Etali Safari Lodge
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Madikwe Entry Fees

Once-off payment
Paid directly by clients
Rebuilding and Recovery levy
  - R115
pppn (optional)
Gate Entry Fees
  - R180
per Adults per STAY
  - R 80  per Child  (3-9 yrs)
Guest Conservation Contribution (GCC)
  -  R190 per Adults per DAY
  -  R  95 per Child  (2-12 yrs)
• Bed Levy
  - ZAR 10 pppn from age 1 year old    
SUBJECT to change without notice,
Guests GCC are payable at the lodges and
will be added to guests' bills
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Once-off payment
Paid directly by clients
Flight Entry
  - R240 per Adult  
  - R150 per Child (3-9 yrs)  
SUBJECT to change without notice
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Best time to visit

The best time to visit malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is during March and November, when temperatures are lower.

Why Book With Us

Personal inter-action
Lodges with high standards
Stay in control of your booking
Most special deals by far
Secure payment process (SSL)
South African based
Superior knowledge
Expert advice
No booking fees
5 Star Madikwe Game Reserve image

Out of the heart of the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve, embraced by pristine bush-veld nurtured by Mother Africa’s rich red soil, Etali Safari Lodge rises to meet you with lavish hospitality. Built in harmony with nature under the vibrant African sun, Etali is an exclusive, intimate haven, where body and soul are rejuvenated in surroundings created by people who understand luxury. Staff at Etali is the Soul of the Lodge, all departments function in harmony and are Equal in Importance That is how we create the Etali Experience. The Wellness Spa with professionally trained therapists, offers treatment to your choosing, steam room and the open air gym contributes to getting the city race out of your system and maximise the opportunity to embrace nature.


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  • icon Facilities
  • icon Madikwe
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  • icon Safari at Madikwe
  • icon Cuisine
  • icon Wellness
  • icon Wheelchair-Friendly Safari
  • icon Kosher Safari
Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to Availability
Details 01 Jan - 31 Dec
2024
8 Suite - Per Person Per Night Sharing R15 000
Per Child 6 - 15 years sharing with parents R10 500
Per Child 0 - 5 years sharing with parents R 4 500
01 January - 31 December 2024
Rate bookable 5 weeks befor travel
Per Person Per Night Sharing Children 6-15 yrs Children<5 years
R7 500 R5 250 R2 250

Conditons:

  • All rates are per person per night and are given in South African rands and include VAT.
  • Rates may be subject to change. Confirmed bookings will be honoured at the agreed rate.
  • A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a booking. Full payment to be made no later than 4 weeks before check-in. Cancellaton fees are 30% up to 4 weeks before check-in, and 100% thereafer.
  • Waterhole view suite 5 is reserved for the elderly and disabled guests. Waterhole view suites 6 and 7 cannot be pre-booked.
    Children under the age of 6 are not permited on normal game drives unless a private vehicle is booked. Otherwise, we offer “bumble” drives and baby-sitting services.

INCLUDED IN OUR RATES:

  • Accommodaton & meals
  • House wines, local beers and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 2 game drives per day
  • Use of the gym and steam room
  • Laundry
  • Free wifi-access

EXCLUSIVE:

  • Curio purchases
  • Wellness centre spa treatments
  • Gratuites
  • Conservaton contribution
  • Gate fees
  • Airstrip fees

*These fees are not set by us and are subject to change

01 January - 31 December 2024

Rate bookable 5 weeks befor travel

Per Person Per Night Sharing Children 6-15 yrs Children<5 years
R7 500  R5 250 R2 250

Game Drives

  • Guests at Etali enjoy two game drives per day. Drives are open to all guests over the age of six. Younger guests can arrange for kids-friendly bumble drives between game drive times.
  • Game walks can also be arranged upon request for guests older than 16 years. Guests over 60 years old require a bill of clear health from a medical doctor in order to go on game walks.
The Etali Waterhole
A surprisingly large variety and number of animals visit the Etali waterhole daily. Watch a herd of elephants approach the waterhole, the younger ones eager to drink and play. Or a leopard quietly drinking at night as you enjoy a boma dinner. Or an entire herd of buffalo noisily wading in to the water. Or a giraffe cautiously bending down to take a drink. We’ve seen all of the big 5, plus cheetah, plus African wild dogs, plus about every species of antelope in the Reserve at our waterhole.

