Marataba is located in a 23,000 ha private concession adjoined to the vast, malarial-free Marakele National Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The Camp is set in the bushveld, on a quiet river with dramatic views of the Waterberg escarpment.
Non-malarial and only a 3-hour 30-minute drive from Johannesburg
The light bounces off the red iron filled rocks of the Waterberg Escarpment creating an incredible golden light
Some of the most amazing white rhino sightings anywhere in Africa
Stunning spots, on the slopes of the escarpment or by the banks of the river, for morning coffee or sundowners
Marataba is part of a real conservation success story. In the late 1990s Marakele National Park was severely underfunded, there was no money to maintain and reinvigorate the park or to invest in a strategy of biodiversity. Game species and population levels were declining.
Huge investment from 1997 onwards, in partnership with South African National Parks, managed to secure the neighbouring cattle farming areas, the area in which Marataba is now set. 7,000 km of barbed wire, 80 km of high-voltage power lines, 100 km of telephone cables was cleared, and the overgrown and poorly managed bushveld was cut back to allow grazing animals to be reintroduced. Fences between the different areas of this part of the Waterberg have been taken down, and the greater Marakele area now covers an unfenced and professionally managed area of 120,000 hectares.
Marataba enjoys exclusive use of one of the most game rich and beautiful areas of the Waterberg. There is a diverse combination of fantastic mountains and gorges, bush and plains, rivers and ponds to explore, with abundant plains game, healthy populations of big cats, elephant, and both white and black rhino. Game drives here are full of excitement and species lists are quickly filled.
The biodiversity of this area is extreme: rare finds of yellowwood and cedar trees, five metre high cycads and tree ferns, are some of the plant species found here. There is also an amazing variety of birds including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures (more than 800 breeding pairs) in the world, which nest on the walls of the escarpment.
The main lodge houses a large lounge with comfortable sofas and warm fireplaces, there's complimentary Wi-Fi access, a curio and retail store and a well-stocked library. Outside there is a good size swimming pool with pool loungers and hammocks in the trees.
When to visit
There's 15 minutes of self-driving through the reserve to get to the lodge to kick-start your safari experience - keep your eyes peeled!
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Enquire NowTented Suite
There are 15 stone and canvas tented suites at Marataba Safari lodge. Each has a king-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower, freestanding oval bath, craft bar and private viewing deck.
The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, it is a haven for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. Marataba sits in a private concession of 23,000 hectares which links directly, unfenced, with the National Park and other game reserves in the area creating a large protected area in a magnificent landscape.
Family Fun in South Africa
For intrepid families looking for the extraordinary while spending quality time together, South Africa is the place to be. Canter into the wilderness on horseback, encountering wildlife from a unique perspective. Let your excitement wander through Mashatu, an off-grid game reserve where you can admire big cats and elephants. Gaze out over the Cape’s rugged coastline from Table Mountain and top this off with an indulgent stay in a private nature sanctuary, just outside of Cape Town.
Marataba Mountain Lodge
Marataba Mountain Lodge is a luxurious secluded retreat with just five eco suites offering guests peace and solitude, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Marataba reserve, a Big Five wildlife reserve within the Marakele National Park.
Ant's Nest
Ant’s Nest, the sister lodge to Ant’s Hill, is the original homestead in the beautiful Waterberg Mountains, run by Ant and Tessa Baber, who have been offering relaxed and exciting riding safaris in this spectacular area for many years.
Leobo Private Reserve
Leobo Private Reserve is an exclusive, luxury bush retreat situated in the Waterberg region of South Africa. The reserve is only available on an exclusive use basis and guests can enjoy an array of activities, all arranged for them at the drop of a hat.
Ant's Hill
Ant's Hill is a six-bedroom lodge perched on the edge of a cliff with amazing views over the malaria-free Waterberg Reserve. The lodge has a very East African feel and prides itself on its flexible approach to activities and mealtimes.
Morukuru Farm House
Despite being the youngest of the Morukuru Family, the Farm House has stood in its secluded location in the centre of Madikwe for many years. Completely remodelled, the Farm House is the new jewel in the Morukuru crown.
Morukuru Owner's House
Morukuru is a collection of exclusive-use properties in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Owner's House is one of the villas situated along the bank of the Marico River.
Little Madikwe Hills
Separate from Madikwe Hills main lodge is Little Madikwe which is a totally private and luxurious retreat able to sleep up to four people in its two bedroom suite, located in the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province of South Africa.
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Discover the wilds of South Africa at Madikwe Safari Lodge, where luxury and exclusivity mix for a safari journey none will forget. Whether it be family fun or an intimate honeymoon that’s out of the ordinary, you will find it here.
Impodimo Game Lodge
Escape from the every day at Impodimo Game Lodge. Perched along a ridge in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, experience the magic of the African Bush at this intimate lodge where the Big 5 roam and each suite commands epic views.
Activities at Marataba Mountain Lodge
The stunning malaria free Marataba reserve is home to just two lodges Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge. This vast wilderness allows guests to enjoy a vast variety of exciting and interesting activities in the African Bush.
Families on Safari At Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Safari Lodge wants to create an environment for children & parents where they can tailor their stay based on exactly what everyone feels like doing or what opportunity may presents itself at the time.
Activities at Madikwe Safari Lodge
It doesn’t take much to be enamoured by the landscape of the malaria free Madikwe reserve. Search for the Big 5 on daily game drives or indulge in a selection of therapeutic body treatments, Madikwe Safari Lodge is able to cater to a variety of different activities to help you get the very best out of your stay in this stunning reserve.
Game Drives & Bush Walks
The Madikwe Game Reserve is an incredible 'Big 5' wilderness area. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, and the critically endangered Africa wild dog are just some of the amazing sightings you can enjoy in this 75 000 hectare reserve.
Activities at Ant's
Ant’s has got to be one of the most child friendly safari lodges found in Africa, the friendly staff will give your children and family a life-changing experience from grandparents right down to babies.
South African Birding
The Waterberg is home to an incredible diversity of bird species. Besides residents, migratory species move through during the rains and the escarpment cliffs are home to the world's largest breeding colony of the critically endangered Cape Vulture.
Thabametsi Treehouse Sleepout
Spend a night out under the stars in the natural beauty of the Marakele National Park in the Thabametsi Treehouse. Offering complete exclusivity, privacy and stunning views, this Treehouse offers luxury and comfort for an unforgettable night.
