Your questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions not answered below, please reach out to us via the live sales agent at the bottom right of your screen. We will be happy to help.

Planning your stay

Arathusa is an intimate lodge with just 12 suites, welcoming a maximum of 24 guests. It is well suited to couples marking a milestone, honeymoon, or meaningful pause together; mature leisure travellers looking for a calm, unhurried safari rhythm; safari-experienced guests returning for the guiding quality and wildlife density; and small friend groups and multi-generational families with children aged 12 and older.

Children aged 12 and older are welcome and are charged the full adult rate. Children younger than 12 can only be accommodated when the lodge is booked on an exclusive-use basis. This policy exists because the lodge is unfenced and located in a Big Five reserve.

Yes. Arathusa can be booked for exclusive use, which is a popular option for multi-generational families, close friend groups, small milestone gatherings, and private celebrations. Exclusive use gives you the full lodge, the full team, and the flexibility to shape the experience around your group. It is also the only arrangement under which children younger than 12 can be accommodated. Please contact our reservations team for exclusive-use rates and availability.

We recommend a minimum of three nights. This allows enough time to arrive properly, settle into the rhythm of the lodge, and enjoy the full cycle of game drives, shared meals, and unhurried time between activities. Many returning guests stay longer, often four to five nights, to fully experience the waterhole at different times of day.

The Sabi Sand is a year-round safari destination. The dry season (May to September) brings cooler, clear days with sparse vegetation, which draws wildlife to the waterhole and makes for open, reliable viewing. The green season (October to April) brings warmer days, lush bush, dramatic skies, newborn animals, and exceptional birding. The shoulder months of April and October are often the most comfortable weeks of the year.

Getting here

There are three main routes to the lodge, depending on your travel preference:

  • Federal Air direct shuttle. A daily scheduled flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, landing on the Arathusa Airstrip. This is the most direct option and takes approximately one hour. The lodge is a short drive from the airstrip.
  • Fly via Nelspruit (KMIA) or Hoedspruit (HDS). Domestic flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to either airport, followed by a light aircraft transfer (via CessZani from Nelspruit) or a road transfer from Hoedspruit.
  • Self-drive or road transfer from Johannesburg. Approximately seven hours by road, entering the reserve via the Gowrie Gate.

Our reservations team can talk you through the options and help arrange the route that suits you best.

Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closest commercial airport, approximately two hours by road from the lodge. Nelspruit (KMIA) is approximately three hours by road. Both receive domestic flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, and KMIA is also an international airport with customs clearance available.

Yes, though with a few specifics worth knowing. The main route from Johannesburg is straightforward, on well-maintained tarred national roads. The final stretch passes through rural communities where a cautious pace is important. The road between Hoedspruit and Arathusa, particularly from the Viva Petrol Station toward Gottenberg and Manyeleti, is in poor condition with significant potholes, and warrants careful driving. Inside the reserve, the roads are unpaved but well maintained, and a high-clearance sedan or SUV is recommended. It is best to arrive before 15h30 to join the afternoon game drive. The Gowrie Gate closes at sunset.

Please do not. GPS applications routinely suggest a “quickest route” to Arathusa’s coordinates that leads guests to the wrong gates, including entry gates for the Kruger National Park or Sabi Sand gates that do not service our part of the reserve. Some of these routes involve impassable river crossings. Guests who follow GPS without reference to our directions commonly lose up to three hours and occasionally end up lost in the bush. Arathusa is only accessible via the Gowrie Gate. We will send you detailed, turn-by-turn directions when your booking is confirmed.

The Arathusa Airstrip is a tarred bush runway located in the northern Sabi Sand. Landings are permitted between 11h00 and 15h00 South African time only, to preserve the quiet of the reserve. Private charter aircraft are welcome, subject to advance coordination with the lodge and completion of an indemnity form. Federal Air and CessZani are both familiar with the airstrip.

Yes, we can arrange transfers to and from most regional airports, lodges, and destinations on request. Please let our reservations team know your travel plans and we will quote accordingly. We work closely with two established transfer partners, Sable Tours (res@sabletours.co.za) and Osprey Tours (bookings@ospreytours.co.za), both experienced and reliable.

Federal Air operates small aircraft, and a strict luggage policy applies: a maximum of 20 kilograms per person, including hand luggage, and soft bags only (hard suitcases cannot be accommodated). Federal Air offers complimentary luggage storage at their Johannesburg and Nelspruit lounges for return flights booked directly with them.

Flights into and out of the Arathusa Airstrip are weather-dependent, and safety takes precedence over schedule. If conditions prevent a safe landing or take-off, Federal Air will make alternative arrangements, typically a road transfer. Please check your email the evening before your flight for any timing updates.

At the lodge

Check-in is from 12h00, and check-out is at 11h00. If you would like an earlier check-in or later check-out, please let our reservations team know and we will do our best to accommodate.

No. Arathusa is unfenced, which is a defining characteristic of a Big Five reserve. Animals move freely through and around the property. For this reason, guests are escorted to and from their suites after dark by a member of our team.

Wi-Fi is available in the shared areas of the lodge and is generally reliable for email, messaging, and light browsing. It is intentionally not provided in the suites, which supports rest and a gentler disconnection from everyday routines.

The power supply is 220v A.C. current. Each suite is equipped with one international adaptor (wall plug). If you need more than one, please ask on arrival.

