The Waterburg, South Africa
Marataba
We love this property’s quirky design, in particular the two-storey Thabametsi Treehouse which is run entirely on solar power and has impressive views across the park. We love this property’s quirky design, in particular the two-storey Thabametsi Treehouse which is run entirely on solar power and has impressive views across the park.
We love this property’s quirky design, in particular the two-storey Thabametsi Treehouse which is run entirely on solar power and has impressive views across the park. We love this property’s quirky design, in particular the two-storey Thabametsi Treehouse which is run entirely on solar power and has impressive views across the park.
Location
The Marataba Safari Lodge sits within the Marakele National Park, a private reserve in the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains.
Accommodation
Marakele has been inhabited by man since the Stone Age. Marataba Safari Lodge draws upon these many millennia of human history in its sensitivity to the landscape and building materials, but at the same time makes a bold architectural statement which positions it very much in the 21st century.
There are 15 tented suites, all made from a combination of canvas and stone. Guests can also opt to stay in the Thabametsi Treehouse, which positions you above the trees and thus boasts panoramic views.
Rooms can be configured for families, but are sufficiently apart from one another that other couples can still enjoy quiet time alone. All the interiors are tastefully chic, objects such as tribal spears decorating the otherwise plain white walls.
Rooms can be configured for families, but are sufficiently apart from one another that other couples can still enjoy quiet time alone. All the interiors are tastefully chic, objects such as tribal spears decorating the otherwise plain white walls.
Experiences
The lodge’s open plan lounge and dining area is the best place to relax between activities, which include safaris by land and by water. There’s a fantastically situated swimming pool as well, ideal to cool down in on hot afternoons.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Environment
Marataba prioritises sustainability in all aspects of their operations, in light of this, all bulbs in camp have been changed to LED – these use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last around 40 time longer, while producing the same level of light. The camp is also in the process of replacing their air conditioners with more energy efficient inverter air conditioners under their own policy of procuring only the highest energy-efficient rated equipment.
Community
Marataba’s parent company; The MORE Collection runs the More Community Trust. The purpose of the trust is to give long-term, meaningful assistance to the communities that surround their camps and hotels. Fulfilling this through their development projects, they further education, skill development, support local black business enterprise development, improve living standards and provide access to clean, running water.
Looking for Inspiration?
South Africa Trip Idea
Malaria Free South Africa
The only country able to offer malaria-free safaris, South Africa is a wonderful choice for many looking for a luxury safari experience. Enjoy the abundance of wildlife on offer in some of the most exclusive private reserves, before exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, where the glamour of the city meets the rugged outdoors.
Family Trip Idea
South Africa Family Safari
See the splendour of South Africa as a family on this exclusive safari. Spend your days exploring captivating Cape Town, enjoying the delights of the Winelands and on safari, seeking out the abundant wildlife that roams the wilderness. No matter your age, this iconic safari will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
Article
Top 10 South African Activities
With opportunities to see the Big Five of both land and sea, along with incredible scenery, enormous national parks, world-class vineyards, a fascinating history and vibrant, friendly people, South Africa frequently tops the lists of the world’s best holiday destinations. Even so, less than 1% of the world's travellers make it here, so it’s a place where you’ll find yourself with a few select, like-minded and discerning adventurers who have discovered this gem of a country. It’s a place you could return to for the whole of your life and never tire of it.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
Article
South Africa Family Safaris
If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.
Article
The Rainbow Nation South Africa
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.
Article
Luxury And The Big Five South Africa
Without a shadow of a doubt, South Africa is one of the very best places to watch wildlife in the world. The Kruger National Park — a protected area the size of Wales — is certainly the most famous and popular safari destination, but with Africa Exclusive you’ll escape the crowds to explore vast, wildlife-filled private reserves, in the company of the best guides.
Article
Magnificent Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain.
Article
Explore The Garden Route South Africa
To experience a little bit of everything that South Africa has to offer, you can hardly do better than to drive along the coastal road of the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It’s an extraordinary journey, and there’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. One day you might be whale spotting at Hermanus — renowned as one of the best whale watching locations in the world — and the next you could be learning about the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, handling antique weapons and scrambling over the British and Zulu positions.
Article
Battlefields And Culture South Africa
Formerly the Zulu Kingdom, the province of KwaZulu Natal runs along South Africa’s dramatic Indian Ocean coastline. The Drakensberg Mountains create a natural border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, and offer some excellent hiking routes.
Article
Why South Africa Is Great For A Family Safari
South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.
Occasional round-up of the best wild places, unique experiences and expert travel tips straight to your inbox.
Keep the Inspiration Flowing