About Marataba Safari Lodge

The Marataba Safari Company’s 23 000 hectare concession lies in the eastern sector of the magnificent Marakele National Park, at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains, approximately 3 hours drive north of Johannesburg in western Limpopo. Thabazimbi, Rustenburg and Ellisras are all within easy reach.

Within a dramatic landscape encompassing vast plains, dense bushveld, winding rivers, deep gorges and majestic mountains, Marataba is an exclusive 23 000 hectare private concession in the heart of Limpopo’s Marakele National Park, a ‘place of sanctuary’ for Africa’s Big Five and a multitude of other animal species including rare antelope such as roan, sable and mountain reedbuck. This malaria-free wilderness is also home to the world’s largest breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture. Birdlife within the park is prolific with more than 400 species having been recorded, a veritable birder’s Eden.

Marataba Safari Lodge is a simplistic extension of the natural environment beyond its walls boasting rich, bold, organic and utterly magnificent design elements.

It is said that if you sit quietly for long enough, one can feel the energy of countless people who have made this place home since The Stone Age.

Each canvas & stone tented suite is tastefully furnished & decorated with a contemporary twist.

The Accomodation

At Marataba guests can enjoy Glamping in one of 15 tented suites which includes 4 family suites allowing individuals & families to get closer to nature. These stone and canvas hideaways may look simplistic however they are anything but basic. Each tent boasts a king-sized bed, en-suite, outdoor shower, minibar and shaded viewing deck, whilst the family suites give children their own bedroom and bathroom. The lodge welcomes guests of all ages, with fun-packed kids’ activities and a childminding service.

Kiddies on Safari

At Marataba Safari Lodge children of all ages are welcome & therefore it is essential to have a kiddies programme that allow children of all ages to actively enjoy the African bush.

Marataba has carefully created environments that are welcoming to guests of all ages & encourage families to feel at home even when being away from home – but with some added luxuries. Space and places are provided for loved ones to come together and with every comfort & convenience afforded, there is time for the rest to take care of itself.

In addition to family game drives, a programme of specially-planned child activities are conducted at the Eco Garden education & entertainment area. Here, young guests can disconnect from the digital sphere as they become engaged with the many fascinations of the natural world.

Kids Activities on Offer:

• Family safari drives
• Bush orientation
• Bug CSI
• Rock painting
• Scavenger Hunt
• Marshmallows & Stargazing
• Cinema nights

About Marakele National Park

The Marakele National Park is characterized by contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys. All the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats as well as an amazing variety of birds including the largest colony of endangered Cape Vultures in the world, have settled here.

Marakele is home to most of the large mammals synonymous with the African bush, including elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and cheetah. Lion and spotted hyena are the only large predators found in the park. A small pride will soon be re-introduced in the park. The wild dogs have been the first of these re-introductions. Resident antelope include, sable, kudu, eland, impala, waterbuck, tsessebe and many smaller species. Chacma baboon and Vervet monkey are two species to be watched carefully for mischief, particularly around the rest camps.

It is possible to see certain closely related species alongside one another. These include (eastern species first) Southern and Crimson breasted Boubou, Arrow marked and Pied Babbler, Tawny-flanked and Black-chested Prinia, Pintailed and Shafttailed Whydah, Black-eyed and Redeyed Bulbul, Grey and Cape Penduline Tit and Whitebrowed and Kalahari Robin.

The park is an excellent place to look for raptors, with many species using the uplift generated off the cliff faces of the Waterberg to sore on the thermals. Apart from the vultures, visitors should look for Gymnogene, Jackal Buzzard and several eagle species, including Black, African Hawk, Black-breasted Snake and Brown Snake Eagle. In summer Wahlberg’s Eagle becomes prominent. On areas of high ground Cape Rock Thrush, Mocking and Mountain Chat, Malachite and Greater Double-collared Sunbird and Swee Waxbill should be searched for.

Other species to look out for in the lower lying bushveld and broadleaf woodland regions include Purple Roller, Black Cuckooshrike, Brubru, Whitecrowned Shrike and White Helmetshrike and the exquisite Blue, Violeteared and Blackcheeked Waxbills. Bee-eaters are conspicuous, particularly Whitefronted and Little with Swallowtailed (winter) and Carmine and European (summer) present as well. Visitors staying at the Tlopi tented camp should be on the look out for Pied Kingfishers.

Lodge Features

Additional Activities

• Barge cruise: Available at an additional charge, subject to availability and must be pre-booked well in advance.
• The Specialist Marataba Trails Experience at an additional charge.
• Eco-Garden kids centre offering specially-planned activities for all children.