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Wildlife at the Arathusa Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve
The landscape of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is rich and varied. Open savannahs, riverine thickets, river beds and lush bush vegetation ensure interesting sights, flora and fauna. The perennial Manyeleti River meanders its way through the property of the Arathusa Safari Lodge.
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 the past - before the advent of the photographic safari.
Travellers who seek the Big Five safari experience will certainly find it during their stay at the Arathusa Safari Lodge. With exceptional sightings of leopard which is usually the most elusive of cats, lions and rhino - a camera's viewfinder is continuously filled with close contact wildlife interactions. One need not leave the comfort of the camp to see the stunning herds of buffalo, and elephant families, which gather at the water's edge.
The Arathusa Lodge in Sabi Sands prides itself on its' leopard viewing. As leopards are territorial, their regular appearances in this specific region of the Kruger National Park allows the rangers to track their movements and to observe their behavior. Approximately 14 leopards are found in the area in which Arathusa operates, 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. Elephants are also seen in 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. This region is a bird-watcher's mecca. A few of the rarer birds are seen from the Arathusa camp itself, such as the Horus Swift.
Distances
- Johannesburg to Arathusa Safari Lodge - approximately 550 kms (approximately 7 hours by road)
- Nelspruit to Arathusa Safari Lodge - 170 KM (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road)
- Hoedspruit to Arathusa Safari Lodge - 80 KM (approximately 1.5 hours by road)
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport ( KMIA )to Arathusa Safari Lodge - 165 KM (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road)
Directions to the Arathusa Safari Lodge Sabi Sands
- From Johannesburg, take the N12 to Witbank. At Witbank, take the N4 to Nelspruit
- Take the R40 from Nelspruit to White River and proceed to Hazyview
- Remain on the R40 towards Bushbuckridge
- From Hazyview it is approximately 62 km until you reach Acornhoek
- Turn right at the traffic lights (Manyeleti / Hulamahashe / Hluvukani turn off)
- Follow the tar road for approximately 33km
- Turn right onto a gravel road (just before the Hluvukane BP Petrol Station on the right hand side)
- Travel down this gravel road for approximately 5km until you find a road to your left. Turn left
- Travel straight down this road for approximately 16km to the "Gowrie Gate"
- Entrance fee to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is payable in cash Travel straight through the "Gowrie Gate"
- Follow the sign for "Arathusa Safari 5.9km"
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ARATHUSA SAFARI LODGE /
MPUMALANGA |
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The luxurious Arathusa Safari Lodge is situated within the northern sector of the game rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, in South Africa's magnificent Mpumalanga Province. The Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa became a popular safari destination due to its lengthy history, its high concentration of wildlife including lions and leopards, and the high quality private safaris, which are available to guests. The Sabi Sand Reserve includes Elephant Plains, Simbambili, Chitwa Chitwa which is part of Djuma and some private land.
The fine Arathusa Lodge nestles along the bank of a large lake. Each of the luxury chalets at Arathusa provides a beautiful 180- degree view of the water. Guests are able to view and enjoy a variety of wildlife including hippos and the big five - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant - from the comfort of their private verandas.
The five star Arathusa Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park, is an 868 hectare property. Traversing during game drives, however, takes place across an area of approximately 4000 hectares, which is based on reciprocal agreements with neighbouring landowners. The exclusive safari experience is enhanced by the fact that there are very few vehicles to impact on the solitude enjoyed during game drives.
The history of the Arathusa Game Lodge, South Africa
The word "Arathusa" is derived from the Northern Sotho Word "Reathusa", which stands for the phrase "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.
The Camp at the Arathusa Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The camp at the Arathusa Lodge 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 are an extension of the natural environment at the Arathusa Safari Lodge in Sabi Sands.
The main living area at this exclusive safari destination is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view, reading a book, enjoying time with friends, the warmth and charm of the camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.
The swimming pool at the lodge overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a hot African summer's afternoon. The traditional open-air boma, which is the Lodge's brick and grass enclosed outdoor dining area, presents guests with a novel way of appreciating an enjoyable meal under the stars to the sounds of the African wild
Accommodation at the Arathusa Safari Lodge
A maximum of 26 guests can be accommodated at the Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms at Arathusa in keeping with the traditional safari experience. Guests are, however, able to make telephone calls from the reception area of the Lodge, and send or receive e-mails and faxes.
Standard Rooms
The thatched Standard Rooms at Arathusa feature a bathroom with bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers and a verandah for optimum enjoyment of the surrounding wilds. Twin bedded rooms can be arranged upon request. The fabrics are natural, the design of these rooms is 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.
Luxury Suites
The exclusive Luxury Suites at the Arathusa Safari Lodge have lifted the bar in respect of accommodation at the intimate safari lodge. These spacious suites are each 136 square meters, and provide magnificent views of the surrounding bush. Private plunge pools are the perfect place to while away long sunny days in the wild. Each Luxury Suite at the Arathusa Safari Lodge has a mini-bar, large bathroom en-suite (with indoor and outdoor showers), lounge area and private shaded verandah.
Dining at Arathusa, Kruger National Park
Meal times at the Arathusa Safari Lodge are a sociable affair. From the kitchen guests are treated to sumptuous dishes, fresh produce and home baked confectionary. At Arathusa, guests find a taste of "ma se kombuis" (Afrikaans for "mom's kitchen").
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. Dinner at the Arathusa Safari Lodge is a 3-course affair in the traditional African boma around a blazing fire, which is weather permitting.
Arathusa also offers a range of superior fine South African wines, which have been produced in the Cape by well respective farms and wine estates.
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