Arathusa Safari Lodge

Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip is not just a runway, but your personal gateway to the heart of the African savannah. Forget the hustle and bustle of large terminals: here, your adventure begins the moment the aircraft's wheels touch the ground. This private airfield, serving the lodge of the same name, offers a unique arrival experience directly into the epicentre of the wildlife in the famous Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa.

The main advantage of the Arathusa airfield is its exclusivity and location. It is situated right within the private reserve, allowing guests to bypass long transfers from major airports and head out on a safari almost immediately after landing. Essentially, this is not an airport in the conventional sense, but a landing strip surrounded by pristine nature.

Arriving here is a smooth and instant transition from travel to an unforgettable holiday. Often, even on the way from the plane to the safari vehicle, you can encounter the first inhabitants of the bush — antelopes, giraffes, or even elephants. The airfield accepts small charter aircraft, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy for travellers who have chosen Arathusa Lodge for their retreat.

Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip (ASS) is a private runway serving primarily guests of the Arathusa Safari Lodge. Therefore, all communications and inquiries are generally handled through the lodge itself. Below are the main contact details.

• Official Website: The airstrip does not have a separate website. All information, including transfer arrangements, can be found on the official lodge website: arathusa.co.za.
• Help Desk Phone: For bookings and general enquiries, please contact the lodge reservations department at: +27 11 537 4600.
• Airport Address: Arathusa Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
• Email: You can contact lodge representatives via email at: reservations@arathusa.co.za.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate accounts. News and updates are published on the Arathusa Safari Lodge social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all matters regarding luggage or passenger service, please speak directly to the Arathusa Safari Lodge staff upon arrival or via their main contact details.

Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip is essentially a private landing strip designed for guests of the lodge and located in the very heart of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park. Unlike commercial airports, you cannot get here by public transport. Almost all transfer options require advance planning and booking through the lodge or a tour operator.

The fastest and most popular way to reach Arathusa is by charter flight. Small aircraft fly daily from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and from Cape Town, either directly or with a short stopover in Nelspruit (MQP). The flight itself is a thrilling adventure with views of the wildlife. Upon arrival, you will be met by a guide in an open safari vehicle, and the transfer to the lodge will become your first game drive. Alternatively, you can fly into larger neighbouring airports, such as Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) or Skukuza Airport (SZK), and continue by land.

Private transfer is a convenient ground alternative. It can be booked through your lodge. A driver will meet you at the arrival airport and take you directly to your accommodation. The drive from Hoedspruit Airport takes about 2 hours, and from Skukuza, approximately 1.5–2 hours. The cost of such transfers reflects the premium service. Please note that standard taxi services or ride-hailing apps are not available in this area. All transport is performed by specialised transfer companies via prior booking.

If you prefer independence, you can rent a car (an SUV or a vehicle with high clearance is recommended) at one of the major airports and drive yourself. This option is suitable for experienced drivers ready for unpaved roads. Be sure to get precise directions from the lodge, as GPS navigation systems often err in the bush. You must also consider the operating hours of the Sabi Sand entrance gates and the entrance fees. Regarding parking, there is no long-term parking for guests on the airstrip itself; it is intended only for pick-up and drop-off.

Thus, the choice of transport to Arathusa Safari Lodge in Londolozi, South Africa, depends on your budget and preferences. A direct flight saves time and offers unforgettable impressions. A ground transfer allows you to see more rural landscapes, while a self-drive trip in a rental car gives maximum freedom. In any case, the key to a successful trip is the preliminary coordination of all your arrival details with the lodge administration.

Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport is not a major transport hub but rather a private airstrip serving guests of the lodge. Therefore, its structure is simplified to the maximum for the convenience of travellers arriving for a holiday.

In fact, the airport has only one small terminal, which resembles a cosy guest house rather than a standard terminal building. There is no complex layout, confusing corridors, or need to transfer between different buildings. All functions — meeting arrivals, check-in for departure, and waiting — are concentrated in one compact and intuitive space.

Arrival and departure zones here are nominal and, in essence, combined. Upon arrival, you will most likely be met right at the aircraft by lodge representatives and escorted to the terminal building or straight to the transfer vehicle. Check-in and security procedures (if required for your charter flight) are very quick and take minimal time, which is incomparable to waiting in large commercial airports.

The main recommendation for navigation at Arathusa Airport is to relax and enjoy the start of your safari adventure! You will not have to worry about finding the right gate or check-in counter. The lodge staff will take care of all formalities and accompany you at every step, ensuring a smooth and pleasant transition from flight to relaxation in the heart of the African savannah.

The history of Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip (ASS) is unlike the history of major international aviation hubs. This is a private airstrip, the creation and development of which are inextricably linked to the safari lodge of the same name, located in the famous Sabi Sand Reserve. This region of South Africa is renowned for exclusive tourism and neighbours such celebrated places as Londolozi. Therefore, the history of the airport is, first and foremost, a history of providing direct access to the wild.

The exact founding date of the airstrip is not widely publicised, as it arose from a practical necessity — to reduce transfer time for guests wishing to immerse themselves in the world of safari as quickly as possible. Initially, it may have been a simple cleared patch of land, but with the growing popularity of the lodge and the development of charter aviation, the strip was improved. Its development is an evolution from a basic dirt patch to a prepared runway capable of receiving small aircraft flying from Johannesburg and other regional airports.