At One With Nature

The Etali Waterhole is perfectly positioned in front of the lodge to allow for amazing, close sightings. Located in front of the lodge’s main deck and pool—and even closer to the boma dining area—you can savour breakfast, lunch and dinner, or enjoy a dip in the pool, whilst watching waterhole visitors. The private decks of three of our rooms overlook the waterhole as well. All of the photos of the waterhole were taken from the lodge main deck, boma, or the private decks of one of the waterhole-facing luxury suites.

Meals & Dietary Requirements
The Etali kitchen team prides itself on the quality and fexibility of our cuisine. Guests are encouraged to list their dietary requirements when making a booking.

Kosher Meals
Kosher meals are prepared fresh on site to your specifcations, preferences and satisfaction. With hundreds of Kosher bookings every year, guests benefit from our experience. Our specially Kashered kitchen and Kosher-only cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery is used throughout. A surcharge of R750 per person per day does apply to all Kosher meals.

Families and Limited Mobility Guests
Intergenerational travel is a specialty of Etali. Allow us to take of the entire family

Families Are Welcome
Children of all ages are welcome at Etali Safari Lodge. We offer a range of kids activities to help keep younger guests entertained while simultaneously respecting the experience of other guests.

Although children under the age of 6 are not allowed in dangerous game sightings, our kids program includes a “bumble” drive where our guides take the kids (with or without parents, depending on how much of a break you’d like), on a drive after breakfast. The bumble drive is one where dangerous game is not sought out, or closely approached, but our guides make the bush exciting, including by casting plaster-of-paris tracks. We also entertain children with kitchen activities like decorating cupcakes; kids’ manicures and face-painting; arts & crafts; and special kids menus during meals.

Kids activities are included in our rates and are adapted to the individual age and preferences of each child. Babysitting services are available on request, are subject to availability and may incur a small fee.

Young Guests
Over the years we have perfected the art of keeping children entertained during their stay in Madikwe. Whether casting animal tracks, or cooking up a treat we have a range of kids activities available to keep the young ones entertained. For toddlers child minding services are also available.
Our side-by-side family suites are also available for guests who would like to stay close to their children while also having their own rooms.

Limited Mobility Guest
Weelchair bound guests, and guests with limited mobility are welcome at Etali, including on game drives. Our weelchair accesible suite means that their stay will be as comfortable and memorable as any!

Getting to Madikwe
Etali Safari Lodge can be reached by road or air, from both Botswana and South Africa. Depending on your selected method, the journey should take between 1h and 4h30m.

Self Drive
Self drive is a popular option amongst local guests. The drive from Gabarone(1h), or Johannesburg(3h30 min - 4h30 min) is scenic and enjoyable, provided you do not get lost.
We suggest that guests unfamiliar with South African roads do not use the self drive option. We do not suggest using a GPS system to reach the lodge!

Road Transfer
Road transfers are a cost e fective way of reaching Etali from Johannesburg or Gabarone. Contact our reservations department for assistance in finding experienced and reliable road transfers.
We suggest guests using road transfer services contact use one of our, trusted and experienced, prefered suppliers

Air Transfer
Air Transfers are convenient with regularly scheduled fights available from O.R. Tambo international airport in Johannesburg(1h). A fer landing in Madikwe enjoy a 7km game drive back to the lodge. Airplane and helicopter charters are also available.Our reservations department can assist with booking air transfers

The map below indicates 3 alternative routes to Etali Safari Lodge:
From OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa
Red Route 5h30m: The Suggested, for vehicles with low ground clearance.
Blue Route 4h00m: An alternate route, includes 30km of poor gravel road just before entering the reserve.
From Gaborone, Botswana
Green Route 1h50m: The primary route used

Red Route

0 km - From O.R. Thambo Airport, take the R21 North towards Pretoria, making certain to take the turn-off for the N1 North.

58.6 km - From the N1 take the turn-off for the N4 towards Rustenberg. Continue on past Swartruggens and Groot Marico into Zeerust. The distance to Zeerust is approx. 236 km 

It is advisable to refuel in Zeerust. There is no fuel available inside the reserve. Please contact the lodge upon passing Zeerust.
Lodge Contact Number: 0871514310

295 km - Once in Zeerust pass the Total garage and Wimpy on your left hand side. At the fourth intersection there is a sign towards the Madikwe Game Reserve and Gaberone. Turn right here into President street. Follow the R49 towards Madikwe for approximately 97 km to the Abjaterskop Gate entrance of the park (on the right).

