Out of the heart of the spectacular Madikwe Game Reserve, embraced by pristine bushveld 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. Make your own new beginning at Etali, it's the right place. Africa's 'big five', the African wild dog, as well as black and white rhino, cheetah, giraffe and many other glorious species can be seen on the famous Malaria-free Madikwe Plains at any given time.

You’ll find the accommodation at Etali Safari Lodge sheer bliss in any one of our eight luxurious air-conditioned suites, each set apart for total privacy in its own bushveld domain. The mix of cool and earthy colours in the decor is a peaceful contrast to the unsurpassed beauty of the sweet-thorn Acacia trees outside. Big comfortable beds with fine crisp linen promise an unforgettable night’s sleep beneath the thatched roof.

Cooling off in the splendid outdoor whirlpool, sipping a cocktail as you watch the breathtaking African sunset on your own deck is the ultimate indulgence. Nothing beats a long, lingering shower taken in our inside/outside showers with only a bird or little antelope as audience. Second to that may be to soak away in our partner bath and enjoy a relaxing bath therapy prepared by our therapist.

Facilities common to all rooms :
• Percale Linen
• Marula Soaps & amenities
• Air conditioned
• Books and magazines
• Minibar / tea/ coffee
• Internet access
• Fan
• Fireplaces
• Hairdryer
• under floor heating

Relax and be pampered in the tranquillity of the Wellness Centre or enjoy the sheer pleasure of a massage on your own sundeck, therapeutic in itself. Our core philosophy of natural health is based on holism and incorporates healing and rejuvenating body, mind and spirit. Etali's state-of the-art Wellness Centre is a unique concept that allows you to discover how fantastically good you really can feel. Experience the sensory pleasures of our unique reflexology walkway of rock, sand and soothing running water, or aromatherapy massages, an Indian head massage, hot-stone therapy, body wraps, facials, and of course the sauna and mini-gym facilities. Relax in the caring hands of qualified therapists, sheltered from the sun in the open-air centre, or one of the treatment rooms overlooking the endless savannah.

The experience could start by exploring our open thatched gymnasium and unwind in our aroma filled steam room or enjoy a lazy swim in our pool over looking the savannah or simply enjoy the warm whirlpool on your deck with a health smoothie or cocktail, later cooling off with a light-refreshing shower before your treatments commence...

Our Wellness menu comprises of purifying healing salt glows, vitality body wraps where you can wallow in the mud with our “ Warthog Hour ” or indulge in our ” Delightful Chocolate Experience ” or sooth yourself with our “ Slimming Green Tea Surprise.” Lifestyle therapies and La Culla face and body treatments are a heavenly feel too. Relax and be pampered in the tranquillity of one of the treatment rooms sheltered from the sun overlooking the endless savannah welcomed by the soft glow of scented candles or enjoy the sheer pleasure of a massage on your own sundeck, therapeutic in itself.

Specialized traditional massages from around the world dating back thousands of years may be performed. We offer African hand and foot rituals as well as sensory facials experiences where our product houses are in line with nature…

Enjoy the exciting unpredictability of an early-morning game drive with an expert ranger whose hawk-eyes will spot memorable moments ...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 ...grazing zebras forming patterns in the grass ...the 'painted' wild dogs in their den ...giraffes, the lookout towers of the bush. Madikwe has a vast diversity of birds with over 300 species recorded so far – perhaps you’ll be the one who adds another to the list. If you prefer, a sunset game drive is the best time to enjoy rush hour at the water hole. We offer two dame drives per day inclusive in our package.

We also offer golf as an activity. We offer the choice between the lovely Phakalane Golf Estate in Gaberone only 45 minutes away or the Sun City 'Gary Player' golf course that is 2 hours away.

