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.