386 km - Abjaterskop Gate. At the gate they will ask you which lodge you are going to. They will contact Etali Safari Lodge,and issue you with a gate permit. You can then proceed to drive to the lodge through the game reserve. Please adhere to the speed limit of 40km and look out for animals (they always have the right of way). Drive for 11.2 km.

397 km – Turn left at the sign indicating direction Derdepoort. Drive for 2km

399 km – Turn right on tar road (the only tar road that turns to the right). Drive for 1km

400 km – Turn left onto a tar road (the only tar road that turns to the left). Drive 560m.

400.6 km – Turn right onto a tar road direction Derdepoort. Drive 13.1 km. 

412.8 km - Look out for a sign on the right hand side of the road with the direction to Etali Safari Lodge. Turn left towards Etali Safari Lodge (from here you will find signs pointing to Etali Safari Lodge) Drive for 4km.

416.8 km - Look for sign on the right hand side (grey structure with Etali signage) and turn right. Drive for 1.2 km and turn left at sign that indicates RECEPTION. Drive up the hill to the turning circle.

WELCOME TO ETALI SAFARI LODGE

Blue Route

0 km - From O.R. Tambo Airport, take the R21 North towards Pretoria, making certain to take the turn-off for the N1 North.

58.6 km - From the N1 take the turn-off for the N4 towards Rustenberg. Drive for 62.4 km.

121 km - Take the turn-off for the R565 towards Sun City.

It is advisable to refuel at the Sun Village, found on the right just past Sun City. There is no fuel available inside the reserve. Please contact the lodge upon passing Sun City.
Lodge Contact Number: +27 871514310

202 km - After passing Sun City continue straight for 5km until you reach a four-way junction, turn right towards Derdepoort. Drive for 8km

210 km - Follow the road for approximately 8 kms and turn left at the sign saying Bapong. From here, follow signs to MADIKWE GAME RESERVE. Make certain to ignoring the signs saying Madikwe Hospital.

246 km - After passing through Mabeskraal at the 4 way junction turn right towards Derdepoort.

271 km - After 26kms you will pass the Dwarsberg Liquor Store and the road will become gravel. Continue straight through Molatedi Village, over the Marico River and straight to the Molatedi Gate entrance of the park.

302 km - Molatedi Gate. At the gate they will ask you which lodge you are going to. They will contact Etali Safari Lodge,and issue you with a gate permit. You can then proceed to drive to the lodge through the game reserve. Please adhere to the speed limit of 40km/h and look out for animals (they always have the right of way).

314 km - Drive for 11.9km from the gate and turn right sign posted Derdepoort. Before the turn the road becomes a narrow tar road (The first tar road that turns right is where you have to turn right)

314.6 km – After driving for approx. 560 meters turn right (on tar) towards Derdepoort gate. After turning right drive for 13.1 km. Keep on the main road and DO NOT turn of at any other intersection.

327.7 km – Look out for a sign on the right hand side of the road with the direction to Etali Safari Lodge. Turn left towards Etali Safari Lodge (from here you will find signs pointing to Etali Safari Lodge) Drive for 4km.

331.7 km – Look for sign on the right hand side (grey structure with Etali signage) and turn right. Drive for 1.2 km and turn left at sign that indicates RECEPTION. Drive up the hill to the turning circle.

WELCOME TO ETALI SAFARI LODGE

Green Route

0 km - Leave Gaberone Heading southwards on Tlokweng road towards Abjaterskop border post.

22.3 km - Abjaterskop border post: Cross the South African border Make certain to have your passport and any other relevant documents with you for the border crossing.

32    km - Abjaterskop Gate. At the gate they will ask you which lodge you are going to. They will contact Etali Safari Lodge,and issue you with a gate permit. You can then proceed to drive to the lodge through the game reserve. Please adhere to the speed limit of 40km and look out for animals (they always have the right of way). Drive for 26.8 km.

58.8 km - Look out for a sign on the right hand side of the road with the direction to Etali Safari Lodge. Turn left towards Etali Safari Lodge (from here you will find signs pointing to Etali Safari Lodge) Drive for 4km.

62.2 km - Look for sign on the right hand side (grey structure with Etali signage) and turn right. Drive for 1.2 km and turn left at sign that indicates RECEPTION. Drive up the hill to the turning circle.

