Entabeni Game Reserve

Entabeni Safari Conservancy, “The Place of the Mountain”, is situated in the World Heritage “Waterberg Biosphere” of the Waterberg region.

Less than a three-hour drive north of Johannesburg, this 22 000 ha malaria-free reserve boasts five eco-systems. Because of the 5 different ecosystems within the reserve, game viewing and bird watching are most rewarding in terms of the variety of species to be seen, identified by knowledgeable and friendly rangers.

View Map of accommodation in Entabeni Nature Reserve

The upper escarpment is predominantly grassland dominated by the most beautiful crags, while a drive down between the cliffs, where a gurgling stream beckons, takes you to the warmer sandy wetlands of the lower escarpment.

Entabeni offers far more than the usual game sightings of the Big Five. Experience scenic helicopter flights, stargazing in the observatory, sunset lake cruises and a variety of game viewing activities.

Accommodation
Entabeni Kingfisher Lodge
Set on the banks of Lake Entabeni, this intimate, exclusive five star lodge entices guests outdoors onto its wooden decks. The tranquility of the lake and distant bush is nature at its undisturbed best.

Entabeni Hanglip Mountain Lodge
This alluring five-star lodge evokes the romantic Africa of yesteryear. All luxury suites, furnished in African Baroque style, have private sun decks with breathtaking views across the wetlands and vast open plains. Enchanting gardens provide a paradise of foliage and tranquility.

Entabeni Lakeside Lodge
Set on the banks of the 1,7 km lake, the thatch and stone Lakeside Lodge provides a memorable blend of luxury in the wilderness.

Entabeni Eagle's Nest
Eagle’s Nest nestles halfway up a cliff. This luxury wooden and stone lodge, built on stilts, provides an exclusive setting with spectacular bird’s-eye views.

Entabeni Ravineside Lodge
Located under the shadow of Entabeni Mountain, this thatched wooden lodge, built on stilts and hugging the cliff edge, offers spectacular views of unspoilt ravines and wooded hillsides.

Guests can take advantage of the observatory and listen to a professional astronomer explain the mystery and vast beauty of the southern night sky.

Entabeni Wildside Safari Camp
A true African bush experience awaits you at Wildside Safari Camp, where the essence of the unspoilt wilderness of the Waterberg is combined with comfortable en-suite tents, creating a wild Africa atmosphere.

The open lounge/bar area with the romantic roaring fire in the boma creates the perfect end to a relaxed day in the bush.

Child Policy
Children welcome, however, children under six years of age will not be permitted on game drives. Where possible, depending on the number of children in-house and the availability of additional vehicles, special game drives for children can be arranged. These drives cannot be guaranteed.

Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to participate in the game walks offered at Entabeni Safari Concervancy.

Activities:

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Game Drives
Open 4x4 vehicles ensure close encounters with the Big Five and numerous wildlife species. Qualified and knowledgeable game rangers will take visitors on an educational journey of breathtaking scenery, diverse vegetation and prolific bird- and wildlife.

Bush Walks:
Armed & experienced rangers accompany guests on the bush walk. This bush experience is educational & offers close encounters with members of the Big Five, and is therefore both rewarding & exhilarating for the more adventurous guests.

Horseback Game Viewing:
We offer one and two hour rides as an additional game viewing activity. Guests with little or no previous riding experience are able to participate in this activity.

Horseback Adventure Safaris:
We specialise in 2 day safaris tracking some of the “Big Five” whilst following game and elephant trails. Breakfast and Lunch are served at the lodges or at various bush venues. Riding resumes again in the afternoon, returning to the lodges in time for dinner.

We ride through rugged wilderness areas, only accessible by foot or on horseback, for 2 to 5 hours per day, encountering dangerous game. This activity is therefore more suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who are able to trot, canter and gallop with confidence. Novice riders are accommodated on request.

Children under the age of 8 will not be taken out on a normal ride and children 15 years or younger have to be accompanied on the ride by a parent/guardian.

Balloon Safaris
We now offer you the opportunity to view the magnificent panoramas of our ancient land and observe the flora and fauna from the slowly drifting vantage of your hot air balloon.

The Balloon flight will last about forty five minutes, starting in the reserve to fly over the game, but may land outside the reserve, depending on the flight direction and meteorological conditions. Traditionally, champagne will be served either “in flight” or on landing

A minimum of 4 guests is required to justify a Flight Departure we suggest that you endeavour to program flights Mondays to Fridays as Saturday and Sunday flights are often very heavily booked.

How to get there:

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See Map
Take the N1 North Highway to Mookgopong (Naboomspruit). From here 2 different routes lead to the Lodges:

To proceed to Kingfisher, Ravineside, Eagle's Nest or Lakeside Lodges:
Turn left at the traffic light in town centre (R520).
Continue on the R520 for 11 km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left and continue for 500 m and turn right at the Marken sign.
Keep on the tar road for 23,8 km. The road becomes a gravel road. Continue on this road for another 21,5 km.
You’ll see an Entabeni Game Reserve sign on the righthand side. Turn right and drive 3,3 km on a dirt road until you reach the security entrance gate.

To proceed to Wildside Camp & Earthsong:
Pass through the town on the R101 (29 km) till you reach the Doorndraai/Sterkrivier turnoff (Entabeni sign).
Turn left and continue for 22 km till you reach the Haakdoorn turnoff.
Turn left and continue for a further 8 km on a gravel road till you reach the big Entabeni Wildside Camp sign on your righthand side and the security entrance gate.

Clothing & Accessories:

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Light jackets for the summer months and morning drives.
Warmer jackets are recommended for evening drives and the winter months.
Mosquito repellent, Hat, Sun screen, Binoculars, camera & comfortable walking shoes are also advisable.
Blankets, raincoats & hot water bottles are provided on the vehicles.