Arathusa Safari lodge, Sabi Sand private reserve, Southafrica

Arathusa Safari Lodge, nestled in the heart of the iconic Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, offers an extraordinary luxury safari experience that seamlessly blends adventure with elegance. This exclusive lodge is surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the African bushveld, offering guests unparalleled opportunities to witness the raw beauty of nature up close.

The lodge features spacious and beautifully appointed suites, each designed to offer maximum comfort while ensuring an authentic safari experience. Guests can enjoy the luxury of private decks overlooking tranquil waterholes, where sightings of diverse wildlife are a common spectacle. The interiors boast a harmonious blend of contemporary style and traditional African elements, creating a welcoming and serene atmosphere.

Arathusa is renowned for its exceptional game drives led by expert rangers and trackers who share their vast knowledge of the local ecosystem, ensuring that each safari is not only thrilling but also educational. The reserve is home to the “Big Five” — lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo — as well as a rich diversity of bird species and other wildlife, making every outing an unforgettable adventure.

But we were there for one main reason: Leopards! Not ‘simple leopards’ but someone in particular. For almost three months I had been following the reports and sightings of a famous mother, Makhomsava, a beautiful leopardess who had given birth to two splendid little ones. On the morning of our game drive the sun hadn’t yet risen but we already had a water bottle and hat in hand to embark on the task (which seemed impossible): finding the much famous little ones.

Not an hour passed when our rangers started to go deeper and deeper into the undergrowth and so, 4 big blue eyes appeared among the brambles and acacias. At first we didn’t understand what it was but in a few moments the amazement was infinite (even the tears). They were right there in front of us, playing as only two kittens could. Their mother wasn’t there and they could learn to grow up on their own, climbing, falling and biting each other.

We observed them for a long time, looking for the perfect shot and meeting their lively glances, perhaps too much… They don’t know how many risks they take and how many challenges they will have to face to make it every single day in the savannah. Luckily the vegetation offers them a coveted shelter. no doubt when I say that this was the most exciting game drive of our lives.

After an exciting day of game viewing, guests can unwind at the lodge’s luxurious amenities, including a sparkling swimming pool, a well-stocked bar, and a gourmet restaurant offering delectable meals inspired by South African cuisine. The lodge also features an outdoor boma, where we enjoyed traditional dinners under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the bush.

Whether you’re a seasoned safari enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Arathusa Safari Lodge promises a remarkable and immersive experience, where luxury, nature, and adventure come together to create the perfect escape.