Marataba Lodge offers a super-luxurious safari experience within an exclusive private concession in the Marakele National Park. This vast wilderness area spans a staggering 75,000 hectares of spectacular terrain at the far western range of the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo Province—an easy four-hour drive from Johannesburg. A private airstrip offers a fly-in option. Renowned for superb game viewing, this malaria-free Big 5 reserve covers some of South Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, with soaring mountain ranges, wide stretches of savanna, dense indigenous forests and permanent waterways.
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The main lodge is a modern take on traditional safari style, with elaborate stonework and bold use of natural materials blending in to the surrounding natural landscape. Walkways and split-level decks link through to the open-plan lounge, bar and dining area, with an open-air boma for dinners under the stars. A curving infinity pool in the lush gardens offers a quiet spot to relax, with secluded viewing decks and hammocks tucked away under the trees.
Each of the fifteen vast tented double or twin suites is set on a raised wooden deck looking out onto the magnificent Waterberg Mountains, and designed for absolute comfort and integration into this sublime natural setting. Luxurious interiors feature smooth wooden floors, clever use of stonework, ethnically-inspired fabrics and subtle modern twists, with a host of welcome amenities including air conditioning and a mini bar. All have indoor and outdoor showers, a walk-in dressing room, and romantic stand-alone bathtub.
Twice-daily game drives are offered, together with guided walks, and boat cruises on the Matlabas River to search for hippo and other riverine wildlife. All of the Big 5 species are found here, and look out for some of the unusual smaller predators like honey badgers and the endearing bat-eared fox. Birdwatching is excellent, with a huge colony of endangered Cape vultures thriving in this protected wilderness, together with an impressive raptor count. The lodge's Creative Lab studio offers photographers of all skill levels the opportunity to transform their images into canvas prints, all with guidance of the studio specialists. Spa treatments are available between activities.
Exclusivity is the name of the game here and with only two lodges in the whole concession, the chances of bumping into another vehicle are slim.
Book a night at the fabulous Thabametsi Treehouse and sleep under the stars, listening to the huffs and puffs of the wildlife below you. A true one-on-one experience with wild Africa...
The views are outstanding and the wildlife will surprise you. This area is a very different game viewing experience to the Kruger but just as rewarding.
Marataba Safari 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.
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Search for the Big Five and simply soak up the vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful landscape.
