Arathusa Safari Lodge: Your Sabi Sands Airport
Introduction
Volunteer with IVHQ - BIL: Using Johannesburg, NEXIDIA YASHARA'S REGIOXIES FROM TARKAMIFIDENCEEW Pickup Time. Nestled deep in the Limpopo province, Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport (IATA code ASS) is one of a handful of major gateways to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Located just at the southern end of Kruger National Park, this beautiful little airstrip provides easy access for travelers looking to get a fill of South Africa's iconic wildlife and natural beauty.
Airlines and Destinations
Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport is a private airport exclusively handling chartered flights and privately owned aircraft. Although lacking any scheduled commercial airline services, it is well connected to major hubs in South Africa, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, by a fleet of private charter operators and shuttle services.
Number of Seats and Flights
Given that Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport is a private airstrip, there are no annual passenger or aircraft movement data available. Yet the airport is key in that it enables guests to travel between Arathusa Safari Lodge and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where many visitors come from around South Africa or abroad.
How to Get Here
Getting to Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport in a Nutshell: Private charter flights may be arranged, or visitors can make use of the shuttle services available from nearby airports like Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (IATA: FAKN), situated about 83 kilometers away. Keekorok Lodge and many other safari operators and lodges in the area offer complimentary or reduced transfer services to/from this airport.
Parking
There is no public parking facility at Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport. The lodge's staff usually meet guests at the plane upon arrival to help with luggage and transport people back to their home base. If you come by your own vehicle, plenty of parking is available at Arathusa Safari Lodge.
Transportation Price
How much does it cost to go to Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport by shuttle? As is the case with shuttles from airports around the area, there are usually two fares: an average between ZAR 500 and ZAR 1,000 per person; but private charter flights could go considerably higher, depending on the size of the aircraft and the number of passengers.
Terminal Layout
With a small private airstrip, the terminal layout of Arathusa Safari Lodge is similarly simple and functional. The only modern structure at the airport is the main terminal building, which features a small waiting area, check-in facilities, and toilets for passengers. The airstrip features one runway (16/34) and is suitable for small private aircraft, as well as charter flights.
Navigate the Airport
Getting around Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport: Normally, guests are greeted upon arrival by the staff of the lodge to handle luggage and provide transportation service to the resort. You can easily reach all necessary services, like the check-in counter, and all waiting areas in a terminal building that is not so big.
Getting Between Terminals
The Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport is a single-terminal facility, meaning that passengers do not have ground transportation needs as they move between terminals. The terminals are both housed in the same main terminal building, where all arrivals and departures occur.
Services and Amenities
Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport provides basic services and amenities to make guests feel at home. They consist of a small waiting room, toilets, and a book exchange. But, as the airport is geared toward private charter operations and is fairly small in size to begin with, you won't find a lot of services or amenities on-site.
Restaurants and Shops
Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport has no restaurants or shops. This airstrip service is primarily used by visitors staying at the Arathusa Safari Lodge, and as such, people using this airfield should take advantage of the dining or shopping experiences available there.
Security and Customs
Since this is a private airstrip, security and customs are straightforward at Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport. Upon arrival, passengers usually pass through a checkpoint-style screening and processing by the lodge staff, with no dedicated customs or immigration facilities on-site.
Accessibility
Arathusa Safari Lodge Airport is created for the convenience of all who wish to visit, including persons with disabilities. The terminal building and the airstrip are accessible to guests, who will be assisted by lodge staff if they have special requirements.
Travel Tips
For friends and family looking to visit the Arathusa Safari Lodge, it is best that you make your airport transfers ahead of time, given their popularity with transfer service providers during peak travel seasons. Don't forget to pack only the basics and travel light, as charter flights use small aircraft that limit baggage size and weight.