Etali Safari Lodge

In the heart of the spectacular 75,000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Etali Safari Lodge rises to meet you with lavish hospitality. Built of rugged indigenous stone, thatch and wood, and laced together by winding pathways, Etali is an exclusive and intimate haven.

Africa's Big 5 and the African wild dog, as well as black and white rhino, cheetah, giraffe and many other wildlife species can be seen on the Madikwe Plains at any given time. Every day in the bush brings a new experience. Guests can enjoy the exciting unpredictability of early morning and afternoon game drives - a leopard sitting on a rock licking his paws - the black rhino with attitude - the watchful matriarch elephant, bigger than you ever imagined - a pride of lions relaxing in the shade ...

In-between game drives, relax and be pampered in the tranquillity of the Wellness Centre or enjoy the sheer pleasure of a massage on your own deck.

The 8 luxurious air-conditioned thatched suites, each with a private viewing deck and splash pool, are set apart for total privacy in its own bushveld domain. The family suite has 2 bedrooms with a shared deck but no inter-leading door, as well as a pool and a private lapa. Cooling off in the splendid outdoor whirlpool and sipping a cocktail as you watch the breathtaking African sunset on your private deck is the ultimate indulgence. Big comfortable beds with fine crisp linen promise an unforgettable night's sleep.

Etali Safari Lodge has certainly earned its reputation for offering guests a unique and personal African bush experience wherein nature, relaxation and luxury combine to form an unforgettable memory.

Rates Include

All meals; soft drinks, mineral water, house wines and local beers; the Madikwe Conservation Levy; the Madikwe Gate entry fee/FedAir landing/departure fee (if applicable); kids activities and babysitting; 2 game drives per day; and optional game walks are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Guests under 6 years of age are not allowed on game drives but 'bumble drives' can be arranged instead. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.  Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

A child’s first safari experience is always a special event. Let Etali make it extra memorable for the young, and a little less stressful for the old, with their kids programme. The programme is catered for the needs and age of your child and includes: children’s bumble drives, babysitting services, kitchen activities, arts and crafts, face painting, bush activities, and a special kids menu during meals.

Guest Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 based on 3 ratings

Directions For Drivers

PLEASE NOTE: The main gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. Guests who arrive after this time will not be allowed to self-drive to the lodge. The lodge will send a representative to escort guests to the lodge at an additional cost. SUGGESTION: Refuel at Sun Village/Zeerust as there is no fuel available inside the reserve. DO NOT follow your GPS after Zeerust/Sun City - it will take you on the wrong roads.

From Johannesburg Airport via N4 tar road: Follow the R21 north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park. After 40 km follow N1 north to Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane). After about 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort Dam. Follow the N4 to Hartebeespoort Dam.

Take the N4 to Zeerust past Brits, Rustenberg, and Swartruggens. Zeerust is approximately 220 km from Pretoria. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 to Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. After +/- 90 km you will see a sign on the right for the Abjaterskop Gate of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Once you are in the reserve, follow the signs to the lodge. Allow about 30-60 minutes to drive from the gate to the lodge.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Sun City via N4 tar road: Turn right from as you leave Sun City onto the R565. After a few km you will come to a junction with the R565 to the left, and the R556 signposted straight ahead. Turn left here to keep on the R565 signposted Phokeng and Rustenberg, and it is 38 km from here to the junction with the N4 tar road.

When you reach the N4, turn right onto the road (signposted Swartruggens and Zeerust) and continue for around 130 km on this road to Zeerust. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg or Sun City via gravel roads: There is a gravel road from Sun City to Madikwe - this route is a lot shorter than the current tar road route, however as the roads are gravel and the signs to Madikwe are rather inconsistent, we would not really recommend this route to customers.

Should you wish to return to Sun City or Johannesburg using the gravel roads, the lodge will be able to supply you with a map and directions.

General Information For Guests

All suites have a private deck fitted with a splash pool, with a spectacular view of the surrounding bush. Each room also have indoor and outdoor showers, fireplace, mini bar fridge, room safe, air conditioning, an overhead fan and a hair dryer.

Facilities at the main lodge include a bar, lounge, dining room, open air boma, curio shop and swimming pool. 

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

The Etali Spa offers a range of treatments including massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials and more. The adjacent gym and steam room is open for the use of all guests.

Game drives through the Madikwe Game Reserve last about 3 hours and take place twice daily around dawn and dusk, when the wildlife tends to be most active. Guests are accompanied by a professional field guide and game tracker.  Game walks can also be arranged.

A babysitting service is available.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 20 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.  Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Popular Alternatives to Etali Safari Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Etali Safari Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Etali Safari Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.