South Africa

Arathusa Safari Lodge

An adults only camp for travellers drawn to relaxed safaris with polished guiding and private-reserve ease, classic comfort and considered quiet
Park/Region
Sabi Sands
Zone/Area
Northern Sector
Lodge Type
Small Lodge
Price per night (per person)
£590

Overview

What we love about Arathusa Safari Lodge

Arathusa Safari Lodge offers a good value, family owned, safari base in Northern Sector in Sabi Sands, South Africa, with open borders to Kruger National Park. At the heart of Arathusa is a waterhole serving as an all year round congregation point for the surrounding wildlife and resident hippo pods. Here the safari encounters come to you. Hospitality here is warm, personal and grounded and the stay here is comfortable rather than luxurious.

Deluxe

Lodge Standard

★★★

Location Rating*

★★★

Guiding Rating*
*Ratings based on Safari Circle's research and ranking methodology.

Awards

What awards & Acclaims have they received?

Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025: 14th Best Resort in South Africa

Arathusa Safari Lodge acclaim is shaped by its Northern Sector in Sabi Sands setting, considered hospitality and the way the stay keeps landscape, comfort and safari rhythm in careful balance. Formal awards include: 

Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025: 14th Best Resort in South Africa

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Location

Sabi Sands, South Africa

Arathusa Safari Lodge sits in the Northern Sector area of Sabi Sands, South Africa, within private-reserve Greater Kruger woodland with exceptional leopard and big-cat access. Open borders with Kruger create a dense wildlife base. The Northern area of Sabi Sands is home to some of the more affordable properties in Sabi Sand and lodges have shared traversing areas. Arathusa does have its own airstrip but Hoedspruit is another airport option, about an hour's drive away.

From the UK, access is usually via Johannesburg or Cape Town, followed by a scheduled flight, road transfer or charter depending on the reserve.

South Africa is generally one of the easiest safari countries logistically, especially for families and first-time travellers.

Perfect for The Seeker & The Witness

Arathusa Safari Lodge speaks first to The Seeker travellers through emotional openness, classic safari impact, and first-time wonder. The Witness adds unhurried moments that stay with travellers long after they leave. Together, the fit is less about ticking off features and more about matching the lodge to the traveller's natural safari tempo.

Accomodation

What kinds of rooms are avaliable?

Choose between waterhole views or complete bush seclusion, both with outdoor verandas, and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. Guests over 12 are welcome.

Water-Facing Suites

For guests who enjoy being close to the lodge and having wildlife in view throughout the day.
Bush-Facing Suites

For guests who value privacy and seclusion. Includes a private plunge pool. Not recommended for those with limited mobility.

Timing

Opening times & Seasonal Rates

*Prices are approximate, and may vary with exchange rates.
Year Round
Jan - Dec
From £590 per person per night
Includes
Indicative lodge rate typically includes accommodation, meals and standard safari activities - based on 2 people sharing.
Excludes
Conservation fees, premium drinks, transfers, visas, gratuities and private vehicle costs may be excluded.

Sightings

What might you see around Arathusa Safari Lodge?

Leopard
Strongly associated around Northern Sector of Sabi Sands , where woodland shade and riverbeds reward patient tracking
Lion
Strongly associated around Northern Sector of Sabi Sands, especially where grassland, shade and prey movement meet.
Elephant
Possible around Northern Sector of Sabi Sands, where water, shade and old movement lines gather.
Buffalo
Possible around Northern Sector of Sabi Sands, where local habitat and guiding make the encounter feel placed.
Giraffe
Possible around Northern Sector of Sabi Sands, where local habitat and guiding make the encounter feel placed.

Learn more about the local sights & sounds

Ammenities

What amenities do they have at Arathusa Safari Lodge?

+ Swimming pool

+ Waterhole

+ Private concession or reserve access

+ Game drives, night drive

+ Guided wildlife viewing, bush walks

+ Dining and sundowner spaces

+ Guest lounge or main area

Notes

Notes from our stylists

Best months for wildlife: May-Sep

Minimum Age: 6 years old

Lodge style: Small lodge with 12 rooms or tents and a swimming pool.

Seasonal opening: Open year-round.

Activities for kids: Best suited to children above the stated minimum age, with activity participation guided by age and safety rules.

Malaria health note: Moderate malaria risk (Oct–May).

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Explore

Explore some of our other featured lodges in South Africa

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Credentials & Affiliations

As an independent partner of 360 Private Travel, eligible flight-inclusive holidays booked through us are financially protected by 360 Private Travel Ltd under the UK ATOL scheme, ATOL number 7514. 360 Private Travel Ltd is also IATA accredited under IATA number 91200056.

Qualifying flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected under the UK ATOL scheme, where applicable. You will receive an ATOL Certificate confirming the protection covering your individual booking.

Partner
360 Private Travel
Member
Virtuoso
Endorsed by
Forbes Travel Guide
Contact

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