Arathusa Safari Lodge

Arathusa Safari Lodge is located within the northern sector of the coveted Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This region is renowned for its incredible concentrations of wildlife, including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, and guests can enjoy incredible close encounters with the animals during their morning and afternoon guided game drives in open Land Rovers. Experienced, knowledgeable and personable rangers are paired with local trackers, and together they ensure a first class safari experience.Trackers sit up at the front of the vehicle looking for fresh animal tracks, while rangers skilfully navigate into ravines and through thickets in pursuit of fantastic game sightings.

Guided walks with a ranger may also be arranged - walks usually take place in the early hours during the summer months, when temperatures are more moderate. Being on foot affords a unique and altogether different view of the bush.

The lodge itself is set on the banks of a large waterhole, and is designed to harmoniously blend with the surrounding African bush. An infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a smoldering African summer's afternoon. The spa is a relaxing retreat, where you can enjoy a range of treatments to soothe the body and relax the mind.

Meal times at Arathusa are a sociable affair, and guests are treated to sumptuous dishes, fresh produce and daily baked confectionery from the kitchen. A traditional open-air boma offers guests a novel way of appreciating an enjoyable meal under the stars accompanied by the sounds of the African wild.

There are 9 water-facing rooms with verandahs which overlook the waterhole as well as 4 bush-facing rooms, which are located further away from the main lodge area. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. In addition, the bush-facing rooms also have a lounge area, a plunge pool and verandah, and offer more privacy due to their more private bush setting.  

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.

Rates Include

All meals; house wines, local beers and local spirits (excluding premium brands); tea/coffee; Wi-Fi; the Guest Conservation Contribution; twice-daily shared game drives in open safari vehicles; and a daily guided bush walk are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Normal adult rates apply.

Guest Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 based on 21 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Take the R40 from Hazyview towards Bushbuckridge. Continue on this road for approximately 68 km from Hazyview (passing Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek), then turn right onto the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.

From Eastgate Airport/Hoedspruit: Take the R40 towards Bushbuckridge, and continue along this road for 2 km until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 then follow the directions as below once on the R531.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you get to the Orpen Road/R531 on your left, then follow the directions as below once on the R531.

Directions once on the R531: Continue straight for 30 km. Once you have passed the South African Wildlife College (on your left), after 100m turn right onto a gravel road. Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km. Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park via the Orpen Gate and travel along the R531 towards the R40. About 10 km on the tar road, before the South African Wildlife College, you will see a gravel road to your left. Turn left (helpful hint – if you pass the South African Wildlife College, you have gone too far). Follow this road for 3 km, then turn left (the turn is 50m past a soccer field on your right). Drive down a narrow road for 400m, turn right on to a wide sand road, and continue for another 7.8 km.  Continue on this gravel road until you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction you will see the Hluvukani Viva petrol station in front of you. Turn left onto the tar road to Gottenberg/Manyeleti and follow the tar road for 6.1 km. Turn right onto a dirt road, and follow this for 6.4 km until you see the Uthar Clinic on your left. Turn left onto the gravel road (Utha Store will be on the right) – and travel 7.3 km to the Gowrie Gate.

ONCE AT THE GOWRIE GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change and please note that the gate opens at 06:00 and closes at 19:00). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit.

Once inside the gate, at the signboards continue straight to Arathusa Safari Lodge (do not turn right to Arathusa Private) for approximately 5.9 km. Turn right at the stone wall for Arathusa Safari Lodge and follow the road until the entrance to the lodge on the right.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Please DO NOT follow your GPS 'quickest route' co-ordinates for the lodge. This route inevitably leads guests through the incorrect entry gates (Kruger National Park and into the Sabi Sand Reserve) which do not service the lodge. Furthermore, many of the prescribed roads are not navigable in a normal vehicle. Following GPS co-ordinates can result in getting lost in the middle of the bush, or un-necessary delays of up to 3 hours.

General Information For Guests

Each water-facing room has its own en-suite bathroom, which incorporates a bath and shower, as well as an outdoor shower. Additional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hair dryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/coffee making facilities.

Each of the bush-facing rooms has a plunge pool and verandah, and offers guests with the advantage of privacy within the untamed wilderness. Each bush-facing room also has a lounge area within the extensive open plan unit, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. Additional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hair dryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/coffee making facilities.  These rooms are a bit of a walk from the main lodge area.

Facilities within the main camp include an open plan main living area, an infinity swimming pool, and a traditional open-air dining area.

A spa offers a wide choice of body treatments to soothe the body, relax the mind, and indulge the senses.

MasterCard, American Express and Visa are accepted.

The lodge has mobile phone connectivity.

There is secure parking for self-drive guests.

A Guest Conservation Contribution has been included within your rate. The proceeds go towards the Sabi Sand Wildtuin anti-poaching efforts, the community and ecology.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 5 minute drive away from the airstrip.

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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.