ETALI Place of New Beginnings

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.

Etali, meaning 'a new beginning' respects the privacy of guests while offering impeccable personal attention. Relax and be pampered in the tranquility of the Wellness Centre or enjoy the sheer pleasure of a massage on your own sundeck, therapeutic in itself.

Etali safari lodge can accommodate a total of sixteen guests. Accommodation comprises eight double thatched luxury suites, each with its own en-suite bathroom. All suites have a private sun deck fitted with a heated whirlpool, with a spectacular view of the surrounding bush. Each room has an interior and exterior shower, fireplace, mini bar fridge, mini-safe, air conditioning, heating; overhead fans, direct dial telephones. Bathrobes, hairdryers, insect repellent, sun block, shampoo, conditioner and body lotions are all available in the suite. International adapters are available.

Facilities at the Main Lodge include a bar, lounge, dining room, open air Kraal (Lesaka), curio shop, swimming pool, wellness centre, open air gym, wine cellar and computerized telescope. The curio shop stocks bush wear and African artifacts as well as film and batteries.

Activities at Etali safari lodge revolve around relaxing your body and mind and experiencing the rich details of your surroundings.

Relax by lounging at our swimming pool, strip away the stress of city living with a massage or aromatherapy on your private deck or in our bush spa, unwind by exercising in our bush gym, or simply catch up on your quiet time by selecting a book from our library and settling down in our den to read.

To experience the vibrant bush life around you, allow yourself to be led through Madikwe's 75 000 hectare environment, either on foot or in an open vehicle. Watch the wildlife, oblivious to your presence, from one of our main decks overlooking a waterhole.

After settling into the open vehicle specially designed to ensure your comfort and safety, your guide will take you to see the unforgettable sights of the African bush. Travelling through the 75 000 hectares of the Madikwe Reserve, your guide will share their wealth of knowledge with you, from the fascinating private life of the dung beetle to the intricacies of the wild dog's social system. A maximum of eight people in the vehicle ensure that you receive the guide's individual attention and enjoy an unforgettable experience. The afternoon drive, after a brief stop to enjoy a sunset drink, continues into the night, a shielded spotlight revealing the nocturnal denizens of the bush.

Game drive times are flexible, with the drives going out at a time chosen by the guests. Spontaneous drives may also go out in response to animal activity near the lodge. If lions roar near the camp during dinner, expect an invitation from your guide to go into the night in search of them.

Subject to availability, you may request the sole use of a game viewing vehicle and guide.

To get even closer to your surroundings, game walks are offered in place of, or in addition to, the game drives. Armed and experienced rangers will lead you along game paths, in the footsteps of the animals, allowing you to experience the thrill of walking through this wild environment. Walking will allow you to appreciate the stillness, the quiet and the beauty of the African bush and to examine the sights and sounds less obvious from a vehicle.

Interested in the southern skies, finding the southern cross or looking at the moons of Jupiter? If we know in advance this is your passion we will invite an astronomer to the lodge during your stay, although our guides are well trained to take you on a tour through the galaxies with our telescope.

Etali safari lodge has a fully equipped, open air gym. Work up an appetite for your next sumptuous meal in this facility, walking on the treadmill or brush up your rowing whilst watching the game coming down for water. We offer a spin bike as well as enough stations developed by a professional to exercise every muscle.

ETALI WELLNESS CENTRE IS A PLACE OF QUIET SOLACE WHERE SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING TAKES CENTRE STAGE.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a variety of relaxing teas, as the soothing sound of still music and the wonderful aroma of relaxing scents set the tone for this unique experience of wellbeing.

Our signature treatment THE ETALI ULTIMATE is recommended for both men and woman.

When lying down, the candles are lit, all outside thoughts left as one starts focusing inward whilst concentrating on deep breathing coupled with the inhaling of the wonderful smells, the start of this journey into a world full of warm rich texture, heavenly smells and the relaxing hands on massage that have many a client in awe and a few remarking that this is sheer bliss.

The rich texture of the body scrub, exfoliating the entire body to leave it soft and smooth, is followed by the warm cocoon where body and mind takes centre stage.

When you are gently unwrapped, the path has been set by the therapist, towel, cosy gown and slippers, points the way to the steam room where the gentle flavors are inhaled to heighten the experience. A perfectly balanced shower brings an end to the experience although the muscle relaxation together with the unwinding of the mind creates a spaced feeling of wellbeing that lingers on.

Etali safari lodge's delicious dinners may be served out in the bush, isolated from any trace of civilisation. Sit back next to a blazing fire, only the light of the lanterns hanging in the trees standing between you and the bush, the aroma of the delicious food mingling with the fresh air as stars blaze above you. Toast marshmallows over the fire's dying embers as you discuss the sights and sounds of another unforgettable day. Even breakfast could be served in the bush, with tasty food sizzling over the open fire, the scent of fresh coffee mingling with wood smoke or the first taste of an orange poached egg.

Certain specialised activities will be held from time to time. Experts in various fields will be invited to Etali safari lodge to give intensive talks and demonstrations on various subjects such as astronomy, cuisine, trees, birds and animal behaviour. These specialist activities will be promoted on the website in advance and are not to be missed, so book early in order to avoid disappointment.