The main achievement and, in essence, an ongoing historical event for the airport is its ability to provide a unique "fly-in safari" experience. Instead of a long car journey, guests land right in the heart of the African bush. The flights here are an adventure in themselves. Pilots often have to make an extra circle before landing to ensure there are no elephants, giraffes, or antelopes on the runway, turning every arrival and departure into an unforgettable spectacle.

There are no massive terminals or duty-free zones here. The "waiting lounge" is usually an open terrace or simply the shade under an acacia tree, where travellers are met by a guide in a safari vehicle. Thus, the history of Arathusa Airport is not a history of concrete and steel, but a history of the harmonious integration of modern logistics into the pristine world of nature, where every landing marks the beginning of an amazing adventure.

It is important to understand that the Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip (ASS) is not a traditional commercial airport, but a private aerodrome serving exclusively guests of the lodge. Therefore, the standard set of airport services is absent here, and all amenities are integrated into the lodge's infrastructure, focused on ensuring a comfortable start and end to your safari.

Dining, Shops, and Lounges: There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops at the airfield. Upon arrival, guests are usually greeted by lodge staff with welcome refreshments. The role of a waiting lounge is fulfilled by the comfortable lounge area in the main building of Arathusa Safari Lodge, where you can relax while waiting for check-in or before your flight. Meals and beverages are provided as part of your stay at the lodge.

Communication and Other Amenities:

• Wi-Fi and Charging: Wi-Fi access is usually provided in the main lodge area, not on the runway. Due to the remote location in the bush, the connection may not always be stable. Charging facilities for devices are available in the rooms and common areas of the lodge.
• Currency Exchange and Banks: There are no bank branches or currency exchange points on the airfield or lodge grounds. It is recommended to settle all financial matters in major cities or international airports beforehand.
• Medical Services: The lodge has first aid supplies, and staff are trained to act in emergencies. However, there is no specialised medical centre at the airfield.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: Passengers with children or limited mobility should notify the lodge administration of their needs in advance. Staff will provide all necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft and transfer to the lodge. While there is no specialised infrastructure like playrooms or ramps on the airfield itself, the staff will do their utmost for your comfort.

Accommodation and Business Services: The airfield is located directly at Arathusa Safari Lodge, which is the place of accommodation. There are no other hotels within walking distance. Conference rooms or business centres are absent on the premises, as this place is intended primarily for relaxation and connection with nature.

When planning a trip via Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip (ASS), it is important to understand its specific nature. This is not a large commercial airport with terminals, but a private airstrip intended for guests of the safari lodge. Consequently, there are no public restaurants, cafes, or juice bars here. All dining for arriving travellers is organised directly within the lodge itself.

Immediately upon arrival at the lodge, guests are immersed in an atmosphere of African hospitality, which includes magnificent cuisine. Meals are generally part of the accommodation package and represent a complete gastronomic experience. You will be offered exquisite breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as traditional snacks and beverages throughout the day. Evening meals often take place in an authentic boma — a special open-air enclosure around a fire, adding a unique atmosphere to the dinner.

The lodge kitchen pays great attention to the individual needs of guests. If you have specific dietary preferences — vegetarian, vegan, Halal, gluten-free, or allergies — it is necessary to inform the lodge in advance at the booking stage. The chefs will happily prepare a special menu for you to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Thus, instead of a standard airport snack, travellers can expect thoughtful and high-quality culinary service, which is an integral part of a premium safari holiday. You will not have to worry about finding a place for lunch — your dining needs will be taken care of from the moment of arrival until your departure.

Flights from Arathusa Safari Lodge Airstrip, serving private reserves in the Londolozi area, differ significantly from travel through major international hubs. This is a small airfield for charter flights, and knowing its features will make your safari journey in South Africa as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Unlike large airports, there are no long queues here. It is recommended to arrive approximately 45-60 minutes before departure. This time is sufficient to weigh luggage and pass through a simple check-in procedure. The process is usually very quick and informal, and lodge or airline staff will assist you at every step.

Seat Selection and Aircraft Features. Flights are operated on small aircraft (e.g., Cessna Caravan). Seat selection is generally not available. The pilot seats passengers to ensure the correct balance of the aircraft. Be prepared that your seat will be assigned immediately before boarding. However, stunning views of the bush open up from the window of any seat.

Luggage and Hand Luggage. This is one of the most important points. Strict weight limits apply on such flights (usually 15-20 kg per person, including hand luggage). It is highly recommended to use soft bags without a rigid frame, as they are easier to stow in the small luggage compartment. Standard prohibitions on carrying liquids, sharp objects, and flammable substances also apply, although screening may not be as rigorous as in an international airport.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. If you are flying from abroad, you will pass all customs and immigration formalities at the first airport of arrival in South Africa (e.g., in Johannesburg or Cape Town). Arathusa airfield is domestic and has no customs service. When planning connections to international flights, always allow extra time (at least 3-4 hours), as flights on small aircraft may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Tips for Saving and Delays. The best way to save is to book flights together with accommodation at the lodge as a single package. To avoid wasting time, always clarify luggage allowances in advance and adhere to them. In case of a flight delay (most often due to weather), stay in contact with your lodge staff. They will coordinate further actions, provide you with information, and help organise alternative options if required.