The Xidulu leopardess has two new cubs
The Xidulu leopardess has two new cubs Something very special happened… Tracker Norman and Guide Jordan tracked and found the Xidulu female with two new cubs! During an evening game drive, we found Xidulu feeding on a kill on Simbambili close to where she was denning. We saw that she had suckle marks during this […]
The Tiyani leopardess and her daughter Laluka
The Tiyani leopardess and her daughter Laluka Tiyani – derived from the Shangaan word for Strong One – was born in May 2015 west of Arathusa Safari Lodge to the Salayexe female, and was sired by Tingana. She is one of the successful female leopards in our area as she has raised two offspring – […]
An elephant is born
An elephant is born This was a first for Rifos and I – we are so blessed that the elephants gave us the opportunity to observe from a distance. This has definitely been one of the highlights of our careers! Late on an afternoon game drive earlier this week, field guide Brett, tracker Rifos, and […]
December Sightings At A Glance
December Sightings At A Glance Our rangers tracked rare cheetah viewings, some dramatic lion politics and a martial eagle on the hunt! In the high heat of the summer, the lodge at Arathusa is quiet and peaceful as guests relax by the pool – and our elephant and buffalo guests wallow close by at the […]
Meet Arathusa’s General Manager Vernon
Meet Arathusa’s General Manager Vernon It’s our great pleasure to introduce you to Vernon van Wyk, General Manager of Arathusa Safari Lodge (since 2012). My background and history “I was born in Johannesburg, and spent my first 25 years in the city. My interest in the great outdoors was developed at a very early age, […]
Arathusa Waterhole Highlights of 2022
Arathusa Waterhole Highlights of 2022 We have been very fortunate with our waterhole sightings this year! This unique attraction has gifted our guests and staff with many memorable moments (too many for us to document), so we have highlighted some of our favourites for your enjoyment below… 1. Elephant vs hippo There were many different […]
Meet Field Guide Jordan Jacobson
Meet Field Guide Jordan Jacobson Nicknamed “Nkoka” (meaning dragmark or ‘Ndzopfori’ after the Tamboti tree), Jordan takes us through his guiding journey… “My father worked in the Kruger National Park before I was born. I was brought up in Johannesburg, but visited the bush often. The stories my father told me when I was young […]
Summer season at Arathusa
The Summer season at Arathusa The summer season is upon us, and the rains will soon arrive. We can expect extremely hot weather during the day, and this heat often heralds spectacular thunder and lightning storms late in the afternoon. Everything turns a verdant green, and the trees start fruiting. Insects and reptiles are out […]
November Sightings At A Glance
November Sightings At A Glance Our guests viewed incredible leopards, impressive lion kills and our wild dogs are thriving! With more summer rains this month, the weather is getting increasingly hotter as we move to the end of the year. The grazing is very lush and green at this time, and there is plenty of […]
The history of the Talamati lion pride
The history of the Talamati lion pride The lion dynamics are constantly changing out here in the bush. We take you through the history of the Talamati Pride… Originally part of the Nkuhuma Pride, the Talamati Pride of lions broke away from the Nkuhumas in 2007 when the Mapogo males took over from the Manyeleti […]