Set in the Waterfall (Waterval) Valley, dramatically ringed by the flat-topped Waterberg escarpment, Marataba Mountain Lodge is a luxurious, Scandinavian-sleek safari destination that sets the bar. There are just five elegant, modern suites, serviced by a small team of extremely capable staff and guides. With sweet savanna grasslands, sour veld, and riverine forests, the varied habitats sustain wildlife that ranges from all of the Big Five, to cheetah, bat-eared fox, hyena and giraffe, and the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures: around 800 breeding pairs. It's wild, it's super-stylish, and it's well worth a visit.
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Walkways from the main area lead to five eco-suites, their outer walls subtly lined with reeds to blend with the surroundings. But the wall facing the view has no such cover. Here, floor-to-ceiling glass makes sure you miss none of the action. King-sized beds and wood-burning fireplaces are standard, as are rain showers and a covered private veranda. As always, everything is sensibly but smartly done with a light touch and the aim of keeping the bush at the fore.
The location is EVERYTHING and each space, from your panoramic suite to the infinity rock pool, is designed to take it all in.
The wildlife steals the show but don't miss out on a hike to natural rock pools for a dip and a picnic, or sailing the Miss Mara along the Matlabas River round boulder-like hippos.
Be prepared for a bit of a drive to reach activities as the lodge is set deep in the reserve - but with this scenery, we're not complaining.
Marataba Mountain Lodge is owned by the MORE family collection which are Committed to regenerative tourism. They prioritises sustainability to safeguard the environment and communities for future generations. Their ethos revolves around living and working sustainably, recognising that our actions impact all life on Earth. MORE believes in fostering harmony between humans, plants, and animals for the well-being of present and future generations. For MORE, sustainability is ensuring the continuity of life on our planet.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Marataba Mountain Lodge 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 Mountain Lodge 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.
Stays at Marataba Mountain Lodge start from around $1.3K, or US$1.3K, 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.
Search for the Big Five and simply soak up the vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful landscape.
