COVID 19 Policy

As we all continue facing the challenges brought on by Covid-19, Matla Game Lodge is prepared to host you, your family and your colleagues, safely and with full peace of mind. The global Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the world in a way that has seen many of us rethink our ways of working and living. To safeguard the well-being of all its guests and staff, Matla Game Lodge has adopted additional health and hygiene measures, giving our visitors complete peace of mind about their future stay while providing them with an exceptionally comfortable, exciting and memorable experience.

The COVID-19 protocols that we have put in place at Matla Game Lodge are for the safety and reassurance of staff and guests. These protocols are outlined below:

GUESTS

• Prior to arrival, all guests will be required to complete a Medical and Travel Declaration Form

• All guests will be screened by the Reserve officials at the gates of the Madikwe Game Reserve and if they meet their requirements they will be allowed to proceed to the lodge.

• Guests will be required to bring along their own facemasks. We will have some available for purchase if needed.

• Guests are asked to remove their own luggage from their vehicles and place it on the ground, as this will prevent any of our staff entering the interior of your vehicle. All your luggage will be treated with sanitizer, before it is taken to your luxury suite by one of the lodge staff.

• Guests’ temperatures will be checked on arrival and logged for reference. This will be unobtrusive, with high regard for personal space and comfort. Hand sanitizer will also be available on arrival.

• Daily temperature checks of all guests so that the readings can be added to the guest’s medical declaration will be done before morning game drive

• We recommend that guests follow stringent hygiene practices of regular hand washing & sanitisation, limited hand face contact, social distancing and the wearing of a facemask.

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SOCIAL DISTANCING

• Matla Game Lodge is a private and sole-use lodge and as such, the guests in camp will all be travelling together and they will not come into contact with any other guests during their stay at the lodge.

• Management will endeavour to minimize guest contact with the staff during their stay.

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DINING

• All meals and snacks will be prepared in strictly controlled environments, under strict hygiene standards.

• Our healthy and delicious food will all be served a-la carte by the chef, who will keep you well-nourished during these times.

HYGIENE & SAFETY MEASURES

• Alcohol based hand sanitisers will be readily available in all guest areas, suites, on game drive vehicles and bathrooms as well as in all back of house areas.

• Suites are sterilised before check-in and daily during guest stay, should the guests opt for this.

• Extra attention on our cleaning protocols will be focussed on high-touch areas in our suites, such as door handles, light switches, safes, tea and coffee station etc.

• Our small gym area is cleaned more regularly, with special attention to high-touch areas.

• All surfaces in public areas or where food is prepared are sanitized on an ongoing basis. This includes door handles, bar counters, handrails and all high touch areas.

• Linen and towels are washed and tumble dried at 60°C to kill any potential bacteria.

• Hygiene and safety measures at the lodge will be discussed further with the guests on arrival.

STAFF

• The team at Matla consists of nine staff members including management.

• All Matla Staff will receive daily temperature checks before coming on duty.

• Any incidents of high temperatures will immediately be directed through the correct channels.

• All lodge staff follow strict self-isolation protocols before interacting with guests.

• Interaction with guest will be limited, but still ensuring attention to detail.

• All staff have been trained on mandatory precautions in line with the latest health protocols and are ready to offer the highest levels of service whilst still ensuring the wellbeing of our guests.

• All staff have been provided with the necessary protective equipment needed to carry out their jobs and to ensure their safety and yours.

• Practices include wearing of masks, regular handwashing, social distancing, no handshaking or hugging.

• Our field guides and key front of house staff, as well as our Managers, will receive ongoing training, based on the government regulations.

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GAME DRIVE VEHICLE

• The game drive vehicle will be sanitized before and after game drives will special attention to high touch areas on the vehicle.

• As Matla is a private lodge, the game vehicle will be allowed to take a maximum of nine guests, with the seat next to the guide being left open.

• The game drive vehicle will be stocked with hand sanitizers.

• Communal snack containers will be replaced with individual snack packs, that will be distributed to each individual guest.

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EMERGENCY PARTNERS

• Africa SAFE-T are our local medical emergency partners. They are always on stand-by and based in the Reserve. We have agreed on a clear procedure on the exact course of action to be taken in the event of a suspected case at the Lodges. South Africa boasts the highest standard of healthcare in Africa, with an extensive network of private doctors, specialists and clinics.

PEACE OF MIND

• We are aware of many people who had their travels planned for milestone birthdays and other family celebrations, but sadly were unable to travel due to the current circumstances. Therefore, we offer a prepaid voucher for flexible travel dates, which gives one the freedom to choose dates at a later stage and the option to postpone if needed. Dates are flexible as we do understand that travel restrictions are being updated constantly. This will ensure peace of mind and an amazing experience to look forward to.

We will introduce measures to gauge whether you not only enjoyed your trip but also felt safe, with your wellbeing looked after throughout your stay. Feedback on areas where we can improve will be most welcome.