Arathusa Safari Lodge

You will find Arathusa Safari Lodge in the northern region of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. No fences separate the Sabi Sand from the Kruger National Park. The wildlife in the area includes the Big Five, as well as a large number of plains game species. Arathusa's natural waterhole attracts a multitude of animal and bird species during the dry season. It is not uncommon to spot the Big Five in one day in Sabi Sand. For the avid bird watcher, the reserve's prolific birdlife provides a songful ambience.

There are thirteen Suites, nine 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 and each with their own plunge pools. All rooms are en-suite with indoor and outdoor showers and a separate bathtub. The chalets are fitted with air-conditioning, mosquito nets, electronic safes as well as tea/coffee making facilities. The luxury suites feature a private splash pool.

Guests may enjoy a book or socialize in the main living area. Meals at Arathusa are prepared with attention to detail and the best fresh produce. Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room, while dinners are enjoyed under starry skies in the boma, with a crackling log fire and wilderness soundtrack. Guests may cool off in the lodge's infinity pool on hot summer afternoons.

In addition to the morning and evening game drives, unique walking safaris are offered daily giving the guest the opportunity of discovering the hidden treasures of the region. Arathusa prides itself on its leopard viewing. As leopards are territorial, their regular appearances in the area allow their movements to be plotted. Many of the animals become familiar and are easily recognized by the rangers. Large herds of buffalo numbering in excess of 300 are often encountered. Elephants are also seen in large numbers. There are various lion prides in the area, as well as a few nomadic males. General “Lowveld” game are abundant in this section of the Sabi Sand Reserve, including giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala and more. Between game drives, lazy hours can be spent in the sparkling pool or having a massage at the Nature Spa

About the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is famed for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey.

With no boundary fences between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park, this reserve benefits from the great diversity of animals found in one of the richest wildlife areas on the African continent, along with the additional benefits experienced on a private game reserve.

Game drives traverse an area of 10 500 hectares (26 000 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of the game viewing experience. Sensitive off-road driving ensures that guests have the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements.