Discover the Diverse Wildlife of South Africa
Guests, for who luxury is being in the tranquillity of the bush, will appreciate glamping in one of Marataba Safari Lodge’s 15 Tented Suites that bring them closer to nature – without trading comfort for the experience. Lucky guests may spot the wildlife right from their decks!
These stone and canvas accommodations may look down to earth though are anything but basic, with all the modern amenities. Of them, four Family Suites give children their own en-suite bedrooms (and parents their own space) kitted out just for them, while the lodge ensures they have the best time on safari with the Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club experience.
Safari Lodge is one of only two camps in Marataba South Africa – a 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, with the rare and endangered black rhino, can be seen here, along with flourishing 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.
Your supremely comfortable luxury tent is designed for your relaxation, with a king-sized bed, ensuite and romantic outdoor shower to watch wildlife 24/7. If you’re travelling with the little ones, your kids will love the Family Luxury Tents giving them the independence of having their own bedroom and bathroom. When you are feeling sociable enjoy the welcoming spaces in the main lodge. The Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club eco-garden play area offers a wealth of activities to keep the young ones busy. Between the hours spent on safari, you can relax at the pool, enjoy an in-room spa treatment, or simply choose to take in the mountain views.
Each of the 11 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.
Each Tented Suite is approximately 45m2 and has a private deck, a double bed (convertible to twins), air conditioning, open-plan bathroom en-suite, outdoor shower, in-room safe, mini bar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of deluxe amenities.
Each of the four luxury tents is ideal for a family safari stay and includes a second children’s bunk-bed room kitted out just for them and with its own en-suite (including a shower). This section is separated from the main bedroom, giving parents (and kids) their own space. These tents are not on stilts to ensure the safety of our young guests.
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.
