Your questions answered
Yes, each suite is equipped with 1 international adaptor (wall plug). The power supply is 220v A.C. current.
Each of the suites at Arathusa is air conditioned (necessary during the summer months). Similarly, they are heated on winter evenings
Checkout time 10H30
Check in time 13H00
Late departures may be accommodated in an available room, subject to the availability of space.
More than 90 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fee
More than 60 days prior to arrival: 10% of the full accommodation charge
More than 30 days prior to arrival: 25% of the full accommodation charge
Less than 30 days prior to arrival: 50% of the full accommodation charge
Less than 7 days prior to arrival: 100% of the full accommodation charge
Arathusa Safari Lodge is unfortunately not suitable for people with disabilities.
As the lodge is not fenced, no children under the age of 12 are allowed for safety reasons.
To give you an idea of what to expect while on safari at Arathusa, we have provided an outline of what a typical day entails at below:
Summer (October to April)
04h30 / 05h00 – Wake-up call
05h00 / 05h30 to 08h00 / 08h30 – Morning safari (3 hours)
*Breakfast is served directly after the safari
09h15 / 09h45 – Optional guided walk (approx. 1 hour)
*Morning spent at leisure. During this time, you have the option of visiting the spa, lying by the pool, browsing the curio shop, or resting in the quiet of your Luxury Suite.
14h00 – Lunch
15h30 / 16h00 – Afternoon tea
16h00 / 16h30 to 19h00 / 19h30 – Afternoon/evening safari
19h45 / 20h00 – Dinner
*Times adapted to season and determined by daylight hours
Winter (May to September)
05h30 – Wake-up call
06h00 to 09h00 – Morning safari (3 hours)
*Breakfast is served directly after the safari
10h15 – Optional guided walk (approx. 1 hour)
*Morning spent at leisure. During this time, you have the option of visiting the spa, lying by the pool, browsing the curio shop, or resting in the quiet of your Luxury Suite.
14h00 – Lunch
15h30 – Afternoon tea
15h30 – Afternoon/evening safari
19h15 – Dinner
*Times adapted to season and determined by daylight hours
- We regret that Arathusa Safari Lodge does not offer any Kosher meals. No specialist Halaal food is served, but we have chicken/fish/vegetarian options available.
No, you can’t use Google Maps or a GPS when driving to the lodge as this will take you to the wrong entry gate. You can only enter at Gowrie Gate in the north.
Click here to download the directions.
NOTE: There is currently roadworks between Welverdiend and Hluvukani.
Click here for detour directions.
Contact reservations@arathusa.co.za if you need any additional information.
Payment for all additional extras is to be settled on departure. This include: curio shop purchases, spa treatments & products and laundry.
We do not offer Family Rooms/Interleading Rooms or Triple Rooms. Our rooms are suitable for 2 guests only in either twin or double beds. Please advise should you require a twin bed setup.
Hoedspruit is the closest commercial airport to Arathusa. Arathusa also has its own airstrip that is serviced by Fedair.
Our game drives are ± 3 hours long, and take place early morning and late afternoon (returning to the lodge after sunset).
Early morning drives
Depart between 05h30 – 06h00 (summer)
Depart between 06h00 – 06h30 (winter)
Late afternoon drives
Depart between 16h00 – 16h30 (summer)
Depart between 15h30 – 16h00 (winter)
* Schedules are always dependent on climate and prevailing weather conditions
You do have to pay gate fees at both as they are 2 different conservation areas.
Yes we do, at an additional cost. Please note that this is a ‘bush laundry’ service, and we do not recommend that ‘delicates’ are sent through.
Many local people and some travellers do not take malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals recommend you do. Consult your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for the latest advice concerning malaria prophylaxis, as it changes regularly.
Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent (available in each of the suites at Arathusa, as well as on game drives) and wear long pants, closed shoes and light long-sleeved shirts at night. Be sure to sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas (the anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark). It is advisable to avoid malaria areas if you are pregnant.
You can pay by credit card, bank transfer or by PayGate (a secure link where you enter your card details). A 50% deposit is payable when confirming your booking. The balance is due 30 days before arrival.
Master Card, American Express, and Visa are accepted as a means of payment at Arathusa.
Regrettably, cheques are not accepted at the camp. Please view more on our Rates page
Arathusa has an infinity swimming pool that overlooks the waterhole. Each of the four remote Suites also has its own plunge pool.
VAT (Value Added Tax) is calculated at 15% and included in the price of most goods, services and hotel accommodation. Foreign tourists qualify for a VAT refund on items purchased and taken out of the country upon departure. No VAT refund may be claimed on goods consumed or services rendered.
For further information, visit www.taxrefunds.co.za more information on our rates here
Comfortable light clothing for summer months, including a swimming costume
A very warm jacket for game drives during winter – conditions can be chilly!
Walking shoes and socks
Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen (the African sun is harsh for the unprotected body)
Camera and plenty of film/ memory card
A good book
No time is the best, as each season has its own unique appeal. The animals, with the exception of migrating birds and hibernating animals, are always there.
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided in all public areas (bar/lounge). Please view more on all our facilities here