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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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 in main area
• Laundry (extra cost)
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Diners)

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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.

Climate