Marataba Safari Lodge

distinctive Camp | Marakele National Park, South Africa

(5.00)
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Marataba Safari Lodge is an eco-retreat that marries luxury with nature. Fifteen intimate suites, expansive decks and a sprawling lawn look out toward the Waterberg massif. Situated on its own private reserve, Marataba has access to private land that hosts to predators, antelope, primates, small carnivores, and at least 400 bird species. The natural scenery is unrivaled. Enjoy getting close to animals in 4x4 vehicles, or track them on foot with your ranger!

Photo of Greg Courter

Our Expert Says

Marataba blew me away, and yet it's still a bit of a secret. Upon entering the reserve, we immediately saw a white rhino accompanied by huge kudu antelope, all set against the Waterberg massif as a stunning backdrop. We had a rare sighting of kudu males fighting, a journey of giraffe all sleeping sitting down, the up-close, jarring roar of a male lion, loads of birds and the most magnificent scenery, which isn't something many of the most popular wildlife areas have. And you have all 57,000 acres to yourself with no more than 30 guests at any given time.

– Greg Courter


Photo: The Camp

The Camp

Location: Marataba Private Reserve, Marakele National Park, South Africa
Number of Tents: 15

Marataba is a hidden gem in an area where the scenery rivals the incredible wildlife viewing. The lodge features 15 safari tents made of draped khaki canvas and local stone. The tents are situated on either side of the main lodge, which has spacious and beautiful lounges, a small library, gift shop, formal dining room, and fireplaces that invite you to warm up on cool evenings. Expansive decks and a sprawling lawn look out toward the Waterberg massif. Meals are served al fresco on the lawn as much as possible, to capitalize on the grand view. Each 15 tent has double sinks and an egg-shaped bathtub and indoor shower, as well as heating and cooling for the varied seasons. The tents are perched along the winding river, each with a deck overlooking the mountains, often with elephant or giraffe towering in the distance. A central swimming pool offers midday relaxation.

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Photo: Facilities & Amenities

Facilities & Amenities

  • En suite bathroom with tub and shower
  • Shampoo, soap and lotion
  • Hair dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Room fan
  • Mini bar
  • Tea/coffee in room
  • 220v charging outlets in room
  • In-room safe
  • Central pool
  • Spa (extra cost)
  • Wi-Fi available
  • Laundry (extra cost)
  • Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
  • Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Diners)

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Photo: Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Marataba Private Reserve offers exceptional animal viewing, with both mammals and birds in abundance. The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black rhino and white rhino—as well as greater kudu, impala, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and spotted hyena can be seen. Small carnivores like bat-eared fox and jackals also occur on the reserve. With the continual backdrop of the Waterberg Mountains, photography can be breathtaking. Wildlife drives occur in the early morning and late afternoon and evening. Being in a private reserve, you can search for nocturnal species after dusk and go off-road to find more elusive animals. Walks are a highlight at Marataba, where giraffe, rhino and other animals can be tracked on foot with armed guides and trackers. The Miss Mara is Marataba's boat, providing opportunities for water safaris on the Matlabas River, where elephants snorkel and waterbirds flock.

The below chart illustrates typical frequencies of major wildlife sightings at Marataba. Predators, including lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and brown hyena occur, along with both black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant and various antelopes. Other small creatures, such as Chacma baboon and vervet monkeys, also occur, and birding is excellent with yellow-billed hornbills, little bee-eater, African Scops owl, fiery-necked nightjar, lilac-breasted roller and more.

Country Park/Reserve
Black Rhino
Buffalo
Eland
Elephant
Gemsbok / Oryx
Giraffe
Greater Kudu
Hartebeest
Hippo
Hyena
Leopard
Lion
White Rhino
Wildebeest
Zebra
South Africa Marakele National Park

Usually viewed
Frequently viewed
Occasionally viewed
Sporadically viewed
Rarely to never viewed

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Climate

Month Max Min Rainfall
January 98° F 70° F 3.25 in
36° C 21° C 83 mm
February 94° F 67° F 2.5 in
34° C 19° C 64 mm
March 89° F 64° F 2.78 in
31° C 17° C 71 mm
April 82° F 57° F 1.17 in
27° C 13° C 30 mm
May 77° F 45° F 0.4 in
25° C 7° C 10 mm
June 72° F 39° F 0.16 in
22° C 3° C 4 mm
July 72° F 38° F 0.12 in
22° C 3° C 3 mm
August 78° F 46° F 0.02 in
25° C 7° C 1 mm
September 84° F 54° F 0.51 in
28° C 12° C 13 mm
October 88° F 62° F 0.81 in
31° C 16° C 21 mm
November 88° F 64° F 2.86 in
31° C 17° C 73 mm
December 90° F 67° F 2.47 in
32° C 19° C 63 mm

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