PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • The award winning Marataba Safari Lodge lies in an exclusive 23,000ha Big 5 reserve in a stunningly beautiful location at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains.
  • The park and concession fall within the UNESCO-recognised Waterberg Biosphere – the only savannah biosphere in the world.
  • Non-malarial and only a 3-hour 30-minute drive from Johannesburg.
  • Each of the spacious luxury tents has its own private deck overlooking the mountains and river below with game regularly wandering past the decks..
  • The light bounces off the red iron filled rocks of the Waterberg Escarpment creating an incredible golden light.
  • Home to Africa’s iconic Big 5 and a host of other interesting wildlife, including amazing white rhino sightings, leopard sightings and the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world.
  • Stunning spots, on the slopes of the escarpment or by the banks of the river, for morning coffee or sundowners.
  • A special perk of the lodge is a boat that takes guests out on the Matlabas River where they can enjoy sundowners and a spectacular view of the Waterberg.

EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE

We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.

  • Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
  • Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
  • Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
  • Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
  • Complimentary private airport transfers.
  • Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
  • Early check-in and late check-out.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.

A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.

ACTIVITIES:


Game Drives & Bush Walks

The Madikwe Game Reserve is an incredible ‘Big 5’ wilderness area. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, and the critically endangered Africa wild dog are just some of the amazing sightings you can enjoy in this 75 000 hectare reserve. The Game Rangers are highly skilled and very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora within the reserve and will be able to answer all of your questions during game drives and walking safaris. Each day will bring new experiences as you explore this special corner of the African wild in an open safari vehicle or on foot.



Private Safari at Marataba

Ensure exclusivity, privacy and flexibility by organising a private guide and vehicle for one or more days of your stay at Kwandwe. Kwandwe offer exceptional rates for those interested in requesting their own private game drive vehicle and professional game ranger. This option provides you with full flexibility over what you do, where you go and ultimately what you see. All the guides at Kwandwe are trained to an exceptionally high standard and this experience is certainly one to consider to add something extra special to your safari experience.



South African Birding

The Waterberg is home to an incredible diversity of bird species. Besides residents, migratory species move through during the rains and the escarpment cliffs are home to the world’s largest breeding colony of the critically endangered Cape Vulture.



Water Safari

Take an unhurried cruise along the Matlabas River on Miss Mara. Nothing tops watching the sun shimmy into a liquid horizon in vivid colour, as you sip on a G ‘n T to the splash of a grunting hippo. The perspective of the bush is quite different when experienced from the water. An excursion on Miss Mara is highly recommended as a unique and highly enjoyable way to immerse yourself in the magnificence of the reserve.


Walking in Marakele National Park

For those intrepid explorers who wish to wander the African bush on foot then Marakele Park is the place to do it. Home to the Big 5 as well as abundant birdlife and flora. Whether it’s contrasting mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills or the deep valleys of the Marakele Park that draw you in there is something for everyone. With a variety of trail options available, you can choose whichever you feel more suited to depending on your levels of fitness and stamina. Whether you wish to hike over the top of the Kransberg range or through a deep gorge the choice is yours, the one thing you can be sure of either way is seeing spectacular scenery and wildlife. It is a year-round trails destination that is the only Malaria-free Big 5 walking trail in South Africa.

Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation

Call: +852 9465 4577

Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com

OVERVIEW

Marataba Safari Lodge South Africa Sunset View

Part of More Hotels, Marataba Safari Lodge lies in an exclusive 23,000ha Big 5 reserve in a stunningly beautiful location at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains. The park and concession fall within the UNESCO-recognised Waterberg Biosphere – the only savannah biosphere in the world.  Situated in a malaria-free region only four hours north of Johannesburg, Marataba is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and rich valleys. Here you’ll find rare yellowwood and cedar trees, five-metre high cycads and tree ferns. Alongside Africa’s Big 5, you’ll encounter a wide variety of birds, including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world. Marataba also has a large population of leopards, and sightings of these elusive beasts are quite common. Additionally, the Miss Mara boat safari can accommodate up to ten guests, and operates both sunset and morning cruises along the Matlabas River.

