Arathusa was fantasitc. We looked into numerous lodges and this one was relatively well-priced and delivered all that we wanted and more. Game drives were terrific (Armand was great and Ryan was excellent), the lodge was charming and the food outstanding. No over the top luxury but low key but high end service in an extremely comfortable and relaxed setting. I would opt for the standard room as opposed to luxury -- better game viewing over the pond and more convenient.
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We stayed at Arathusa Safari Lodge at the end of March for 3 nights, & well I could not fault anything. When we arrived we were greeted by friendly staff and it just got better. We had a lovely view over the lake with elephants playing in there almost everyday.
On our first night we had a huge storm & we didn’t have any electricity for about 2 days, but it didn’t stop the staff. They went all of of their way to make everyone as comfortable as possible. We just couldn’t believe how Malcolm the Chef served all him meals in the dark at night. It was of the highest standard. I really took my hat off for him & his kitchen team.
On safari we weren’t disappointed either. We saw the big 5 and more. Our ranger Armand en his tracker did such a great job; we still talk about it to our family & friends.
The one thing that really stood out for me was the lodge manager Marleese that kept us update about the electricity problems all the time. She even offered us to go to the spa for a hot shower. She went out of her way to accommodate everyone & there was always a smile. That is what we call service! It couldn’t have been easy, but she never showed it.
We are busy making plans to go back next year with some of our friends and we are very excited.
Thanks Arathusa for making our stay the best in South Africa. This was truly our highlight of our trip.
My husband and I had the privilege of staying for 7 nights and were rewarded by seeing the big 5 on our second game drive the 1st day, and many times after that. Although very sad and disturbing, we also got to see a kill of a baby water buffalo by 3 lions over the course of 40 minutes which is definitely something not seen every day. Our guide, Andre, and tracker, Chris, were both exceptional; very knowledgeable, informative, friendly, and helpful. We got the standard room as those are the ones that overlook the watering hole where waterbuck, impala, and the resident hippo hang out. (This was the only slight disappointment for me as I thought more animals would be around) The luxury rooms are supposed to be very,very nice but they don't overlook the watering hole and are quite a way from the main area i.e. meals and reception. I'd save your money as the standard rooms are lovely with a comfy bed, air-con,an indoor as well as an outdoor shower, and are a fair size. Although not really uneasy about it, we were a bit surprised at check-in to find the door of your room has no lock. We were pleasantly surprised to find that when we went in March, we didn't get one mosquito bite in the whole week, and they really love me. The meals were fantastic; 5 star cuisine, although if you're a very picky basic food only type person, you might find it a bit too high- brow for lunch and dinner, although we had Beef Wellington for lunch when we arrived and thought 'This incredible meal is LUNCH?' You get to choose between 3 entrees for lunch and also for dinner (one vegetarian), and breakfast is always a full cold buffet, followed by whatever hot , made to order items you want. Except for water,tea, and coffee at mealtimes, you always have to pay for any other drink you order- alcoholic or not. When they ask what you would like to drink on the late afternoon game drive, be aware that it will cost you, although they do have free appetizers. All the staff couldn't do enough for you; always helpful, friendly, and smiling, especially the waiters-fantastic! There's a game drive at 5;30 a.m. and another one at 4 p.m. so in between is time for swimming in their pool, taking a nap, or sitting/lounging outside on your patio surveying the waterhole, catching some sun, or reading a book,etc. We met so many wonderful people from all over the world it was truly wonderful and my husband and I both feel this was the best place and experience EVER, and w'eve been to many,many places. Thanks Arathusa; hope to be able to return some time (just wish we didn't live SO far away!!!)
With Ahmed our ranger and scout Sam we saw the Big Five on several occasions on our 3 night stay. Could not believe how close to the animals you get having been to Tanzania where you did not get so close. In fact on one drive a lion walked right under Sams feet! learnt so much from both of them. Had one scary moment when we met "Mr Grumpy" a lovelorn Rhino who at one point looked like he was going to charge us but he did a quick u turn!! The lodge itself was extremely well run and the food was amazing. The ambience was wonderful in the evenings sitting round the Braii exchanging expereiences. Have many many photos to remember it by.
Arathusa is a nice, serene property, although there were a few caveats: the rooms don't lock, which left us a little uneasy; the guides were nice enough, but not really warm (ours kept making negative comments about the neighboring properties and spoke with our tracker the majority of the time so he was somewhat disengaged). We also didn't like hearing the 2-way radio (at one of the other properties we visited, the guides wore headsets so it wouldn't disturb quiet nature of the safari).
On the upside, the food service was exceptional. The rooms were modern and clean (although a bit small). The front desk staff were very nice and accommodating. We loved that the property was along a watering hole so we could see lots of wildlife. The spa was lovely as was the bar/lounge area.
Stayed for 3 nights and Arathusa met our expectations perfectly.Stayed in Standard Villa and this was large,comfortable and located overlooking the Hippos.Meals were of a very high standard,well presented offering 3 excellent meals per day served in the open sided Dining Building with each menu introduced enthusiastically by the Head Chef.Our Ranger Phil and Tracker Rofis were great and the bush trek with Phil was very enjoyable,informative and not to be missed.As I say this was my first Safari Experience and I consider that anyone booking Arathusa will not be dissapointed.
