DescriptionArathusa Safari lodge flanks the bank of a large lake (approximately 250m x 150m). Each of luxury chalets has a 180- degree view of the water. Guests are able to view and enjoy a variety of wildlife (including the big five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) from their private verandahs. There are usually between 5 and 20 hippos “right on the doorstep” providing 24 hour entertainment. No more than 20 guests are accommodated at Arathusa Safari Lodge. 10 thatched luxury suites 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. Fabrics are natural, the design simple and elegant. The camp is an intimate one, completely open-plan and designed to harmoniously blend with the adjacent lake and African bush. Wood and thatch, air and water – an extension of the natural environment. The main living area is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view; reading a good book; enjoying compatible banter with friends or fellow safari go-ers - the warmth and charm of the camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.
HISTORY “Arathusa” is derived from the Northern Sotho Word “Reathusa”, which means “to help one another”. The Farm ‘Arathusa’ was bought by Anina Dannhauser’s grandfather Dries Steyn in 1960, after his farm ‘ Seville’ was expropriated by the then-apartheid government. Seville was incorporated into the Black Homeland Gazankulu after expropriation. That farm is now part of a village called Seville approximately 20km from the Sabi Sand Reserve. 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 30 th 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 Mpumalanga , South Africa. Arathusa Safari Lodge is located within the northern sector of the coveted Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This region has gained favour due to its lengthy history within the South African tourism industry, its incredible concentrations of wildlife, and the high quality private safaris on offer. The lodge flanks the bank of a large lake (approximately 250m x 150m). Each of luxury chalets has a 180- degree view of the water. Guests are able to view and enjoy a variety of wildlife (including the big five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) from their private verandahs. There are usually between 5 and 20 hippos “right on the doorstep” providing 24 hour entertainment. Accommodation THE CAMP The camp is an intimate one, completely open-plan and designed to harmoniously blend with the adjacent lake and African bush. Wood and thatch, air and water – an extension of the natural environment. The main living area is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view; reading a good book; enjoying compatible banter with friends or fellow safari go-ers - the warmth and charm of the camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience. An infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a smoldering African summer’s afternoon. A traditional open-air boma (brick & grass enclosed dining area) presents guests with a novel way of appreciating an enjoyable meal under the stars to the sounds of the African wild. Standard Luxury Rooms No more than 26 guests are accommodated at Arathusa Safari Lodge. The thatched Standard Luxury Rooms 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. Fabrics are natural, the design simple and elegant. Additional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities. New Luxury Suites The all-new Luxury Suites at Arathusa Safari Lodge have lifted the bar in respect of accommodation at the intimate safari lodge. These massive units are each 136m2, and enjoy unparalleled views of the surrounding bush. Private plunge pools are the perfect place to while away long sunny days in the wild. Each room has a mini-bar, large bathroom en-suite (with indoor and outdoor showers), lounge area and private shaded verandah. There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms at Arathusa. 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. THE WILDLIFE 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. There is a female leopard named ‘Safari’ who is often seen around the camp. 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. 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. USEFUL INFORMATION Malaria: Many local people and some travellers do not take malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals recommend you do. Consult your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for the latest advice concerning malaria prophylaxis, as it changes regularly. Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent (available in each of the suites at Arathusa, as well as on game drives), wear long pants, closed shoes and light long-sleeved shirts at night, and sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas (the anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark). It is advisable to avoid malarial areas if you are pregnant. What To Take: * Comfortable light clothing for summer months, including swimming costume. Arathusa Safari Lodge is strictly for visitors over the age of 12, unless the entire camp is booked exclusively. Arrival And Departure Times Check-in time is 12h00 and check-out time is 11h00. Air conditioning Each of the suites at Arathusa are air conditioned (necessary during the summer months). Similarly, they are heated on winter evenings. Swimming Pool Arathusa boasts an infinity swimming pool overlooking the natural lake. Power Supply 220v A.C. current. Tourism Levy A mandatory tourism levy is included in the daily rate for accommodation. FROM THE KITCHEN "Laughter is brightest where food is best." Irish Proverb Meal times at Arathusa are a sociable affair. From the kitchen guests are treated to sumptuous dishes, fresh produce and home baked confectionary. At Arathusa, portions are suited to appetite – one will not find haute cuisine. One will find a taste of “ma se kombuis” (Afrikaans for “mom’s kitchen”). South Africa is renowned for its’ fresh produce – our fruits and vegetables are a primary export to international regions all over the world. Meat, venison and poultry are also first class. A continental breakfast is served buffet-style, while a cooked meal is served according to guests' preference from the kitchen. A sumptuous lunch is prepared by the chef, and served to the guests directly.
AttractionsArathusa 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. There is a female leopard named ‘Safari’ who is often seen around the camp. 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. 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 larger birds are seen from the camp itself, such as the Horus Swift.
TGCSA Star Grading FacilitiesAdditional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities. There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms at Arathusa. 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. 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. |