The 15 luxurious tented suites blend into the surrounding bush, providing a fully immersive wilderness experience while offering full modern comforts. Each of the luxury tents has its own private deck overlooking the mountains and river below. The lavish free-standing stone baths in each suite comes with indoor as well as outdoor showers. A lawn in front of the lodge overlooks a popular waterhole and serves as the setting where dinners are served. On the menu for your pleasure is a smorgasbord of activities from which to choose. Whether enjoying a game drive, walking trail, sunset river excursion, or a private dinner for two, there is never enough time to exhaust the many ways there are to love this place.

ROOMS

Each of the 15 luxury tented suites enjoys a private deck perched above the river below. From the deck you can enjoy panoramic views of the escarpment towering above the area, closer to the deck it is often possible to spot shy kudu and bushbuck moving silently through the shadows of the riverbank. Each tent is fitted with king or twin beds, quality linen, indoor and outdoor showers and free-standing stone baths. All tents are equipped with air conditioning should it be required.

Marataba Safari Lodge Luxury Tented Suite
Marataba Safari Lodge Bathroom

Marataba Luxury Tented Suite

Each of the 15 canvas-and-stone Tented Suites is tastefully furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. Whether sharing it with lover, friend or family (or keeping it all to yourself), the interior is ample, and the attention to detail impeccable. Each Tented Suite is approximately 45m2 and has a private deck, a double bed (convertible to twins), air conditioning, open-plan bathroom en-suite, outdoor shower, in-room safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of deluxe amenities. A lawn in front of the lodge overlooks a popular waterhole and serves as the setting where dinners are served.

Marataba Safari Lodge Treehouse
Marataba Safari Lodge South Africa Treehouse

Thabametsi Treehouse

Separate from the lodge, Thabametsi affords complete privacy, yet is close enough for efficient service. Its 6m-long Martini Step deck is the perfect place to enjoy an infinite view over the Marakele’s verdant expanse – perhaps with a chilled sundowner. Thabametsi is also our most impressive treehouse yet – solar powered and built on two levels, with a bedroom, full shower room facilities, and dining and lounge areas.

DINING

Delicious gourmet cuisine with fresh African flavours is served either in the elegantly appointed dining room or outdoors on the dining verandah or, alternatively, under a glorious African sky in the boma. Outdoor meals can be enjoyed in the garden or on the lower decks under the stars. For special occasions, incentives and celebrations picnic breakfasts can be arranged at an additional cost. A wide choice of the estate and sparkling wines are on offer to compliment your meal.

Marataba Safari Lodge Breakfast Area
Marataba Safari Lodge Dining Under The Trees

Dining at Marataba

Marataba private dinners vary from a formal al la carte 4-course dinner to an informal themed platter similar to a tapas style menu. Gourmet cuisine with fresh African flavours is served in the elegantly appointed dining room on colder days.

Marataba Safari Lodge Boma Dinner

Boma Dining

FACILITIES

15 tented suites, children’s entertainment and babysitting services, swimming pool, spa, open plan lounge and dining area with fireplace. Each of the suites is equipped with air conditioning, outdoor and indoor showers, en-suite bathroom, vanity area, safety deposit box, minibar, hairdryer and toiletries.

Spa

Pamper yourself and indulge in a relaxing and revitalising treatment with our qualified therapist in the luxury and privacy of your Suite.

Marataba Safari Lodge Pool Area

Pool

Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the lodge’s swimming pool when the temperatures rise in the Limpopo Province.

Area & Location

Area, Country
Marakele National Park, South Africa
Nearest Airport
O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Local Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Change
GMT +2:00
Language
Afrikaans, English
Best time to go
September through May

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