Arathusa Safari Lodge is situated within the northern sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This region has gained fame due to its incredible concentrations of animals and bird-life and is the classic Big Five destination - boasting exceptional sightings of leopard as well as massive herds of buffalo! The name “Arathusa” is derived from the Northern Sotho Word “Reathusa” - which means “to help one another”. The Farm was bought by the Dannhausers in 1960 but it was only in 2006 that they opened this lodge to the public - the owners are very involved in the lodge have cultivated a fantastic attitude amongst management and staff that makes for a great guest experience.

This intimate camp is in a perfect location, its open-plan layout overlooking a large adjacent waterhole and the African bush – this allows for guests to enjoy a 180-degree view of the water which has a steady stream of a variety of breathtaking wildlife coming through. It’s really a bonus to not even have to leave the comfort of the camp to enjoy great game viewing and the chance to see large herds of buffalo come down to drink or breeding herds of elephants families take a playful swim to cool off! Add the bonus of grunting hippos right on your doorstep and the result is 24 hour entertainment without even having to leave the lodge!

Arathusa has a range of accommodation on offer, from 8 Water-facing Suites to 4 Bush-facing Suites. These are simple and quite traditionally yet elegantly furnished affairs without the overt luxury and cutting edge décor style on offer at some of the (very) expensive neighbouring lodges. That said they include all the comfort and features that you would expect – air-conditioning, a comfortable bed with romantic mosquito netting, large en-suite bathroom with bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers as well as a private viewing deck for optimal enjoyment of game viewing. The Bush-facing Suites are larger and more privately positioned a little further removed from the main camp facilities. These boast a separate lounge area, a covered outdoor deck and your own private plunge pool which is always a winner - one thing to note is that the Bush-facing Suites don't enjoy a view of the waterhole but are instead bush facing (a short walk will take you to a hide that overlooks the waterhole)

The lodge's public areas have been newly refurbished to exhibit much more contemporary styling and furnishings in particular than was previously the case. The lounge/dining area is attractive and light, with views out over the waterhole. Perhaps the highlight highlight of the main public areas though has to be the infinity swimming pool which directly overlooks the waterhole - this is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a smouldering afternoon while you wallow in the pool with an ice cold drink with perhaps a pod of snorting hippos in the waterhole below to keep you company! For company of a human variety you have the chance to chat to fellow guests at the bar, whilst meals at Arathusa are a sociable affair in the traditional open-air boma where you can enjoy delicious meals under the stars to the sounds of the African wild - or alternatively on the deck overlooking the waterhole around a blazing fire!

The perennial Manyeleti River meanders its way though Arathusa and the landscape here is rich and varied with open savannas, riverine thickets, river beds and lush bush vegetation. It’s the sheer concentration and variety of game that this area is most famous for however, and the safari experience here is exceptional! The twice daily game drives in an open 4x4 vehicles with your ranger and local tracker will not only entertain you but deliver interesting bits of information and an exceptional game viewing experience. Arathusa prides itself on its leopard viewing and approximately 14 leopards are found in the area (and as leopards are territorial, there are 6 leopard that are regularly spotted as their behavior is observed and their movements plotted)

More active guests can enjoy guided walks with an armed ranger as being on foot brings an altogether different view of the bush – and can really cause the adrenaline to flow wildly if you’re lucky enough to spot big game! Otherwise for those of you who are simply looking to relax you can enjoy a range of African inspired treatments at Arathusa’s Spa where you can experience various pampering treatments whilst overlooking the camp's waterhole and the beautiful African bushveld.

Whether you wile away the hours quietly reflecting on the views of the bush and the game coming down to drink, get stuck into a good book or enjoy companionable banter with friends or fellow safari go-ers, the warmth and charm of this family owned camp and its friendly staff make for a memorable safari experience!