We stayed her at the end of June this year and we cannot say enough good things about the place. The staff are exceptional. Big thank you to Rose, Oti (driver) and Inos (spotter) who were instrumental in making our stay the best it could be. The location next to the water hole is fantastic as animals are coming all the time so you see loads even when you are not on a drive. We saw four of the big five as well as loads of other animals including wild dogs, Hyenas and porcupines. The hotel surprised us with a fantastic private dinner on our terrace facing the watering hole as it was our honeymoon. The log fire in the room and all the amenities were amazing. The food was outstanding, You certainly won't go hungry and everything tasted great. The early morning game drives have a stop for a hot drink and breakfast snack and the evening drives have a drink and snack stop too. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and enhance the experience. They really look after you, we were there during winter so it is a bit cold in the morning but the lodge provides fleece lined ponchos and hot water bottles so we were always warm. Would not have wanted to choose any other lodge!…
Just had a 2 night 4 game drive stay at Etalia absolutely fantastic - rooms,food and service amazing Ishepi was a great host and the game drives were fab we got to see all the Big Five and more thanks to Lazarus well done and a big thank you to all the staff
Our 3 night stay at Etali Safari Lodge started from the minute we entered the main gate to the reserve. There was so much wildlife on the drive to the lodge, it almost felt like we were on a game drive. On arrival at the lodge were warmly greeted by Tshepi and our bags were taken to our room while we took in the scene of elephants having a midday drink at the lodge's watering hole. The room itself is great with a heated plunge pool that we took full advantage of. Lazarus (ranger) and Darius (tracker) were very helpful and kept us entertained with recounts of stories from the years that they have worked at Madikwe. Both have great knowledge of the animals and they are like walking encyclopedias when it comes to animals and nature. They would go totally out of their way to find game that was on our "wish list". The food was really good too and plentiful. We loved the personal touch and never felt like any request was too much for any members of the team. I would like to make special mention of the following people who made our stay a memorable one: Lazarus, Darius, Tshepi, Dinah, chef and Thato. There were others behind the scenes that we didn't meet (such as housekeeping etc) too... thank you!!! Would not hesitate to recommend Etali Safari Lodge to anyone... we loved every minute we were there... can't wait to go back…
First of all we want to say that we had the best rangers ever! Special thanks to Doctor & Alfred. The lodge itself was fantastic, very clean and beautiful. The staff very friendly!! Perfect! Thank you
This is a top destination in Madikwe if you are looking for the best trackers and game drive. Though it is a small park compared to Serengeti in Tanzania it will be one of the best in South Africa. Etali lodge has friendly staff and some excellent rooms (No 7) where we stayed for 3 nights. Doctor and Prince and the other guides are excellent! I would recommend the park for an exclusive Safari without big crowds and Etali guides are among the very best in the park where you will spot animals close to the vehicle and they drive really off road.
Etali is an absolutely fantastic place. The lodge and suites are stunning, with great design and fantastic views. Hospitality of all the staff is outstanding, and you simply want to go back. It was the first time in Madikwe and the game drives really exceeded expectations. Etali's bush guides are highly experienced and share a wealth of knowledge. A destination to surely visit again.
There are no words to describe how wonderful the experience was, with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, individual units with breathtaking views. The staff service is personalised and exemplary, and the food made by a true chef! Highly recommended for individuals, couples or families..
A magnificent lodge of only 8 units in the beautiful Madikwe Reserve - hope to the Big 5 and malaria free! Spectacular scenery, great game sightings (2 included safaris a day) and superbly luxurious and comfortable accommodation. Your own private deck overlooking the Bush, with a private whirlpool. A luxury bath, King size bed - heaven! Wonderfully friendly staff. I’m extremely impressed with the specially prepared meals and care taken to meet my dietary needs (no eggs, gluten free, no poultry) - beautiful meals and no stress. Would come again and I highly recommend this place!
We have just had the safari experience of a lifetime. Etali is superb. The safari hut rooms are wonderful. Private plunge pool. Outdoor shower and great spacious room and bathroom. The game drives are excellent. Herman was a magnificent guide and Matthew was our spotter. We saw lions up trees and stalking their prey. Lots of rhinos. Everything really except leopards. The food was fabulous. We had a surprise dinner on our decking for my husbands birthday. The bbq by the waterhole was excellent and then there was a surprise breakfast in the bush. Everything exceeded our expectations but the best thing was the attention to detail by Sepi the manager and her staff. We would highly recommend Etali and we certainly hope to return.
This was our second visit to Etali Safari Lodge and it was just as magical and amazing as our first visit in 2013. The staff is over the top friendly and helpful. They are some of the most dedicated and friendly staff we have encountered. We will be returning again and again.
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