Marataba is in a mystical place at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains. There are two lodges (Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge). And the exclusive-use 4 bedroom Marataba Residence. They are all part of the More Family Collection of properties throughout Southern Africa. It is on the ancient trade route through Southern Africa. From the mighty towers of the north, over the raging rivers, and across vast plains teeming with game. This is 23,000 hectares of unspoiled Africa in a malaria free zone with minimal vehicles traversing the reserve. Ensuring sightings are all yours to enjoy. Marataba welcomes those in search of peace and space.
What makes the Marataba experience particularly special is that it is a story about nature, animals, and people. It is a story about personal commitment and dedication. Putting natural resources to best use, and public-private partnerships. It started with the commitment of Nelson Mandela, Mavuso Msimang (then CEO of South African National Parks), and Valli Moosa (then Environmental Minister), together with a passionate group of individuals who wanted to make a difference in nature. In a sustainable way. This soon became a tradition taken up by the present owner’s families. Marataba is a member of Relais & Chateaux.
A permanent flowing river completes the landscape of mountains, trees, and sky. Inspired by the discovery of primeval ruins, Marataba embraces both the contemporary and the ancient. In an exciting union of innovative architecture, design, and technology. Awed by towering mountains, enthralled by the abundance of wildlife, secure and sensually nurtured in the indulgent atmosphere, live your dreams of safari at Marataba. The place where the plains touch the mountains.
A clever combination of stone and canvas creates a unique feature for the suites. With an added modern twist for the interiors. Exclusive bush luxury epitomizes the contemporary design of the Marataba’s main lodge area and the 15 x luxury tents. Each tented suite has been carefully incorporated into the surrounding bush veld. While a canopy of African trees provides vital shade.
Tent interiorLuxury tent with gorgeous views
Whether sharing it with lover, friend or family (or keeping it all to yourself), the interior is ample. And the attention to detail impeccable. There are 11 x luxury tents (45m2 / 485ft2) and 4 x luxury family tents (60m2 / 646ft2).
Each of the en-suite luxury tents has a double bed (convertible to twins), with an open-plan bathroom. There is a private deck, with an outdoor shower. They all have an in-room safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of deluxe amenities. 1 of the suites is disabled friendly.
The family tents have 2 x en suite bedrooms accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 children. The second bedroom has bunk beds for the kids. Children of all ages are welcome at Marataba Safari Lodge. Children aged six to fifteen pay 50% of the per person sharing rate. A shared pool is located next to the main lodge area.
Mack & Madi Kids’ Program
Based at Safari Lodge, the Eco Garden children’s entertainment and education space keeps young guests occupied with the wonders of the natural world. As well as sporting and creative activities, during their stays. Just some of the fun includes: Family morning game drives, Bug CSI, Spoor casting, Pool games, rock painting, cookie baking in the kitchen, kids’ picnic, toasting marshmallows and stargazing, Kids outdoor cinema.
Parents are welcome to join in, or sneak a few hours for themselves.
On arrival, children aged 12 and younger are given a Mack & Madi branded peak cap and backpack. Children also receive Mack & Madi bathroom amenities. On their last evening a little farewell note with a gift is placed on their bed.
Marataba Mountain Lodge
The essence of the solar-powered, Scandi-style Marataba Mountain Lodge is in its exclusive location. Its design and operations have taken their cue from the earth. Serving to merge the lodge with its environment.
Just 5 x private luxury rooms open onto a wilderness world of their own. Here you’ll have everything you need for a luxury stay including a Nespresso machine. Each has a king-sized bed, maxi bar, wood burning fireplace, en-suite rain shower, and shaded viewing deck. Even its design elements, from stripped back wood furnishings to the stone color palette, have taken their cue from nature. While their Eco-friendly operation ensures they have very little impact on it.
Eco Suite interior
The main lodge provides more social spaces to unwind. Which open onto a setting renowned for its mesmerizing scenery and flourishing wildlife. You’ll find an open-plan dining and lounge area. An expansive viewing deck, and a fire pit lounge hosting night time gatherings under the stars. And an infinity Rock Pool that seems to skim off into Waterfall Valley below.
Guest Pool Area
Marataba Residence
This Residence offers a tranquil family nature retreat alongside the serene Matalabas River. Where wildlife watching starts on your doorstep. Your professional FGASA-accredited field guide, and your own safari vehicle sets the tone for a personalized safari adventure. The interiors are light and bright. A sophisticated fusion of traditional and contemporary. The wide decks and pool are positioned for immersing yourself in the view.
Marataba Residence features four separate Luxury Tents of 1 033 ft2 / 96 m2. They are spread out along the edge of the river. Yet connected by a central common area. This unique layout comfortably accommodates 8 x adults and 2 x children (all ages are welcome).
The Residence’s main area includes a fully equipped interactive kitchen, lounge, dining area with a welcoming fireplace. There is also a boma facility, and a pool. Your residence butler takes care of the details. And the concierge can customize your stay. Your personal chef arranges gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners. And everything in-between. Taking due care for all dietary requirements. With everything taken care of you can relax and enjoy all the wonders of a safari at Marataba.