Get closer to the heartbeat of Africa by taking a walk through the bush. Your guide will explain the medicinal value of trees and plants, and delight you with stories of the magical powers often attributed to them, identify grass and bird species and pick the bitter-sweet fruit of a maroela for you to taste. An interesting phenomenon is the ‘Castles of Clay’, huge termite mounds. The top of the 'castle' always faces northwest, while the temperature inside the mound remains a constant 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

For those of you fascinated by planets, the solar system or the wonder of the Southern skies, enrich your stay at Etali with an evening of stargazing. Explore the wonder of the Southern Cross, the awesome beauty of the Jewel Box, or the Milky Way at its best. Our telescope will allow you to focus on the best sightings for your time of stay. The night skies in the African bush are something very special. Millions of stars seem to shine with a brilliance and clarity that one can only enjoy far from the city lights. Planets, galaxies and star clusters all look spectacular in a small telescope in the dark skies of the bushveld.

Etali’s delectable cuisine is a contemporary fusion of traditional African with an Asian twist. Meals are light and healthy with lots of fresh seasonal and organically grown vegetables, fruit and herbs. There is no set menu as the chef extraordinaire selects only the best local produce daily to work his magic. Etali house wines are supplied by Glenwood Estate. We serve Glenwood Shiraz and Glenwood Semillon Sauvignon Blanc wines. Other than fine dining in our dining room or main deck, we offer traditional South African dinners in our 'lesaka' kraal built in stone. (Tswana elders used to gather in lesaka to discuss tribal issues), close to our water hole. Etali has a site where we serve bush breakfasts and dinners, weather permitting.

Directions

From Pretoria take the N4 to Rustenburg, Swartruggens and Zeerust. From Johannesburg you need to take the R509 to Magaliesburg, Derby and Koster. Then get onto the N4 to Swartruggens and Zeerust. The tollgate fee on this road is R45.00 per vehicle. The Total Garage at the 3rd stop street in Zeerust is not a bad place to stop if you need to use a bathroom. At the next stop street (Jan Rossouw) at FNB you'll find the sign (on the left of the road) indicating you need to turn RIGHT to Gabarone and Madikwe. Turn right and continue for 86 km. Turn right into the Abjaterskop Gate into the reserve. Follow the signs to Derdepoort gate (make sure you follow the curve to the left at the Parksboard buildings with the green water tank). When you have passed the Tsukudu dam on your left, you will see a brick wall on the right with a Etali Safari signs to turn left. From there follow the Etali Safari signs. The lodge is 28km from the gate. The telephone number at the lodge: 014 778 9500 or 083 321 3488.

Alternative Route:

Past Sun City, follow the road for 3 km and at that 3 way stop turn right. Continue for about 50km. There are signs to Jaci?s and Madikwe but pass them. At the green pointer to Kay-Kulu turn left on to the dirt road. Continue with this road there are two slight forks, keep to the right at the first one and to the left at the second one. (The signs read Madikwe river Lodge). At the T junction turn right and follow the signs to Madikwe Game Reserve and the Molatedi Gate. When you reach the Molatedi Gate ask the guard to radio bravo 14 to inform us of your arrival. From the gate follow the signs leading to Derdepoort Gate (the road curve slightly to the right before the parks board buildings). Past the tsukudu dam is the turn off sign to Etali, and you turn left. Follow the Etali signs from there. The lodge is about 28 km from the Moletedi gate.

Road Transfer: A road transfer at an estimated cost of R1500.00 one way for two pax and R200.00 per additional person extra. (this needs to be confirmed with specific needs of the group).

Fly in Options: A scheduled flight by Madikwe Air leaves from JIA to Madikwe every day at 12h00 and returns from Madkwe at 13h15 to JIA. The flying time is about 50 minutes and the rate is R2350.00 per person return. Federal Air, in direct association with Madikwe Air Charters, is proud to announce the extension of its Daily Air Shuttle Service operating from Johannesburg International Airport (AJS). The service is based on a proven air shuttle system, which has been successfully servicing world-class lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve for almost 4 years. Departing with unlimited seat capacity from the Federal Air Executive Lounge / Hangar complex at AJS, the service will be operated with aircraft from our late model fleet of 14 Cessna Grand Caravans and twin-engine aircraft.

Another option is to fly in by helicopter, an awesome experience but a more expensive option. The rate varies according to the amount of guests flying and the time of stay. If the pilot can stay over, the rate is very favorable.