Yes. Each suite has a power point within easy reach of the bed, suitable for a CPAP machine.

The main lodge and Water-facing Suites are the most suitable options for guests with limited mobility, accessed along relatively level pathways. The Bush-facing Suites involve uneven ground and a longer walk, and are not recommended for guests who have difficulty walking. Please note that Arathusa is not wheelchair accessible. If mobility is a consideration, please mention it when you enquire.

Yes, at an additional cost. Please note that this is a bush laundry, and we do not recommend that delicate items are sent through.

Food and drink

Yes. We cater for allergies, intolerances, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher-style, gluten-free, low-carb, and most other dietary preferences. Please let us know your requirements in advance.

Your stay includes a generous selection of local house wines, beers, and spirits, along with soft drinks and juices. Premium branded spirits, cellar wines, and champagnes are available for purchase.

Safari and wildlife

 

Game drives are approximately three hours long, twice a day. In summer (October to April), morning drives depart between 05h00 and 05h30, and afternoon drives between 16h00 and 16h30. In winter (May to September), morning drives depart around 06h00, and afternoon drives around 15h30. Drives include a refreshment stop, either a coffee break in the morning or sundowners in the afternoon.

Arathusa operates three Land Cruiser safari vehicles, each with a guaranteed window seat for every guest. We make every effort to keep numbers low, but at full lodge occupancy, up to eight guests may share a vehicle. Keeping our fleet deliberately small is aligned with Sabi Sand’s responsible safari practices and our environmental commitments.

Yes. Private vehicle hire is available at an additional daily charge, subject to availability. This gives you and your travelling party exclusive use of a vehicle, guide, and tracker, with full flexibility over drive times and focus.

Yes. Afternoon drives continue after sunset and return to the lodge after dark, which effectively includes a short night drive on every afternoon outing. Trackers use a red-filtered spotlight to locate nocturnal animals without disturbing their natural behaviour.

Guided bush walks are available on request and are led by qualified, rifle-carrying guides. To be honest about it, bush walks are not Arathusa’s strongest offering. The terrain is relatively flat, and the area around the lodge is better suited to drives than walking safaris. We are happy to arrange a walk if you would like one.

Yes. The Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park are separate conservation areas managed by different bodies, and each charges its own gate fees for entry. If you are visiting only Arathusa, only the Sabi Sand fees apply.

Rates, bookings and payment

Your rate covers luxury accommodation, all meals, afternoon tea and refreshments, two daily game drives with a guide and tracker, guided bush walks on request, a selection of house wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks, Wi-Fi in the main lodge areas, and 15% VAT.

Yes. The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is a privately owned conservation area, and two separate charges apply. The Sabi Sand Gate Fee is a once-off fee on entry, payable per vehicle and per person (included automatically if you book your road transfer directly through Arathusa). The Guest Conservation Contribution is a mandatory daily levy added to your accommodation invoice, supporting conservation initiatives with a focus on anti-poaching. Current amounts are confirmed on your booking invoice.

A 50% deposit secures your reservation, with the balance due prior to arrival. Bookings made more than 61 days before arrival may be held provisionally for up to 30 days. Payments can be made by secure credit card link or electronic bank transfer.

More than 90 days before arrival: no fee. 90 to 60 days: 10%. 60 to 30 days: 25%. 30 to 7 days: 50%. Less than 7 days: 100%. Group bookings of eight or more follow a separate schedule. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Yes. A 50% single supplement applies to all suites when occupied by a single guest. From time to time, we are able to offer a waived single supplement on direct bookings, at our discretion and based on availability.

Extras such as curio shop purchases, spa treatments, and laundry are settled on departure. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, along with cash in Rand. Diners Club is not accepted.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged at 15% and is already included in all rates and most extras. Foreign tourists can claim a VAT refund on tangible goods purchased and taken out of the country, at the point of departure. The refund does not apply to services consumed in South Africa, such as accommodation or spa treatments. Keep your original tax invoices.

Tipping is entirely discretionary. For guidance: rangers R250 to R700 per guest per day; trackers typically 50% of the ranger’s gratuity; and a pooled gratuity for the lodge team, shared among approximately 30 team members. Gratuities are usually given at the end of your stay.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and curtailment, medical emergencies and evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and a “cancel for any reason” benefit where available. Any medical treatment, evacuation, or emergency transport during your stay is for your own or your insurer’s account.

Planning

Yes. Arathusa is located in a malaria area. Many local people and travellers do not take prophylaxis, but health professionals often recommend it. We advise consulting your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date advice, as recommendations change from time to time. Mosquito repellent is provided in all suites and on game drives, and suites are fitted with mosquito netting.

All payments to Arathusa are made in South African Rand (ZAR), and we do not convert to other currencies, as exchange rates fluctuate daily. For a current conversion, we recommend using a real-time tool such as Google’s currency converter, XE.com, or your preferred AI assistant. Your card issuer will apply the relevant conversion at the time of payment.

Light, breathable clothing in neutral tones for daytime; warm layers for early morning and evening drives (a jacket, beanie, scarf, and gloves are recommended in winter, when early mornings are cold); comfortable walking shoes; a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen; a swimming costume; a camera with plenty of memory; any personal medication; and a good book. Personal binoculars are strongly recommended, as each vehicle carries only one shared pair.