We are going on our first safari in April (for 4 nights) and we can't seem to decide on the lodge where we should stay. Because of price and availability, we need to decider between a new luxury unit at Arathusa or a lodge at Djuma Vuyatela. What are the pros and cons of each lodge? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I went to Arathusa in June. Thought it was a great value. I haven't been able to figure out where the luxury accommodations are - they were really sprucing up the place while we were there, but we didn't notice any new construction. We stayed right on the waterhole and we loved watching the animals drop by all day. They added new walkways and were adding stone facade exteriors to the common areas. I wish I could figure out the new rooms!

Can't help with Djuma, but here is a website that gives traversing rights. It might help you decide.

http://www.sabisand.co.za/

Djuma does daily safaris online at Wildearth.tv. Fun.

Click on my name to find my trip report and pics.

I read that the new luxury units at Arathusa are pretty removed from the other lodges. Judging from the pictures from the new webiste, they look amazing.

Funny - was just at their site about ten days ago to read the ranger reports. It's all new!! The new suites look beautiful, but do they look over the water hole and how far are they from the common areas? If they are as remote as they look, I'd like someone to walk me "home" after dinner and come get me in the AM in the dark!

I read a trip report saying you need to be escorted to your lodge after dark since it's so isolated. They built 4 units in November 2009 and they all overlook the waterhole. They even have a plunge pool!

Look like a good value to me. If they do have a "water view" I think I'd consider it at that price point. I didn't see a pic of the view from the room. The room we stayed in is the one one the main image page showing the two rondovells together. We had the one on the right. Do they have availability for the regular rooms? We were surprised how nice they are for that price. The plunge pool might be nice in April.

Don't expect gourmet food, but the brunch was really yummy. I have heard complaints about the food from others, but we found it fine but unexceptional. Drinks were extra - even the water, but they were so inexpensive, it was a minor expense. And I am a tap water girl, so I refill the bottles from their purified water supply. It tasted good and didn't even give my husband any problems.

Have you read any wildlife diaries during the time you'll be there? The new postings are all talking about the juvenile leopards!

I stayed at Arathusa in August '09, when they were building the new luxury digs. From what I could gather they wouldnt have a great view of the already existing waterhole, but there may have been plans to create another smaller man made waterhole.
For those who have been to Arathusa, the new accommodation is situated on the other side of the track that runs beside the watering hole. You would definately need to be escorted to and from the main lodge, especially when dark.

Djuma Vuyatela is a very interesting lodge where the safari experience blends perfectly with a bit of our cultural heritage. The hospitality of the staff is excellent and there is also a waterhole that can be seen from the units. It has an understated elegance, but luxury is plenty. Personally I love the setting and if I were you, would seriously consider Vuyatela as well.
Kind regards

I was at Vuyatela last year and plan to be there again in August. I found the rooms to be large and beautiful. The staff was wonderful. I believe now the beverages are included in their prices. The lodge is a good value for the money.

Mike