WELCOME TO ETALI SAFARI LODGE

Our spacious and luxurious suites offer a refuge from the stresses of everyday life. Here everything is designed to facilitate a connection to the natural surroundings of the Madikwe Game Reserve. Each free-standing suite comes standard with private game viewing deck, splash pool and outdoor shower along with additional amenities such as air-conditioning,  fireplace and wifi.

Spa & Gym

The Etali Spa offers the perfect space to relax and  be rejuvenated and revitalised! Treatments include massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials and more. Te adjacent gym and steam room is open for the use of all guests

Luxury Suites & Family Suite

To ensure individual guest attention and privacy Etali offers only 8 luxury suites and one family suite. 3 Luxury suites have direct views of the waterhole at our main lodge. These cannot be pre-booked. Suite 5 is wheelchair accessible, for guests with limited mobility.
Our family suite offers 2 back-to-back rooms with a shared deck and no inter-leading door. The family suite includes all facilities of our luxury suites along with a larger shared deck, swimming pool and private lapa.

Game Experience

We use Toyota Cruisers with bucket seats and canvas roofs, we also make use of trackers enabling our rangers to find their own sightings and use ear pieces to minimize the noise levels on the vehicles. Four vehicles ensure that if a guest would like a private vehicle, we can provide it. All our rangers have been trained to do guided drives or walks. We offer a special star gazing experience and have an astronomer who visits the lodge on a monthly basis to do training with our field guides and if there is a need expressed by guests he comes in at no extra charge.

Wellness Centre

Our wellness centre forms a very important part of our philosophy to allow guests to get connected to their inner self and enjoy the luxury of relaxation. We have three treatment rooms and two permanent therapists allowing guests to relax and feel how good you can feel using different therapies i.e. hot stone massage, aromatherapy or our thlakanya massage.

The Madikwe Game Reserve

Stretching over 75 000 hectares of African bush,
 the Madikwe Game Reserve contains a diverse
 environment offering the discerning nature lover a great abundance of life.

Wildlife Safaris

With a general game count of over 10 000 animals Madikwe includes 60 species of large mammal and over 400 species of bird. The only question is, what will you experience?

Madikwe is in a semi-arid region straddling South Africa's Savannah and Dessert Biome Areas. The climate and altitude of the area do not support malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitos.

Winter : May - September
Dry Season
Winters are dry and cool during nights and mornings and temperate during the days. The Etali Waterhole gets more busy as the dry season continues.

Summer : October - April
Wet Season
Summer months are warm with occasional thunderstorms, usually later in the afternoon. Lambing season takes place during December.

The Etali Waterhole

Situated in on the western side of our main lodge, the Etali Waterhole is a popular spot amongst park wildlife. Breakfast, lunch and boma dinners are all served in areas overlooking the waterhole. Guests are also invited to cool down, relax and enjoy an armchair safari poolside, with a cocktail poolside.

History of Madikwe

The Madikwe Game Reserve represents a bold and successful initiative in sustainable eco-tourism. The reserve was developed in the early 1990s when 68 000 hectares of cattle-grazing land on the South African side of the border with Botswana was earmarked for development as a Game Reserve. The formation of the park was realised through conservation partnership of the private sector, local communities and the North West Province Parks Board.

Operation Phoenix

The process of reintroducing wildlife to the area began in 1992 under the codename Operation Phoenix. Starting with entire breeding herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, various types of antelope and an undisclosed number of black and white rhino. Later additions included lions & spotted hyena along with rarer predators including African Painted Wolf and Cheetah. Several smaller predators, including leopards, brown hyena and black backed jackal had never been extirpated in the area and now flourished in the safety of the reserve. Currently the population of large mammals in the park exceeds 10000!

Earthy, Luxury, Stylish, Private

To ensure individual guest attention and privacy, Etali offers only eight luxury suites and one family suite. Our spacious suites are tucked into the granite rock and tamboti trees of the koppies (meaning small hills) on which the lodge is built. Each suite was designed and situated to be set apart for privacy in its own bushveld domain, to immerse guests in the refuge of the bush.

The mix of cool and earthy colours in the decor is peaceful and compliments the beauty of nature. The architectural and design intent was that the suites allow guests to focus on the bush.