Marataba Residence interactive kitchen and dining space
Activities at Marataba
Marataba is a privately managed section of the greater Marakele National Park. It is Setswana (local language) for Place of Sanctuary. The Marakele’s Waterberg mountains stand sentinel over the wildlife rich plains. The landscape is an Eden for Southern African fauna and flora. A safari here promises both incredible wildlife sightings and scenery.
Marataba Things To Do ↓
Game Drives
Game drives are all in open safari vehicles. Heading out each day at sunrise and again in the late afternoon to find the reserve’s many fascinating animals. This is a truly personal experience. No more than seven vehicles are in the concession at any one time. Because the animals are accustomed to them and do not see them as a threat. Therefore, the guides are able to take guests within close range of Africa’s most impressive species. Photographic opportunities are spectacular! Duration: ±3 hours Includes: a hot beverage or sun downer stop in a scenic spot to purely appreciate being in the bush. And in the moment Children 6 years and older are welcome on the twice daily game drives The children’s game drive (for young guests 3 to 5 years) goes out daily from 10 am to 12 pm in summer and from 11 am to 1 pm in winter. Parents are welcome to go along, subject to availability of seats.
LionsLeopard
Bush Walks
These are after breakfast walks on the wild side. Guests are immersed in the bush, rather than just observing it. All five senses are engaged. Feel scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch the velvety acacia seed pods, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone. And spot big game at eye level! Expert guides will tailor walks to each of guest’s area/s of interest, focusing on mammals, birds, insects, plants, geology, etc. Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on guests’ fitness levels Children under 16 years are not permitted on the bush walks Guests should wear: neutral-colored clothing; comfortable walking shoes; a hat; sunglasses; and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Bush Walk
Marataba Trails
A specialist walking experience for the seasoned hiker who is looking for a challenging trail in a unique part of the world. Marataba is blessed with a great diversity of ecosystems and landscapes, and its trails leading through different areas of the reserve. Along riverine, gorge, mountain, and interest routes. Expert trails guides will advice on suitable routes based on guests’ preference/s and fitness levels. Duration: 3 to 4 hours Includes: a nutrition pack (with snacks and a 2L still water) and a loan backpack for personal items Children under 16 years are not permitted on the Marataba Trails
Walking trails experience
Miss Mara Water Safari
Take an unhurried morning or afternoon cruise along the Matlabas River on Miss Mara. Nothing tops watching the sun shimmy into a liquid horizon in vivid color. As you sip on a G ‘n T to the splash of a grunting hippo. The perspective of the bush is quite different when experienced from the water. This boating excursion is highly recommended. Guests can expect to see hippo, crocodile, abundant bird life, and land animals (like elephant), coming to the water’s edge to drink and forage.
Boating safari
Stargazing
During evening game drives or bush dinners (weather permitting), the field guides will share insights into the skies. The clear air and minimal light pollution of this remote African wilderness make it an ideal location for stargazing. Guests will see planets and stars they have never before noticed with the naked eye. The guides will point out the constellations that shift seasonally. And those that are unique to the southern hemisphere (circumpolar constellations), taking guests on an astral safari.
A Night in a Tree house*
Thabametsi Tree house offers big views of a remote landscape. Globed by an even bigger star-strewn sky, its lights twinkling down to the horizon. The stillness is only interrupted by the sounds of the wildlife. Animals’ whistles, huffs, and growls. Carried on the wind. There are few such experiences left on earth that capture the romance of the untamed and untainted.
Solar powered and built over two levels, it comprises a main bedroom with super king-sized bed. A full shower room, lounge (with twin pull-out beds), dining area, and furnished viewing deck. Romantics, families or solitude seekers arrive to watch as the coolness of approaching evening brings animals into the open. Al fresco dining and falling asleep counting shooting stars complete this out-in-Africa experience.
After packing an overnight bag with your essentials, guests, are driven to the tree house by safari vehicle in the late afternoon. Spend the sunset hours sharing a gourmet picnic and spotting animals out on the plains. Before falling asleep counting shooting stars. This is the ideal hideout for a family of four (including two children, 6 to 15 years) who want to experience an authentic night out in Africa. In complete luxury.
A Tree house Experience is booked in conjunction with lodge accommodation and is charged at a per person sharing per night rate, over and above the lodge accommodation rate.
Thabametsi Treehouse
Rhino Conservation Experience
This is an exceptional opportunity to take part in the veterinary care of endangered rhinos. Each intervention offers a hands-on experience with a single rhino. Lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once the rhino is located and sedated by vets, guests will actively participate in the activity. Involving tasks that may include fitting tracking collars, ear-notching, collecting blood and tissue samples, and micro-chipping of horns. This add on experience does not include dehorning interventions. It is available from April to September, with advance notice required.
Local Community Experiences
More Community Foundation’s (MCF’s) purpose is to empower people of local communities in which MORE Family Collection operates. It does this by providing access to: early childhood development; skills development; and clean water. Over the years, MCF has built close relationships within the communities. Guests are encouraged to visit and roll up their sleeves to help out with upliftment programs in place.
