our experienced chef who caters for all tastes.
Game Viewing
Arathusa prides itself on its’ leopard viewing. As leopards are territorial, their regular appearances in our area allow us to plot their movements and to observe their behavior. Many of the animals become familiar and are easily recognized – this enables us to name them.
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.
General “lowveld” game are abundant in this section of the Sabi Sand Reserve, including giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala and more.
This region is a bird-watcher’s mecca. A few of the rarer birds are seen from the camp itself, such as the Horus Swift.
Game drives in an open safari vehicle meander their way into the bush each morning and late afternoon in search of animals large and small. Close contact encounters are guaranteed (the animals are not threatened by our presence in lieu of sound conversation management policies) with unparalleled photographic opportunities.
Guided walks with an armed ranger may also be arranged. Helpful Hint – do not head into the bush in the middle of the day during summer months! Walks are usually arranged in the more moderate hours of the early morning. Being on foot brings an altogether different view of the bush.
