Marataba Safari Lodge
Guests, for who luxury is being in the tranquillity of the bush, will appreciate glamping in one of Marataba Safari Lodge's 15 Tented Suites that bring them closer to nature – without trading comfort for the experience. Lucky guests may spot the wildlife right from their decks!
The lodge is a simple extension of the natural environment beyond its walls – natural, rich, and bold. If you sit quietly for long enough, you can feel the energy of the countless people who have made this place home for aeons. And while Safari Lodge’s stone and canvas Suites may look ‘down to earth’, they are anything but basic, with all the modern features included.
These stone and canvas accommodations may look down to earth though are anything but basic, with all the modern amenities. Of them, four Family Suites give children their own en-suite bedrooms (and parents their own space) kitted out just for them, while the lodge ensures they have the best time on safari with the Mack & Madi Kids' Adventure Safari Club experience.
Safari Lodge is one of only two camps in Marataba South Africa – a 21 000ha private section of the malaria-free Marakele National Park. Lesser known to visitors, it is one of South Africa’s most spectacularly beautiful places. All of the Big Five, with the rare and endangered black rhino, can be seen here, along with flourishing birdlife, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. These camps reach a perfect balance between conservation and adventure.
Marataba Luxury Tented Suite (15 rooms – 11 doubles & 4 family)
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.
Our Treehouse (1 room)
Thabametsi is the newest addition to the MORE Treehouses collection. Miles away from lodge life, yet luxurious – and all yours. Arrive at dusk to a treat-laden picnic and watch as the views unfold in pure, unspoiled drama. Come morning, it’s worth taking your coffee at sunrise. Thabametsi gets you closer to nature without having to rough it – and deluxe Africology shower products heighten the sensory experience.
Solar-powered and built over two levels, Thabametsi features an enclosed shower room, and bedroom, lounge and viewing decks – presenting the Waterberg and Marakele plains in all their wild expanse. From here, relax assured that the animals remain at a safe distance and your field guide is on call should you feel you need them.
The lodge takes guests in on exclusive safaris – enjoy twice-daily game drives, after-breakfast bush walks, specialist Marataba Trails, and cruise into the late afternoon with a sundowner Miss Mara Water Safari.
Marataba Safaris
With only four lodges & camps on this privately managed conservancy of 21 000ha (51 890ac), guests are assured of a very personal safari experience. It's humbling being out here on your own, exploring the vast wilderness of mountains, plains and winding waterways. You'll get within close range of Africa’s most impressive species. Be warned - viewing (and photo) opportunities are priceless!
A Family Adventure
As family people, we know that each child is unique, and shy or outgoing, creative, sporty or adventurous, we promise them the time of their lives! With our Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure experience, we have all bases covered – from family-friendly accommodations and dining, to specially organised kids’ activities and excursions – allowing your children to play, explore and just be kids, while you come together to share in some of life’s greatest adventures.
Led by our Mach & Madi Crew of field guildes and childminders, there is everything from animal tracking and bush camp outs, to rock painting, cookie baking and dress-up plays to keep them entertained (i.e. out of mischief), before settling down for cinema under the stars. Additonal cost
Miss Mara - Matlabas River
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.
Morning and afternoon cruises are conducted on the Matlabas River, just 20 minutes drive from the Lodge. Delicious refreshments and snacks are provided; from pastries and hot chocolate, to G ‘n Ts and Canapés.
One of Marataba’s experienced Field Guides will conduct the slow cruise along the river. You can expect to see birdlife a-plenty, hippos in the water, and the many creatures that walk the plains of Marataba along the water’s edge. Additional cost
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Rhino Conservation Experience
Rhino registration and identification is an ongoing intervention at Marataba and our long-term objective is to have every single rhino at Marataba identified. Throughout the year, we undertake rhino immobilisation procedures, purely for rhino conservation and research – and you are invited to join us!
During a rhino registration and identification procedure, you will help immobilise and notch the animal and insert a DNA microchip into the horns and body. Tissue is collected and the DNA is submitted to the RHoDIS database (Rhinoceros DNA indexing system), a national DNA database maintained by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria that is kept to provide forensic evidence related to the provenance of confiscated rhinoceros horns.
itinerary
During a rhino-focused safari, a stay could look something like this:
Day 1: After a briefing with the conservation team, embark on an afternoon drive to identify a specific rhino and learn about the social interaction and make up of rhino groups.
Day 2: Darting, notching & monitoring of the rhino. A follow up and post-notching monitoring will take place in the afternoon.
Day 3: Alternative day for notching, or to enjoy a selection of Marataba experiences with a private vehicle and dedicated guide.
