Introduction
“Arathusa” is derived from the Northern Sotho Word “Reathusa”, which means “to help one another”.

The Farm ‘Arathusa’ was bought by Anina Dannhauser’s grandfather Dries Steyn in 1960, after his farm ‘ Seville’ was expropriated by the then-apartheid government. Seville was incorporated into the Black Homeland Gazankulu after expropriation. That farm is now part of a village called Seville approximately 20km from the Sabi Sand Reserve. Arathusa was a family holiday retreat until 1998, when the land was leased to Chitwa Chitwa. They operated the lodge as Chitwa Chitwa Safari Lodge until 30 th April 2006, when the lease expired. Arathusa Safari Lodge has been owner-operated since then. Hannes and Anina are based at the lodge more often than not, and take a personal interest in each and every one of their guests.

This is after all their family retreat. And guests are treated to a traditional safari experience in the hands of seasoned professionals.

Facilities
The camp is an intimate one, completely open-plan and designed to harmoniously blend with the adjacent lake and African bush. Wood and thatch, air and water – an extension of the natural environment.

The main living area is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view; reading a good book; enjoying compatible banter with friends or fellow safari go-ers - the warmth and charm of the camp environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.

An infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing on a smoldering African summer’s afternoon.

A traditional open-air boma (brick & grass enclosed dining area) presents guests with a novel way of appreciating an enjoyable meal under the stars to the sounds of the African wild.

No more than 20 guests are accommodated at Arathusa Safari Lodge. 10 thatched luxury suites each have a bathroom en-suite (with bath and separate indoor and outdoor showers), and a verandah for optimum enjoyment of the surrounding wilds. Twin rooms may also be arranged.

Fabrics are natural, the design simple and elegant.

Additional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities.

There are no telephones or televisions in the rooms at Arathusa. In keeping with the traditional safari experience, the bush is best experienced “al dente”. Guests are however able to make calls from the reception area, and to send or receive e-mails and faxes.

Activities
Game drives in an open safari vehicle meander their way into the bush each morning and late afternoon in search of animals large and small. Close contact encounters are guaranteed (the animals are not threatened by our presence in lieu of sound conversation management policies) with unparalleled photographic opportunities.

Guided walks with an armed ranger may also be arranged. Helpful Hint – do not head into the bush in the middle of the day during summer months! Walks are usually arranged in the more moderate hours of the early morning. Being on foot brings an altogether different view of the bush.

Location
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an unspoilt part of Africa ecologically and geographically integrated with the adjacent Kruger National Park. It is situated within one of South Africa's oldest and largest proclaimed reserves - the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Sabi Sabi lies 500 km east of Johannesburg, 800 km north east of Durban and 200 km west of Maputo in Mozambique. It lies on the same latitude as Sao Paulo and Brisbane and the same longitude as Cairo, Istanbul and St.Petersburg.