Marataba Safari Lodge

Rooms

15 tented suites are dotted around the camp. They’re sturdy constructions, with stone walls, canopied canvas roofs, and wooden floors, windows and doors. Each has a double bed that’s convertible to twins, a very inviting-looking free-standing stone bath, an open-plan shower bathroom plus a separate outdoor shower. Fronting all this is a large wooden deck that gazes straight into the wilderness – elephant and giraffe sightings are very possible! All tents are fully air conditioned and are stocked with minibars, toiletries and safes.

If you’re coming as a family, opt for one of the four two-bedroom tents, which have ensuite kids’ bedrooms with bunk beds, toys and games. There's plenty of space for four to spread out.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

You certainly won’t go hungry at Marataba Safari Lodge. All your meals are included, and most drinks too. Food is served in the lodge dining room - a smart and modern space with space-age log burners - or at candlelit tables on the lawn, or out in the bush. You decide.

We like the sound of the surprise bush breakfasts, served in the wilderness – perhaps on the banks of the river. You get a continental spread, a full English, and even glasses of bubbly. Lunches might be picnics under the lantern tree, with baskets of sandwiches and snacks, plus blankets and cushions to recline on. Boma dinners - traditional feasts around open fires - take place under starry skies, as do bush dinners, which include three courses of barbecued meats accompanied by breads, salads, and vegetables.

And you even get snacks when out on safari – perhaps a taco or a quesadilla, or a G&T to toast the sunset. How civilised!

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Daily game drives head out at sunrise and in the late afternoon, lasting 3 hours and lead by expert guides who take you within close range of wildlife
  
• For a yet more immersive experience, join a guided bush walk to see animals at eye level. Guides will tailor walks to your interests - perhaps mammals, birds, insects, plants or geology
  
• Cruise down the Matlabas River, passing hippos, crocs, elephants and birdlife, on a Miss Mara Water Safari at sunset
  
• Meet the locals on a community tour, or learn more about the local environment in a wildlife lecture with an experienced guide or tracker
  
• Stargazing here is second to none. Guides will point out the seasonal constellations and those that are unique to the southern hemisphere
  
• Unwind with a massage or treatment in your suite or on your private deck or laze by the pool. Yoga mats are available for self-practice

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Safaris
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Well being
• Wildlife

Kids

Kids are very warmly welcomed at Marataba Safari Lodge, and no child could get ever get bored here. Family tents have kids’ bedrooms, there’s a swimming pool for cooling splashes, and the Mack & Madi Kids’ Club offers all manner of bush activities and fun: animal ‘spoor’ tracking, campouts, rock painting, movie nights under the stars. Meal times are flexible, and childminders are on hand if you need some ‘me’ time.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

There are four Two Bedroom Tented Suites which are set up for families. The second bedroom comes with bunk beds, an ensuite bathroom, toys and games. Cots can be added to any of the tented suites.

Cots Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 3.5 hours
• Hospital: 55 minutes
• Shops: 55 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Marataba Safari Lodge sits within a private concession in the Marakele National Park, at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains. It's 4 hours north of Johannesburg.

By Air:
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International is the closest airport (326km), from here you can then take a shuttle flight (one a day) to Thabazimbi Airport, which is an hour away from Marataba by road. There's also a daily shuttle linking Madikwe Game Reserve with Marataba.

From the Airport:
You can rent a car from the airport - see our car rental recommendations. Or, the lodge can arrange a private road transfer, which takes 3.5-4 hours. You also have the option of arriving in style by private air charter, landing at the Matla Mamba Airstrip within the national park, a 25-minute drive from Marataba Safari Lodge (complimentary transfers available from here) but this can be expensive and weather dependant so we prefer to go by road.

By Car:
There are seven access control points to the park. To gain entry, drivers must present a valid driver’s licence and vehicles must display a valid South African vehicle licence disk.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.