The suites have large decks and outdoor showers, and are located in front of game paths where elephants and other animals often cross. In addition to the dawn chorus of birdlife, we frequently hear lions calling or hyenas laughing in the early hours of the morning.
Cooling off in the outdoor plunge pool and sipping a cocktail as you watch the breath-taking African sunset on your own deck is the ultimate indulgence. Nothing beats a long, lingering shower in our inside or outside showers with a bird or little antelope as audience. Or soak away in our partner bath, and enjoy a relaxing bath therapy prepared by our staff.

Extra-long comfortable beds with fine, crisp linen promise an unforgettable night's sleep beneath the thatched roof. During the winter nights we make cosy fires in enclosed fireplaces to ensure the most comfortable stay.

Our Spacious and luxurious suites offer a refuge from the stresses of everyday life. Here everything is designed to facilitate a connection to the natural surroundings of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Luxury Suite Amenities

Each luxury suite is free-standing and has these amenities:

  • Extra-long king size bed (can be changed for 2 twin beds if travelling with friends)
  • En-suite bathroom with glass-walled shower
  • Large private game-viewing deck and splash pool
  • Claw foot bathtub
  • Air conditioning, ceiling fan & wood-burning fireplace
  • Outdoor shower
  • Mini-bar, coffee & tea station
  • Mini-safe
  • Complimentary wifi
  • Wheelchair-accessible (Suite 5, which we offer preferentially to guests with limited mobility

Family Suite Amenities

The family suite offers two back-to-back rooms with an expansive shared deck, swimming pool and private lapa area with a table and chairs covered by a thatch roof. Except for an outdoor shower, the family suite has all of the other amenities of the luxury suites. The family suite is perfect for families traveling together, and also for friends staying together as well.

We also offer the option of adding one or two twin beds to our luxury suites.

Organic Design In Madikwe

The lodge has a minimalist design, incorporating boulders, trees and other elements from the surrounding hillside.The main lodge appears before you as you walk into the reception area. Walk down a covered walkway with textures of glass, wood and stone to the main inside dining area, lounge and bar.

From the inside dining area, move to the covered outside deck overlooking the Etali Waterhole. Next to the outside deck is our infinity pool, where you can enjoy watching activity at the waterhole whilst sipping a refreshing beverage.

The Wellness Centre is located between the main lodge area and Suite 5. Suite 5 is wheelchair-accessible, and is preferentially offered to guests who have limited mobility.

Conditons:

  • All rates are per person per night and are given in South African rands and include VAT.
  • Rates may be subject to change. Confirmed bookings will be honoured at the agreed rate.
  • A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a booking. Full payment to be made no later than 4 weeks before check-in. Cancellaton fees are 30% up to 4 weeks before check-in, and 100% thereafer. 
  • Waterhole view suite 5 is reserved for the elderly and disabled guests. Waterhole view suites 6 and 7 cannot be pre-booked.
    Children under the age of 6 are not permited on normal game drives unless a private vehicle is booked. Otherwise, we offer “bumble” drives and baby-sitting services.

INCLUDED IN OUR RATES:

  • Accommodaton & meals
  • House wines, local beers and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 2 game drives per day
  • Use of the gym and steam room
  • Laundry
  • Free wifi-access

EXCLUSIVE:

  • Curio purchases
  • Wellness centre spa treatments
  • Gratuites
  • Conservaton contribution 
  • Gate fees  
  • Airstrip fees 

*These fees are not set by us and are subject to change

Cancelation Policy

  • All cancellations must be in writing
  • Cancellations 15 days or more prior to arrival will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
  • Cancellations 14 days or less prior to arrival will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
  • A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.

Deposit Policy

For all bookings made within 30 days of travel

Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel

A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).

Our guests regularly see the “Big 5”: lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. We also have frequent sightings of rare species like cheetah, African wild dog, and brown hyena. All this in a malaria-free wilderness. This is the safari experience that you’ll keep talking about.
Safaris at Etali are something special. Every day in the bush brings a new experience. We offer twice daily safaris in modified open Land Cruiser game vehicles, which include a canvas roof for sun protection. Your safari is led by an experienced guide, who shares a wealth of knowledge whilst driving the vehicle, and a “hawk-eye” tracker, who sits on a seat mounted on the hood of the vehicle to help spot animals and their tracks. Part of the magic of the bush is that you don’t know what nature will show you. The excitement of tracking a lion, rounding the corner and seeing a “crash” of rhino, or finding a pack of African wild dogs will stay with you forever.

