Marataba Safari Lodge

• Situated in a private concession of the malaria-free Marakele National Park
• Only three hours north of Johannesburg
• Stunning setting overlooking the Marakele escarpment in the Waterberg
• Romantic and very spacious Bedouin style tents
• Delicious cuisine and wine

Marataba Safari Lodge is a stunning tented camp situated in an exclusive 23,000ha concession within the Marakele National Park in the Waterberg Mountains in the north of South Africa. The Marakele National Park is a malaria-free reserve that offers a dramatic landscape of vast plains, dense bushveld, winding rivers, deep gorges and soaring mountains.

Marataba Safari Lodge, meaning 'a place of sanctuary', is a refuge for Africa's Big Five and a multitude of other animal species including rare antelope such as roan, sable and mountain reedbuck which can be seen on game drives and bush walks. Marataba's rangers are extremely knowledgeable about the African bush and you will soon find yourself absorbed in the wonders of this magical eco- system. Marakele is also home to the world's largest breeding colony of the endangered Cape vulture. Birdlife within the park is prolific with more than 400 species recorded. These are often see to best effect on sundowner river cruises on the Miss Mara boat.

The design of Marataba Safari Lodge reflects Africa’s ancient wisdom and culture, the copious use of indigenous stone for contemporary walling. Juxtaposed with huge glass walls, it embraces both the contemporary and the ancient in an exciting union of innovative architecture and design.

Accommodation

Inside the vibrant colours of Africa are to be seen everywhere. The 15 luxurious canvas and stone suites are reminiscent of Bedouin tents and are exquisitely furnished and decorated. Each has an open plan en-suite bathroom with shower and signature oval bath with open glass doors to the deck for views of the bushveld from your bath. (The bathroom can be enclosed using curtains for additional privacy). Behind the bedroom area is the dressing room as well as a double vanity. Outside there's an outdoor shower and a private deck overlooking the sweeping plains and meandering river below with glorious views up to the Marakele escarpment.

Marataba Safari Lodge is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg. It is approx 3-3½ hours north to the main gate where you park your car and meet your ranger for your onward transfer to the lodge (approx 25 minutes depending on what game you see en route).

Family safaris

Familiies are a big deal at Marataba. Accommodation comes in the form of a two bedroom family suite. This is fully kitted out for kids with natural bath products, kids gowns, toys & games, hot chocolate mugs by the bed and storybooks on their pillows. But one kid can also share in their parents room. Children over six join the adult game drive, but there's a shorter kids drive for younger ones.  Meal times bring you around the dining table/boma fire/picnic basket or perhaps even breakfast in the bush. Picky eaters are well-catered for. The focus is on delicious healthy eating. But there are treats thrown in. Tuck into burgers during an outdoor movie, cosy up to toast marshmallows on the fire, or enjoy a hot chocolate in bed.

There's a Mack & Madi kids club at Marataba with a tailor-made programme of activities between game drives, tailored to the season. This is centred around the Eco House with an outside kids area (with jungle gym, swings, trampoline and sandpit. Activities include animal ‘spoor’ tracking, pool games and camp-outs, to cookie baking, rock painting and dress-up plays. Then perhaps settle down for a movie under the stars.