Marataba Safari Lodge is a simple extension of the natural environment beyond its walls – rich, bold, organic and patently magnificent. 

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If you sit quietly for long enough, you can feel the energy of the countless people who have made this place home since The Stone Age.

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Each of the 15 canvas-and-stone Tented Suites is tastefully furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. Whether sharing it with lover, friend or family (or keeping it all to yourself), the interior is ample, and the attention to detail impeccable.

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MARATABA SAFARI LODGE, QUICK FACTS

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• 15 Tented Suites for 30 guests

• Children of all ages welcome

• Childrens’ activities and baby sitting available

• Family Rooms configuration available

• Swimming pool

• Open plan lounge and dining area

• Full range of dietary preferences catered for

• Free Wi-Fi (in guest areas)

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Marataba Mountain Lodge is perched on the side of the mountain, with 180 degree views into Waterfall Valley. It is utterly remote, in a wilderness world of its own for never more than 10 guests at a time. The original brief to the architect and interior designer was simple. Every stone, ledge, window, piece of furniture and soft finish had to take its cue from the natural environment. The essence here is on the outside, and the lodge had to complement and enhance that – not compete with it. But at the same time every comfort had to be met, and no compromise was to be made on the quality of every single element a guest would encounter through their senses. Only the finest of materials (from timber to cotton sheeting) were to be used and carefully put together in imaginatively simple ways. And finally, to respect the earth.

The result was an off-the-grid ‘Scandi-Safari’ style luxury lodge perched lightly on the earth and almost fully powered by the sun’s energy.

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The pool area at Marataba Mountain Lodge is built between natural rocks and Wild Olive trees, and is far enough from the ‘heart-of-house’ to allow for complete privacy, yet close enough for quick service. The 6m long martini step is the perfect place to enjoying the infinite view of the valley at sunset, perhaps with an ice-cold G&T.

 

MARATABA MOUNTAIN LODGE, QUICK FACTS

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• 5 Luxury Suites for 10 guests

• Children of 16 and older welcome.

• Open plan lounge and dining area

• Swimming pool

• Full range of dietary preferences catered for

• No electricity, but limited solar power available

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Marataba Safari Lodge & Mountain Lodge – Exclusive Luxury in the Waterberg

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Overview

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Marataba is a private 21,000-hectare section of Marakele National Park in the malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo, South Africa. It offers an exclusive Big Five safari experience with luxurious lodges, dramatic mountain landscapes, and unique water-based safaris.

The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, conservation efforts, and unique blend of bushveld and towering mountains, making it a perfect destination for couples, families, and adventure-seekers.

 

Marataba’s Two Luxury Lodges

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🏡 1. Marataba Safari Lodge – Luxury Tented Suites in the Bush

A 5-star tented safari lodge, perfect for romantic getaways and family safaris.

 

Accommodation:

• 15 Luxury Tented Suites with air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks.

• Canvas & stone design blends into nature for an immersive safari experience.

• Family Tented Suites available, with interleading rooms.

 

Safari Lodge Highlights:

✔️ Private Big Five safaris with fewer vehicles per sighting.
✔️ Luxury meets adventure – Tented comfort with modern amenities.
✔️ Boma dinners under the stars with gourmet cuisine.
✔️ Bush picnics & river cruises along the Matlabas River.

 

🏔️ 2. Marataba Mountain Lodge – Off-the-Grid Wilderness Experience

A more intimate, eco-friendly retreat for those seeking exclusivity, adventure, and solitude.

 

Accommodation:

• 5 Eco-Luxury Suites, built from sustainable materials.

• Private decks with breathtaking views of the Waterberg Mountains.

• Solar-powered & off-grid, perfect for an eco-conscious getaway.

 

Mountain Lodge Highlights:

✔️ Fully exclusive & ultra-private – Only 10 guests at a time.
✔️ Wilderness walking safaris – Explore on foot with expert guides.
✔️ Uninterrupted nature immersion – Remote, tranquil, and off-grid.
✔️ Wellness & mindfulness focus, with in-room spa treatments.

 

Safari Activities & Wildlife at Marataba

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🦁 Big Five Game Drives

• Twice-daily safaris with expert rangers.

• Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) & cheetah sightings.

• Rare wildlife: Sable antelope, pangolins, wild dogs.

 

🚤 Water Safaris on the Matlabas River

• Exclusive to Marataba – A scenic safari by boat.

• See elephants, hippos, crocodiles & birdlife up close.

 

🐾 Guided Bush Walks

• Learn tracking skills & see wildlife on foot.

• Ideal for photography & birdwatching.

 

🌌 Night Drives & Stargazing

• Spot nocturnal predators like leopards & hyenas.

• Crystal-clear night skies for stargazing experiences.

 

🏕️ Sleep-Out Experience (Optional Extra)

• Spend the night in a luxury treehouse under the stars.

• Fully catered experience with private guide.

 

Dining & Cuisine

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🍽️ Fine dining in the bush with seasonal, gourmet menus.
🔥 Boma dinners under the stars with local flavors.
🌿 Private dining & bush picnics available for special occasions.
🍷 Premium South African wines & craft cocktails.

 

Best Time to Visit Marataba

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🌞 May – September (Dry Season) – Best for game viewing, cooler temperatures.
🌿 October – April (Green Season) – Lush landscapes, birdwatching & baby animals.

 

Pricing & How to Book

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💰 Rates per person per night:

• Marataba Safari Lodge: ZAR 8,500 – 12,000

• Marataba Mountain Lodge: ZAR 9,500 – 13,500

 

Rates Include:
✅ Luxury accommodation
✅ All meals & selected beverages
✅ Twice-daily game drives
✅ Water safaris (seasonal)
✅ Bush walks

 

📍 Getting There:

🚗 By Car: ±3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
✈️ By Air: Private charter flights available to Marataba Airstrip.

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Would you like assistance in choosing between the two lodges? 😊

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