One thing that surprises me is how many individuals still hold the belief that embarking on an African safari implies staying in makeshift accommodations in the wilderness and enduring a rugged experience. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and my recent visit to Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve part of Kruger National Park serves as evidence. It is a cozy, boutique, all-inclusive retreat that seamlessly merges the very best of its natural environment with lavish conveniences, along with the incredibly warm and welcoming staff whose primary aim is to ensure each visitor encounters a truly enchanting stay.
Arathusa comprises a total of 12 individual villas, showcasing contemporary and airy interiors. The open-plan living spaces feature beds adorned with decorative mosquito nets, a lounge corner, a coffee station with a mini fridge, and a luxurious bathroom complete with delightful soaking tubs. A compact outdoor terrace provides an ideal spot to relax at day’s end with a glass of fine South African wine. Guests are encouraged to detach from the constant hurly-burly of everyday life as there are no televisions or room-specific wifi connectivity (although wifi is accessible in the shared areas of the retreat).
Among the villas, eight are positioned adjacent to a watering hole that serves as a regular attraction for the local fauna. From the comfort of your villa, you can observe a sizeable elephant herd frolicking or catch a glimpse of the resident rhinoceros. The remaining four villas are slightly secluded and necessitate accompaniment when moving around due to the free-roaming wildlife in the vicinity.
Communal areas within the lodge include a handful of intimate lounging spaces, a wine cellar stocked with a variety of South African vintages, and a welcoming bar. Given the lodge’s limit of 24 occupants, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers as you congregate to exchange tales of your daily wildlife excursions.
Meals are enjoyed collectively in an outdoor setting on the fringe of the watering hole. Seated together with members of your safari group, possibly up to 9 individuals, your guide may even join in to address queries or delve into further discussion about the fauna. The cuisine provided is ample, first-rate, and can be tailored to cater to specific dietary requirements.
To make the most of your safari venture, a structured daily itinerary is in place, featuring an early morning game drive and a late afternoon game drive, each with a duration of three to four hours. Although it may seem like a lengthy affair, be assured that tracking and sighting the wildlife provide an adrenaline-filled experience, leaving you captivated for the most part – all the while busily capturing photographs. Accompanied by a guide and a spotter, you will traverse the terrain in a safari vehicle along with other members of your group, which could include up to nine individuals. Brief intermissions for coffee and light breakfast during morning drives and a happy hour during the afternoon outings are included. During our initial afternoon exploration, we successfully spotted three of the Big 5.
Additionally, the lodge includes a compact spa where patrons can indulge in an array of personalized treatments. A mid-morning massage acts as the perfect remedy for those early wake-up calls, and an early evening foot massage offers a splendid method to unwind after a busy day.
The personnel at the lodge is truly exceptional, with many residing in the nearby village and exuding exceptional hospitality. Their dedication is palpable in ensuring that all guests encounter the utmost satisfaction, tending to your every desire – whether you seek to gain insights about the surrounding locale or simply desire a nightcap before retiring to your villa. Onsite, there exists a petite gift emporium boasting locally-crafted artworks and essentials.
Situated a mere two to three-hour drive from Hoedspruit airport, most visitors opt for a direct flight to the lodge’s petite airstrip, making it undeniably one of the premier sites to relish a South African wildlife expedition.
Image Credit: Trip Advisor