~ Waterberg ~ Limpopo Province ~ South Africa ~

Ekuthuleni, "place of peace" in the indigenous Zulu tongue, nestles in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa's Limpopo/Limpopo 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 Limpopo 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:

• Listen to your ranger at all times.
• Standing is not permitted on the vehicles.
• At sightings, please keep still and minimise all noise.
• Please do not throw anything from the vehicle.
• The rangers will take guests as close to a sighting as they feel safe.
• Before taking photographs, especially at night, please first ask the ranger.
• If you feel uncomfortable in a situation please let your ranger know.

Please remember that our rangers are here to answer any questions you may have about the bush, reserve, animals or birds.

Guided walks

Guided walks are offered, usually in the mornings after breakfast, but can be arranged at other times.

Please take note of the following:

• Listen to your ranger at all times.
• Walk in single file.
• Never wander away from the group.
• Please follow the hand signals, which will be explained to you before you set out.
• When approaching animals please keep quiet and follow instructions.
• Under no circumstances should you start running.
• Remember sunscreen, binoculars, camera and extra film.
• Dress comfortably and avoid wearing bright colours or strong perfume or aftershave.
• Insect repellent is provided.

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