When it comes to safari, cameras can lie – exotic scenes of elephants and big cats filling the frame, and then carloads of snap-happy tourists lurking out of shot. But not here. Marataba is a completely private section of the malaria-free Marakele National Park in northern South Africa, so you're in untouched territory. The reserve has just two lodges and two camps within its borders, meaning you get a whopping 1,000 acres of wilderness per guest bed. Out on the grassy plains roam the Big Five, including rare black rhinos, as well as the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. And framing all this are the knobbly, rouge peaks of the Waterberg Mountains. It’s a remarkable picture.
Marataba Safari Lodge lets you experience it all in total luxury. We’re talking enormous tents (11 for couples, 4 for families) kitted out with proper beds and free-standing stone baths, in-suite spa treatments, nights in plush open-air tree houses, activities for youngsters, daily sunset drinks, and candlelit dinners beneath twinkling stars. Twice-daily game drives lead by expert guides cut deep into the bush, or you can safari by foot or on board a river boat that cruises down the winding Matlabas River. Nature encounters don’t get much more immersive than this - it’s just you and the bush and a good sprinkling of creature comforts.
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marakele National Park, Madikwe & Waterberg, South Africa
Highs
- Situated in a completely private section of the malaria-free Marakele National Park, so you’re unlikely to see anyone else out on safari, and yet you're only 3.5 hours' drive from Johannesburg
- The tented suites are uber plush, with proper beds, baths, AC and wide decks
- Very family friendly, with tents that sleep 4, a swimming pool, and a host of dedicated kids’ activities
- Excellent and very knowledgeable rangers and trackers that lead you on exciting safaris, including river cruises to see hippos - a rare treat you don't get in other non-malarial reserves
- With the Waterberg mountains forming the backdrop to safari adventures, these are some of South Africa's most spectacular landscapes
Lows
- Game viewing isn’t on a par with the more famous Lowveld reserves, but you’ve got a good chance of spotting some of the Big Five without having to contend with crowds
- It’s not cheap, but rates do include all meals, most drinks and lots of activities
- If you're coming for a romantic break, be aware that the lodge is popular with families at weekends and during school holidays; honeymooners may prefer to stay at Marataba Mountain Lodge
- Kids under 6 aren't permitted on game drives
- There's limited mobile signal in the reserve, but there's WiFi back at camp
Best time to go
Marakele can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry winter season (May-Sep) when temperatures are cooler and animals gather around the waterholes. October to March is hot (max 35C), punctuated by short thunderstorms, but they don't tend to last long.
Our top tips
Book a night in the spectacular Thabametsi Treehouse. This is the ideal hideout for a family of up to 4 (including 2 children, 6-15 years) who want to experience an authentic night out in Africa. A luxurious wooden hideaway set in the bush and open to the sky, it spans two levels and comprises a bedroom, two pull-out beds for kids, a full shower room, a lounge, a dining area, and a furnished viewing deck where alfresco dinners are served and wildlife watching is gold.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Everything was fantastic. Can't fault it in anyway. We had some amazing sightings including leopard, black rhino and brown hyena. The guide was also excellent. Having stayed there twice before we cannot recommend Marataba enough.
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