Marataba Mountain Lodge

When we discovered Marataba, we instantly knew we had found something very special. A 21 000ha piece of unspoilt Africa within Marakele National Park (Setswana for 'place of sanctuary'), it is unlike anything we have ever seen. With spectacular landscapes and iconic wildlife, this place holds its own among South Africa’s greatest reserves.

Within this vast wilderness, Marataba Mountain Lodge is one of just two lodges feeling like a privileged perch from which to take it all in. For a private African safari, you truly don’t get better than this.

About the Marataba Mountain Lodge

The essence of the solar-powered, Scandi-style Marataba Mountain Lodge is in its exclusive location – secluded in the Waterberg and surrounded by the Marakele National Park. Its design and operations have taken their cue from the earth, serving to merge the lodge with its environment. Marataba welcomes those in search of peace and space.

Just five private Eco Suites, welcoming just 10 guests at a time, open onto a wilderness world of their own – renowned for its magnificent scenery and flourishing wildlife. The main lodge provides more social relaxation areas and a shared Rock Pool, which seems to skim off into the Waterfall Valley below.

Mountain Lodge is one of only two luxury lodges in the Marakele National Park and feels like a privileged perch to take in this 21 000ha private section of the malaria-free Marakele National Park. Lesser known to visitors, it is one of South Africa’s most spectacularly beautiful places.

All of the Big Five, including the rare and endangered black rhino, can be seen here, along with abundant birdlife, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. The lodge takes guests in on exclusive safaris – enjoy twice-daily game drives, after-breakfast bush walks, specialist Marataba Trails, and cruise into the late afternoon with a sundowner Miss Mara Water Safari.

The lodge is located in the of the Limpopo.

Features

The lodge is rated as 5 by TGCSA.

Room facilities include Balcony / Deck, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Safe, Shower,

The lodges appeals to a number of special interests such as Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife,

There are numerous activities on site such as Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Walks,

The property boasts a number of facilities Eco Friendly, Malaria Free, Pool,

Languages spoken include and available services are Credit Card,

Activities

The lodge offers some unique activities to suit your tastes.

Miss Mara - Matlabas River

Take an unhurried cruise along the Matlabas River on Miss Mara. Nothing tops watching the sun shimmy into a liquid horizon in vivid colour, 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. An excursion on Miss Mara is highly recommended as a unique and highly enjoyable way to immerse yourself in the magnificence of the reserve.

Morning and afternoon cruises are conducted on the Matlabas River, just 20 minutes drive from the Lodge. Delicious refreshments and snacks are provided; from pastries and hot chocolate, to G ‘n Ts and Canapés.

One of Marataba’s experienced Field Guides will conduct the slow cruise along the river. You can expect to see birdlife a-plenty, hippos in the water, and the many creatures that walk the plains of Marataba along the water’s edge.

Marataba Rhino Conservation Experience

Guests staying at Marataba Luxury Lodges will meet the team, receive a pre-operational briefing, and depart at the predetermined time.

Once the rhino has been located and darted, 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 experience does not include dehorning interventions.

Each intervention offers a unique and singular experience with one animal. It's important to note that, with smooth operations, the duration can vary from approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Once the intervention is complete, the blindfold and earplugs are removed, and the reversal drug are given to the rhino.

Opportunities are provided for guests to take photos, and if safe to do so, take photos with the animal and field team. The guide will also photograph the guests experience and these images will be made available upon return.

After the intervention, the conservation team provides a debriefing and a 'behind the scenes' tour of their operations room, for a comprehensive understanding of how the intervention aligns with conservation efforts and how the collected data contributes to the cause.

Please note that interventions are limited to the months between April and September, due to more favourable weather conditions, ensuring the safety of the animals, and there are approximately 60 activities that take place place throughout the year.

Cost:
R95 000.00
For a group of 15 guests

Availability:
April to September

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