The Marataba Safari Lodge is a family run property set in the Marakele National Park, 23,000 hectares of private land in the foothills of South Africa's Waterberg Mountains. At Marataba the staff and their families are committed to making sure that you have the best and most unique holiday experience; from fun filled family safaris, to weddings and romantic honeymoon breaks. With their expert knowledge of the local area, the Marataba Rangers will guide you through the South African bush, where you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some fantastic local wildlife. Accommodation comes in the form of 15 exquisitely decorated canvas tented suites, each with their own free-standing bath tub and spacious private deck. For complete privacy enjoy an overnight stay at the Thabametsi two level treehouse and experience the African bush 9ft off the ground!
Amenities
Babysitting service
Families
Honeymoon
Safari
Bar
Restaurant
Room Service
Swimming Pool
Near National Park
Where is it
Set in the grounds of the Marakele National Park, in the foothills of South Africa's Waterberg Mountains. Transfer time: 4-hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and a 2-hour drive from Sun City.
Hotel information
15 canvas-and-stone Tented Suites, each with their own private deck overlooking the sweeping plains and meandering river below. A free-standing stone bath invites you to appreciate the opulence of the suite’s interior, while indoor and outdoor showers take full advantage of the dramatic scenery of the Waterberg Mountains.
All Inclusive of: all meals, tea/coffee, soft drinks, local brand beers, spirits and house wines. Twice daily game-drives with refreshments and snacks. Game activities such as bush walks, astronomy, wildlife lectures, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, bush diners and children's activities.
Main lodge bar, guest lounge, dining area, boma, and viewing/dining deck. Serviced guest pool, with shaded loungers and towels. In-room spa* and beauty treatments* available. Complimentary WiFi. Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club. Eco Garden kids’ entertainment and education area=. Daily game drives (sunrise and late afternoon). Bush walks. Walking trails. Water safaris*. A night in a Thabametsi Treehouse* - enjoy an overnight stay in a solar powered treehouse built on two levels, with a bedroom, full shower room facilities, and dining and lounge areas. Babysitting service*.
3 nights between 18 Dec-3 Jan.
* Denotes local charge.
Based on 729 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (670)
Very good (44)
Average (7)
Poor (6)
Terrible (2)
Off the beaten path.
Sep 28, 2024eawnycNew York
Marataba Safari Lodge in the Waterberg Mountains is off the typical safari goers path. It was chosen (besides the animals) for the beautiful mountain views (think Sedona or Zion), the permanent tents, and access to water. The white rhino have their horns (no poaching). It’s a malaria-free area. At the lodge, impala, warthogs, and vervet monkeys…
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Marataba Safari Lodge in the Waterberg Mountains is off the typical safari goers path. It was chosen (besides the animals) for the beautiful mountain views (think Sedona or Zion), the permanent tents, and access to water. The white rhino have their horns (no poaching). It’s a malaria-free area. At the lodge, impala, warthogs, and vervet monkeys roam on the grass. And the watering hole provides for lots of animal action while enjoying breakfast lunch or dinner.
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Everything we expected and more
Sep 26, 2024Jo B
Fantastic place really stands out for the ambiance; we were so well looked after. Thanks to Douglas our butler and Manus our guide, who were both very professional and personable as well as great at their jobs. We went to 3 safari lodges and Marataba also stands out for its respect for the animals and its premium wine list. We had heard we…
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Fantastic place really stands out for the ambiance; we were so well looked after. Thanks to Douglas our butler and Manus our guide, who were both very professional and personable as well as great at their jobs. We went to 3 safari lodges and Marataba also stands out for its respect for the animals and its premium wine list. We had heard we would see fewer animals, but we saw the big five on the first two drives. It may be true that some of the animals, like the leopards, are more elusive and less habituated to the Land Cruisers, and it was nice to be an environment where there were fewer people. The lions on the other hand approached us and walked alongside the vehicle at times, and we had several long encounters with the same pride and could see different kinds of behaviours, such as a female reuniting with the pride after a separation, really special, as we weren’t limited to just a few minutes. We also had an elephant approach so closely it could have touched have touched me in the truck with its trunk. It was obvious that Manus was able to read the elephant’s behaviour and knew that it was safe. Very highly recommend!
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Marataba lovers
Aug 26, 2024Francesca B
We absolutely loved Marataba.
Incredible location, very good food, impeccable service and excellent safari.
Nienke was our guide and we had a very good time with her. Saw most of the animals and learnt many new info.
Probably our best safari so far. Those mountains in the back of the game reserve make it incredibly beautiful.
Highly recommended.
Memorable Stay
Aug 6, 2024fumani n
We stayed at Marataba from the 3rd to 5th August 2024, the staff was very friendly , welcoming and going an extra mile , the lodge serve delicious meals , the rooms were always clean and fresh.. And lastly big up to Tim to the best game drives 🤝🏻
An outstanding welcoming once in a lifetime experience
Jun 16, 2024Deborah DTugby, United Kingdom
We were returning guests having visited in 2023 and were wary as to it meeting our expectations but we needn’t have been because it went above and beyond.
We were welcomed back by the Marataba staff with open arms with many that we remembered from our previous visit and new members . It’s clear to see that the staff are happy and enjoy being at…
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We were returning guests having visited in 2023 and were wary as to it meeting our expectations but we needn’t have been because it went above and beyond.
We were welcomed back by the Marataba staff with open arms with many that we remembered from our previous visit and new members . It’s clear to see that the staff are happy and enjoy being at Marataba
Our lodge was amazing with all needs covered from a drinks cabinet to a heater for the chilly nights
The stand out member of the staff would have to be our Field guide Nienke who looked after our every need. She asked us what we wanted to get out of the stay. For us it wasn’t about seeing the Big 5 it was about being amongst the animals and the environment especially the waterberg mountains. There’s nothing better than having a coffee break taking in the Mountain View. Yes there were lots of amazing animals to see but for us it’s the whole experience of being amongst the family of Marataba
This is an outstanding place to visit the environment , the venue and above all else the staff will meet your every expectation. The visible passion and compassion for the animals and the environment is nothing less than extraordinary. You will come away completely fulfilled and a tear in your eye just as we did
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Off the beaten path.
