Ekuthuleni, "place of peace" in the indigenous
Zulu tongue, nestles in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa's
Limpopo/Northern Province. It is part of the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve,
a malaria free, wildlife sanctuary covering some
33 000 hectares.
Contemplate the day's journey while you
nurse your drink at the poolside. Allow the darkness of the African continent
to envelop you. Then sit down at the fire in the traditional boma for a gourmet
dinner.
A new day dawns on the horizon. Watch the
morning sun scribble intriguing patterns across the veld. Enjoy a scrumptious
breakfast in anticipation of the day's excursions: Perhaps a game drive? Or walking
on foot in the spoor of the big five?
View game rich plains through the foliage
of majestic Seringa and Stamvrug trees. Each of Ekuthuleni's five intimate, fully
en-suite lodges offers a private vista of unspoilt African savannahs.
Ekuthuleni offers total privacy to exclusive
parties of up to ten people. Larger conference groups may be accommodated by special
arrangement. Gourmet meals and guided game drives are included in daily tariffs.
Every care is taken to ensure that your stay is uninterrupted by the demands of
the outside world.
A rich bird life, a variety of fascinating
trees and plants, an abundance of other wildlife, as well as the big five may
be experienced by guests.
Location
The Waterberg - so named by the early
Trekkers for its bounteous supply of clear water - covers an area of some 15 000
square kilometers in the Northern Province/Limpopo.
The past decade has seen great changes in
the region. From being largely a farming area for many generations starting with
the Trekkers, the Waterberg now embraces game ranching and conservation. In spite
of the area being known for its high rainfall it has also experienced times of
extreme droughts. The vegetation is largely sourveld (a weak type of bush and
grass species with slow regrowth) which made farming difficult. Farmers began
to realise that conventional farming would not work and that it would be more
costly than profitable to work lands. Hence the conversion from conventional farming
to game ranching and conservation. Although there has been farming, the Waterberg
has by and large been untouched over time, an unspoilt expanse of land, which
we should admire and respect.
Facilities
Charter and transfers
The reserve has it's own private landing strip. Management will be happy to arrange
helicopter and light aircraft charters on your behalf. We also arrange road transfers
between Johannesburg and Ekuthuleni.
Check-in and check-out times
Check-in time is 14h00 and you should be ready to depart at 11h00, as this enables
us to rotate rooms for the next arrival of guests.
Meals
Meal times are flexible, to accomodate guests returning from game drives and guided
walks. High tea is served in the afternoon. Please let us know if you have any
specific dietary requirements or requests. Our staff would be pleased to accommodate
you.
Tea & coffee
A tea & coffee facility is provided in your suite as well as in the main lodge.
Special requests
Please speak to management if you have any request and they will attend to it.
Swimming
Swimming towels are provided.
Visitors' book and comment card
Please fill in the visitors' book and comment cards provided on your last night
of stay - it is from your comments that we learn where we can improve.
Payment
We accept all major credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash payments. Personal
cheques may be accepted after prior arrangement with management.
Gratuities
Gratuities for outstanding service will be appreciated.
Telephone and reception services
We do not have normal cellular phone coverage. However, if you wish to make a
call ask management and they will assist you (any calls will be charged to your
account.)
Maintenance
If any maintenance problem occurs, please bring this to the attention of management
and they will attend to it promptly.
Laundry, drying
A same-day laundry service is available to guests, which will be charged to your
account. Please fill in the laundry list and place it with the laundry. This will
be collected at 8hoo and returned in the afternoon. Please note that the laundry
service is limited to a wash and press service. If you have any items that need
drying just ask any of the Ekuthuleni team, they will arrange for housekeeping
to collect them.
Hairdryers
For your convenience, hairdryers are supplied in one of the cupboard baskets.
Blankets
Should you require extra blankets, please ask one of the Ekuthuleni team.
Drinking water
Bottled water is provided for drinking purposes. Please note the borehole water
has a very high pH Level, and is not recommended for drinking purposes.
Malaria
Ekuthuleni is a malaria-free area. No malaria medication is needed during or after
your stay.
Medical attention and first aid
Should you require medical attention, our trained staff will treat you until outside
medical assistance arrives.
Snakes and scorpions
Being in the bush, poisonous snakes and scorpions are sometimes found. Should
you come across any snakes, do not try to get too close. Instead, call a staff
member who will identify it for you. Always remember that, in most cases snakes
will only attack if they feel threatened.
Safety and security
The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to us. Please bear in mind
that Ekuthuleni does not have a fence. Please do not wander away from the camp
without a staff member. Please do not wander around at night.
Fires
As Ekuthuleni is situated in mainly grass field and dense bush, fires are a concern.
In an event of a fire all guests will be collected from their suites and taken
to a safe point. Please do not go back to your suite to collect belongings etc.
As soon as the area has been declared safe, guests will be returned to their suites.
Please remember our roofs are made from thatch, please keep all flammable material
away from the roof. In case of a fire we will not be held responsible for any
loss or damage to any personal belongings.
Rain
Umbrellas and ponchos are provided. Once again if you would like us to dry any
of your items, please ask management. They will arrange it with housekeeping.
Management
Management are available 24 hours a day, please contact management in case of
an emergency.
Activities
Two game drives are offered daily - early morning and afternoon
or evening.
The times for game drives will be arranged by your ranger.
- Morning drives - you will enjoy a tea/coffee stop with rusks and biscuits,
breakfast is served on your return.
- Afternoon/evening drives - Depart after high tea, stop for sundowners
and return to camp for dinner.
We suggest the following to make your game drive comfortable
and rewarding:
- A hat or cap and sunscreen.
- Warm clothes, especially during the winter months. A jersey or jacket
is recommended for evening drives.
- Extra blankets and rain ponchos are provided on the vehicles. Binoculars,
a camera and extra film.
To ensure your safety on your game drive, please note the following:
Please remember that our rangers are here to answer any
questions you may have about the bush, reserve, animals or birds.
