Arathusa Safari Lodge

While you have multiple choices for lodging at the Sabi Sands game reserve, the Arathusa Safari Lodge is consistently ranked near the head of the pack. Life at the lodge revolves around game drives to see “the big five,” and the camp prides itself on its abundance of these animals. The lodge itself is intended to serve as an extension of your natural experience, which is achieved through a layout and surroundings that are welcoming and comfortable. View wildlife from the comfort of the lodge or spend the day on a game drive before relaxing in the lodge’s infinity pool before enjoying dinner in a traditional brick-and-grass boma. Arathusa has a rustic luxury that is appreciated when on safari.

Accommodation

The lodge has an intimate atmosphere that is exemplified by its small size – no more than 20 guests can be accommodated at any one time. The thatched suites feature en suite bathrooms and veranda for taking in the sights in a more private setting. A variety of amenities are available, from air conditioning (!) to safes and a mini bar. Despite these very luxurious amenities for being out in the bush, there are no phones or televisions in the room in order to maintain the most natural experience possible.

Wildlife/Safari

Arathusa Safari Lodge is located and operates in an area of the Sabi Sands reserve that is very rich in animal life. Of particular note are the leopards – these big cats are territorial,  and Arathusa’s territory has 14 leopards that call it home. Many of these leopards are frequently spotted during game drives. Large numbers of buffalo and elephants can also be found here, in addition to lions – there are several prides in the area around Arathusa. There is a reason that the lodge revolves around the big five – over 90% of Arathusa’s guests see the big five during their stay. Some see them on the same day, and some even see them on the same drive! Giraffe, zebra, and warthogs are just some of the other creatures you will see in Arathusa territory, and the region is also a great place for birdwatching.

Directions

Arathusa Safari Lodge is located in the northern part of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The lodge is accessible by road, but it may be easier to fly to a closer destination rather than driving the entire distance. From Johannesburg, Arathusa is approximately seven hours away. From Nelspruit and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport the lodge is between 2.5 and three hours away, and from Hoedspruit, the lodge is just 1.5 hours away.

From Johannesburg, take N12 to Witibank, and from Witibank, take N4 to Nelspruit. Get on R40 to White River, then continue on R40 through Hazeyview toward Bushbuckridge. At the traffic light at the Manyeleti/Hulamahashe/Hiuvukani turn off, turn right and follow the tar road for approximately 20.5 miles. Turn right on the gravel road, and continue on. At the first road to your left, turn left. At the “Gowrie Gate” there is a ZAR 80 entrance fee per vehicle to enter the reserve. Follow the signs to Arathusa Safari.