This gives guests the opportunity to experience a different – and humbling – way of living. Visit culturally and historically significant sites. And connect with local people, while positively impacting their lives. These extraordinary social experiences makes visits here that much more meaningful. Duration: 2 to 3 hours Children of all ages are welcome to accompany their parents
Wildlife Lectures
At times when the weather is unsuitable for safari activities, the field guides and trackers present short nature talks. They cover a host of subjects. Giving guests more insight into the animals they see on safari (e.g. elephant behavior). And the natural surrounds (e.g. the ecological impact of commercial lodges on the environment). The talks are informal presentations, largely guided by interactions with guests.
Spa* and Wellness
The hours between safaris are an ideal time to spend being pampered. A selection of indulgent therapies is offered in the quiet retreat of guests’ own suites or private decks. Guests choose from massages, exfoliation, reflexology, and facials with TheraNaka herbal-infused spa therapy products. All ethically formulated with the finest natural and organic healing ingredients. As well as manicures and pedicures. Yoga mats are available to borrow from reception. You will find no better place for yoga than on your private deck overlooking the serene reserve.
Marataba Cuisine
On any African safari, dining is as important as spotting the Big Five. You’ll love the contemporary twist the chefs put on local favorites and paired with premium Cape wines and unbelievable dining locations. Every meal becomes an experience. No matter your dietary preference or restriction, they’ll design your dishes around you and your family.
Marataba Safari Lodge offers gourmet Kosher cuisine too. Freshly prepared on-site in a dedicated kitchen which is supervised by a Mashgiach. A private Mashgiach arrives at the lodge a day before the guests to kasher the entire kitchen. And then stays on-site to supervise the in-house chef during all meal preparations and services. Kosher ingredients are sourced from Beth Din approved suppliers Meal service and kitchen cleaning are carried out in accordance with kosher principles. And include the usage of crockery and cutlery dedicated solely to the purpose of kosher catering. If guests prefer, good-quality, single-use sets are available at a small surcharge. Stainless steel pots and pans are boiled and torched clean between each meal. If guests prefer, new sets, kept in their packaging, are available at a small surcharge.
Getting there
Marataba is 326km (203mi) from Johannesburg International Airport and the road transfer takes about 3.5 hours. It is approximately 164km from Sun City (approximately a 2 hour drive). Alternatively, daily flights are offered from Johannesburg.
Transfers can also be arranged from Kruger National Park or Madikwe so you can combine these special reserves. It is best for this to be done by light aircraft to save on time. Let us know your requests and we will quote you accordingly.
Private airstrip
Marataba Safari, Mountain Lodges and Marataba Residence Accommodation Rates
Marataba Safari Lodge & Marataba Mountain Lodge and the Residence operates on quarterly price updates. Therefore, rates change based on market conditions. Send us your dates and we’ll get back to you with the best rates. These are the rates as at 29th February 2024 to give you an indication.
Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge Rates include:
Luxury accommodation in a Luxury Tent or Luxury Room. Or exclusive-use of the residence with four en-suite bedrooms with a dedicated housekeeper, butler and chef, All meals, teas/coffees, minibar in room, inclusive drinks and selected snacks. (All soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines), Two game drives daily with FGASA accredited field guide, Game drive refreshments and snacks, Specified inclusive safari activities, Wi-Fi in public areas.
Specialist activities included: Bush walks, Astronomy, Wildlife lectures, Bush breakfasts, picnic lunches & bush dinners, Miss Mara Boating Activity Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club experiences (Safari Lodge only)
Rates Exclude:
Laundry, Premium brand beers, spirits, cellar wines and champagnes, cigars and cigarettes, All flights and transfers not specified, Gratuities, telephone calls, MORE Gallery purchases, Spa, Marataba South Africa entrance fee and guest conservation contribution, Sustainability Levy, Any extras will be for the guest’s account.
Specialist activities excluded: Private open safari vehicle hire. Except at Marataba Residence, Exclusive use bush breakfasts & dinners, Any additional external services, Marataba Trails Experience – specialized Walking Safari. Available Tuesdays / Thursdays / Saturdays only
Marataba Safari and Mountain Lodges Accommodation Special Offers
*Peak period block-out dates for the below special offers: 20th December until 3rd January
Experience More – Stay 3, Pay 2
Book three nights and only pay for two. Valid until 30th April 2024, 1st October 2024 – 30th April 2025, 1st October 2025 – 30th April 2026*.
Stay More – 4 for 3 Offer
Book four nights and only pay for three at Marataba Safari or Mountain Lodge Validity: Until 30 April 2026*
See More Offer
Book a three night stay at a Marataba Lodge and get 2 nights free at More Quarters in a Luxury Apartment Validity: Until 30 April 2026*
Friends of More Offer
Repeat guests get 10% off their accommodation rate Valid until 30th April 2026* Can be combined with other offers except Love More
Wonder More – Waterberg Safari and Victoria Falls Package
