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Welcome To Arathusa Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger Park Lodge
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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. |
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Location
| 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. |
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The Camp
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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. |
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Accommodation
| 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.
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.
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. |
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From The Kitchen
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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.
Dinner is a 3-course affair in the traditional African boma around a blazing fire (weather permitting).
Arathusa also offers a range of superior South African wines, produced in the Cape by well respective farms and estates. |
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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. |
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In The Bush
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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. |
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