General Information
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.
Introduction
Big 5 Safaris in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve are the speciality of Arathusa Safari Lodge.
We offer an exceptional, affordable, wildlife and Big 5 Safari experience in a traditional safari camp. Our Big 5 Safari experience is achieved in stylish comfort and is a sumptuous affair. The warmth and charm of our camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.
In a world of instant meals, instant pictures, instant communications, instant relief and instant gratification, where are our roots? What anchors us? What gives us a sense of heritage and authenticity? Where do we turn to rejuvenate a depleted soul?
We look South.
We look to the Land of the Elephants.
We look to the African Bush where nature’s energy pulses un-interrupted from its’ source.
We look to the generations who breathed life into The African Safari and created the link for all the earth’s inhabitants to enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty.
And we look to those who have cherished this experience…. Protecting it, nourishing it and enjoying it through generations. Those who invite the explorer out of their instant world – presenting instead a magic as old as time.
It is here that we find Arathusa Safari Lodge a true custodian of the traditional African experience.
BIG 5 SAFARIS
The African Safari is most often measured against "The Big Five" barometer. The Big Five is a group of animals including the lion, the leopard, the rhino, the elephant and the buffalo who earned their reputations as the most dangerous animals to be hunted on foot. The phrase "Big Five" was coined by hunters of yesteryear - before the advent of the photographic safari.
The traveller seeking the Big Five safari experience will certainly find it at Arathusa. With exceptional sightings of leopard (usually the most elusive of cats), lions and rhino in the field - a camera's viewfinder is continuously filled with close contact wildlife interactions. One need not leave the comfort of the camp to see massive herds of buffalo, and elephant families which gather at the water's edge.
There is so much more to The African Safari than the Big Five. A veritable collection of smaller creatures add colour and character to a game drive.
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.
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.
• Very warm jacket for game drives during winter (very "chilly" conditions!).
• Walking shoes and socks
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen (the African sun is harsh for the unprotected body)
• Camera and plenty of film/ memory space.
• A good book...
Children
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.
VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax) is currently at 14% and is included in the price of most goods, services and hotel accommodation. Foreign tourists qualify for a VAT refund on items purchased and taken out of the country upon departure. No VAT refund may be claimed on goods consumed or services rendered.
For further information, visit www.taxrefunds.co.za.
Credit Cards
Master Card, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted as a means of payment at Arathusa.
Cheque Payments
Regretfully cheques are not accepted at the camp.