Waterberg

Marataba Explorers Camp

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Marataba Explorers Camp?

Stays at Marataba Explorers Camp start from around US$570 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Marataba Explorers Camp

About Marataba Explorers Camp

Marataba Explorers camp will be closed from 1st Jan 2024 indefinitely

Explorers Camp is the newest addition to Marataba's conservation legacy. Located in Marataba Contractual National Park, a private section of the Marakele, the camp is met at every side by lofty mountains, pockets of fever trees and far-reaching bushveld. It can be booked on semi-exclusive basis (meaning two groups can be in residence at any one time) and just outside the boundary is a fabulous waterhole, oft visited by four-legged locals. A 'hands-on' safari blueprint and a commitment to protecting the wildlife of Marataba means days are spent on game drives in search of the Big Five and joining the conservation team on their tracking expeditions and daily activities. With a private guide at the ready, the itinerary is entirely your own and memories are guaranteed.

Waterberg , South Africa

From $570 per person/per night

Safari

6 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

In the centre of camp, just in front of the waterhole, is the main lodge. With its thatched roof and large, wraparound veranda, first appearances suggest a traditional boma; but never judge a book by its cover! Inside, spekboom plants sit alongside a gin bar and quirky photographs of Marataba throughout the years are propped on exposed beams. Sleek, camping-style furniture and chunky metal-and-wood tables and chairs complete the fresh and funky vibe, and the food is just as fabulous. Think platters piled high with organic vegetables and freshly-squeezed juices during the day, and decadent braais as the sun goes down in the evening.

The rooms

Explorers was one of the first camps to be built in the park and has been creatively upscaled to five double canvas tents and one family tent with two bedrooms. All are raised on decks for maximum view-gazing and have large, shady verandas with dining tables and slouchy chairs. Inside, the ensuite bathrooms have indoor showers and twin sinks, and the beds, draped in funky throws and soft sheets, are enormous. Metal furniture, bright colours and natural textiles are fun and easy-going and add to the laidback, cool-as-a-cucumber air of the camp. Simply kick off your shoes and enjoy…

Activities

Explorers Camp represents a new breed of hands-on, active conservation and all experiences are geared around what makes the national park tick and the business of protecting the wildlife contained within it. Your guide will help with planning your days, but activities could include snare patrols, tracking cheetah, conducting veld surveys, and taking part in important elephant research. Mix and match conservation-focused activities with ‘traditional’ game drives and boat cruises to your heart’s content – and if you fancy it, be sure to try a ‘wild walk’ through those glorious mountains. The rhino experiences (darting and notching) are extra, but well worth it.

Why we love it

The views from camp: mountains, plains, enormous skies and that waterhole…

Insiders Tip

Some rooms face towards the waterhole, others over the plains. Each side of camp is booked exclusively, so you’ll always have a choice, but it’s worth grabbing one with a waterhole view.

Something to think about

The additional rhino notching experience comes with an added price tag and involvement in the rhino notching and darting processes are not guaranteed unless you book specifically.

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How to book Marataba Explorers Camp

How do I book Marataba Explorers Camp?

Marataba Explorers Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Marataba Explorers Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Marataba Explorers Camp?

Stays at Marataba Explorers Camp start from around $570 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

South Africa

Waterberg

Search for the Big Five and simply soak up the vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful landscape.