Etali Safari Lodge | Madikwe Game Reserve

Etali Safari Lodge lies in the heart of the world-renowned Madikwe Game Reserve. This lavish bushveld haven prides itself on impeccable hospitality and ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable African safari experience.

Etali’s minimalist design, which incorporates boulders and other elements from Madikwe’s sweet-thorn Acacia bushveld, functions to imbue the Lodge with a blissful ambience bound to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul. The blend of cool earth colours and contemporary Afro-chic décor perfectly complements the unsurpassed beauty of the vibrant natural environment.

Etali Safari Lodge offers guests eight luxurious double suites – one of which is wheelchair accessible for guests with limited mobility – and one family suite. The free- standing thatched suites are all slightly raised on a wooden deck and set apart to ensure optimal privacy.

Each spacious suite features a cosy lounge area with built-in fireplace, en-suite bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, viewing deck, and plunge pool as well as air-conditioning and WiFi facilities. Three of the suites overlook the Lodge’s waterhole. However, guests should note that these suites cannot be pre-booked. 

Etali’s family suite offers two back-to- back rooms connected by an extra-large shared deck and includes all the double suite facilities along with a private swimming pool and Lapa.

When it comes to making the most of your time at Madikwe, Etali provides a range of activities from the adventurous to the indulgent. These include twice-daily game drives and guided nature walks accompanied by the Lodge’s expert trackers and rangers. For the avid outdoor enthusiast, individually tailored game viewing excursions are available by pre-arrangement. You can also enjoy a spectacular evening of stargazing courtesy of Etali’s professional astronomer who visits monthly to train the rangers.

And for guests who need some extra help unwinding, Etali’s Wellness Spa provides a welcome respite from the stresses and strains of everyday life. The Wellness Spa has a steam room and open-air gym as well as three treatment rooms where you can indulge in a range of therapies like hot stone massages, aromatherapy, and the Lodge’s flagship “thlakanya” massage.

When it comes to mealtimes, Etali’s cuisine will not disappoint with its mouthwatering fusion of local and Asian flavours. All meals are freshly prepared by Etali’s in-house chef extraordinaire using seasonal and organically grown vegetables, fruit and herbs, and accompanied by house wines from Glenwood Estate.

Choose between fine dining in the main dining area or on the viewing deck and traditional South African dishes catered in the stone “lesaka” kraal alongside the waterhole. (A “lesaka” kraal is where Tswana elders used to gather to discuss important tribal issues.) There is also a bush site where breakfasts and dinners are served al fresco, weather permitting.

If you’re seeking an elite refuge from the daily grind and a chance to explore the incredible biodiversity of Madikwe Game Reserve without compromising on your creature comforts, Etali Safari Lodge is sure to top your getaway destination list.