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Etali Safari Lodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Set in one of the quieter game reserves
- Luxurious yet authentic in character
- Private viewing decks and plunge pools
- Good provision for children

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Overview

Etali is a privately-owned luxury lodge located within the Madikwe Game Reserve, an expansive protected reserve in the far north of South Africa. The property has a sophisticated yet down-to-earth feel and does away with unnecessary modern conveniences in order to focus on offering an authentic, refined and highly personalised safari experience.

The accommodation comprises eight stylish ‘standard’ suites, plus one designed especially for families. All suites are fully air conditioned and come with amenities such as indoor and outdoor showers, a minibar, a fireplace and a private game viewing deck complete with plunge pool and sun loungers. There’s plenty of space and the outdoor deck provides the chance to observe some of the reserve’s many animals in complete privacy.

Morning and evening guided game drives are offered, with each one providing the chance to spot a different line-up of animals. There are also guided bush walks for those looking to get up close and personal with the area’s flora and fauna. Stargazing is also popular, especially since the lodge has its own on-site telescope through which an abundance of stars can be viewed on a clear night. The reserve covers some 75,000 hectares and is home to around 120 mammal species, along with 350 bird species. Despite being the fifth largest game reserve in the country, Madikwe is exceptionally quiet and far from touristy in feel. It’s a good spot for viewing the Big 5, along with other notable animals including the cheetah, the African wild dog and both the black and white rhino. The guides leading the drives and walks are professional experts who have a wealth of wisdom on the reserve to share with guests.

The lodge is very family friendly, and there are plenty of age-appropriate activities for children to partake in, such as arts and crafts, face painting sessions, cookery classes and special drives. Those travelling with younger ones should look to book the family suite, and a babysitting service is available on request. While it’s rare for animals to approach humans, parents are reminded to keep their children under adult supervision at all times due to the lodge's rural location.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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