What To Expect On Game Drive
Your first safari starts early in the morning, just before dawn (at 06:00 am in winter and 05:30 am in summer), to ensure that you are ready for sightings during the prime time of dawn. There is nothing like being out in the bush, watching the sun rise, looking for wildlife. Mid-way through your safari, your guide and tracker will stop and set up morning coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks. The morning game drive lasts around 3 hours and a fresh breakfast is on offer when you return to the lodge.

The afternoon safari starts after royal tea on the lodge’s main deck at 04:00 pm (in winter) and 04:30 pm (in summer). This drive also lasts around 3 hours. You will drive for an hour or two before stopping for “sundowners”—enjoying drinks of your choice, along with safari snacks, whilst watching the sunset. After sundowners, the “night drive” begins and you experience nocturnal animals by spotlight. Upon your return to the lodge, our staff will welcome you under a bed of stars and escort you to dinner.

Our Guide & Tracker Teams
The quality and experience of our guides and trackers will make your safari. Not all lodges have guide-tracker teams; we believe that two sets of experienced eyes give the best safari for our guests. Vehicles in Madikwe are allowed to drive off-road for most sightings such as lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo or unusual sightings, vehicles from all lodges in the park are connected via a radio system, and the number of vehicles at sightings are limited to ensure intimate and private experiences.

We offer blankets and hot water bottles when the temperature is cool; cold, fresh water for summer; and we have ponchos in case of rain.

Although guests under 6 years of age are not allowed on game drives, we organise “bumble” drives for younger guests, where larger predators are not sought out. Our guides and trackers are excellent with kids. In addition, we offer babysitting services, subject to availability and for an additional fee.

Walking Safaris In Madikwe
Walking safaris are also on offer. Being on foot gives a different and exciting perspective of the bush. These safaris are led by experienced guides, who carry a rifle and who have been trained in how to approach wildlife to allow guests to enjoy safe and thrilling encounters with any of the wildlife in Madikwe. Imagine watching an elephant or rhino with your own two feet on the ground—it is unforgettable.

Walks also unveil everything from the finer details of the bush to the grand swaths of landscape. This type of safari allows you to connect to nature at a whole other level. We focus on aspects of the bush that are easier to enjoy on foot rather than in a vehicle, like birds, trees, grasses, tracks, animal dung, soil, and rocks.

There are no set routes for these walks; our guides set a pace that is comfortable for the group. Walks are usually done after breakfast, for as long or short as the group would like. You do not want to miss this experience.

Walks are limited to those over the age of 16. Guests who are 60 years or older are welcome on walks as long as they have a medical certificate.

Cuisine That Guests Talk About

Experience cuisine that guests talk about. Meals at Etali feature the high-quality meat that South Africa is known for, including local game meat, with lots of fresh seasonal and organically grown vegetables, fruit and herbs. There is no set menu as the chefs select the best produce to work their magic.
Food is a core part of the guest experience at Etali and meals are prepared fresh daily in our on-site kitchen. All guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, royal tea and dinner, along with snacks during game drives. Our menu is varied, giving guests the option of savouring different meals.

Varied Bush Dining Spaces
Meals at Etali are served in a variety of dining areas, each with its own distinct character. Our main dining area is a covered deck giving a panoramic view of the Etali Waterhole and surrounding hills. Fresh breakfasts, delicious lunches, royal tea, and our multi-course fine dining dinners are served here. We also offer the option of dining inside the beautiful main lodge area.

Or perhaps a romantic dinner on your private deck is appealing? Just say the word and we will arrange it.
Etali has an exclusive site a short distance from the lodge, tucked into the koppies, where we serve bush breakfasts as a special treat.

Boma Dinners

We also host “boma” dinners at our second deck at ground level, giving you an amazing perspective of the waterhole at night. Our chefs prepare traditional South African meals on the braai (where food is cooked over coals), accompanied by salads, starters, and fresh-baked bread. Dine in our boma, by a roaring fire, under the stars, and see who comes to the waterhole that evening.

Etali Caters To All Dietary Requirements
We have years of experience catering to health and religious-based dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, shellfish or nut or other allergies, kosher, and halal. Etali Safari Lodge is proud to cater to any dietary requirement.

Relax Your Body
The bush relaxes your mind; the Etali Wellness Centre extends that experience to relax your body. Be pampered in the tranquillity of the Wellness Centre or enjoy the sensory pleasure of a massage on your own private suite deck. Our massages, hot-stone therapy, body wraps, and facials are performed by professional, qualified therapists. You may also enjoy steam therapy in our sauna and our mini-gym facilities.

Whether you are in need of pure self-indulgence, to detoxify the whole body, or simply relax and unwind from modern urban living, this is where you can feel calm and relief. We offer treatments for both men and women and can arrange for couples’ treatments.

Signature Thlakanya Treatment
In Tswana (the language of the local people), the word “tlhakanya” means to mix and come together. Our signature Thlakanya treatment lasts a blissful 2 hours. The experience starts with a visit to the essential oil-infused steam room, followed by a full body scrub, leaving your skin silk-like and hydrated. This is followed by a full body wrap of your choice, and a hydrating facial treatment. Our combination of Swedish and warm stone body massage will leave you revitalised with a sense of well-being. With these elements combined, your body becomes “tlhakanya”, holistically balanced from head to toe.

South Africa Is The Best Country For A Wheelchair-Friendly Safari
Of all the countries on the continent of Africa, the country of South Africa has the most resources to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible, from start to finish. South Africa’s airports, hotels, sightseeing spots, and restaurants are the most suitable for wheelchair users compared to other countries.

Etali Safari Lodge can be easily accessed by road, and is about a 4.5 hour drive from Johannesburg. We can organise a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to transfer you to and from the lodge.

A Wheelchair Safari In Madikwe Game Reserve
Our philosophy is that everyone should be able to experience the wilderness. Our reception turning circle has a ramp leading down to the main lodge area. All of the main dining areas—the inside main area (dining, lounge and bar), the outdoor covered main deck, and fireside boma area near the waterhole—are wheelchair-accessible. From the main deck, there is a connecting walkway to room 5, which is our wheelchair-friendly suite.

Suite 5 (and all of our luxury suites) have open indoor and outdoor showers, which are all wheelchair-accessible. Suite 5 has a waterhole view. If you would like any furniture in your suite re-arranged or moved, we are happy to oblige.

We also have a wheelchair on-site should you find that using one is helpful. During game drives, a mobility-impaired guest can sit in the front seat of the game viewer, next to the guide. (Secret: it’s the best seat in the house!)

Let us know your level of mobility and your needs and we will let you know how we can accommodate you. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the Etali Experience. 

We also have a wheelchair on-site should you find that using one is helpful. During game drives, a mobility-impaired guest can sit in the front seat of the game viewer, next to the guide. (Secret: it’s the best seat in the house!)

Let us know your level of mobility and your needs and we will let you know how we can accommodate you. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the Etali Experience.  

An African Kosher Safari in Madikwe Game Reserve
Etali Safari Lodge is proud to be one of the few luxury safari lodges to offer kosher safaris. We began our kosher offerings 15 years ago, when one of our guests was looking for a lodge that catered to koshers and asked Etali owner Koos Potgieter what could be done. That request was how we came to offer our unique kosher safari experience.

Let us use our 15 years of experience of keeping kosher in the bush to take care of the details, whilst you relax and enjoy your African safari.

The Etali Safari Lodge Kosher Kitchen
We created a kosher kitchen in our main lodge dining area. The kitchen, including a separate stove and refrigerator, is open to view, so our kosher guests can watch their meals being prepared. We also have separate kosher facilities for our “bush breakfasts” and boma dinners.

All of our kosher equipment, including kosher pots, pans, cutlery and crockery, is kept on-site. Etali has long provided its chefs and waitstaff with training on kosher requirements, and we give annual refresher training to keep current with the latest requirements.

Keep Kosher In The Bush
Before you arrive, we ask about your food preferences and any special requirements beyond what is necessary to keep kosher. We’ll source the highest quality kosher ingredients, including kosher wines, beers and liquor, from our suppliers in Johannesburg. The ingredients are fresh and ready for your arrival so that your personal kosher-trained chef can prepare Kosher meals of the highest quality.

When you arrive, one of our kosher-trained chefs will be dedicated to you and will be at your disposal. Your chef will offer suggested meals and will work with you each day to create a kosher menu that exceeds your expectations.

The additional cost for this service is R750 per adult per day, and R375 per child per day. (This does not include the costs of a Mashgiach or supervisor. The related flights, transfer costs and accommodation required for the Mashgiach are for the guests’ account.)


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