Marataba is just three hours north of Johannesburg, yet the rich and wild setting could hardly be more different from that city. The 15 tented suites have been designed to be comfortable and stylish, yet retaining a sense of adventure. The construction is a mixture of stone and sweeping canvas, each suite being set on a large and raised wooden deck which extends to a shaded veranda where you can enjoy magnificent views of the wild landscape. Inside your suite is simple yet elegant décor with comfortable chairs, large bed and furniture and an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower.

Between exciting safari game drives in open vehicles, you can relax in the sparkling pool, in the well-stocked library, and in the spacious and comfortable lounge. There is also an expansive area of decking where you can sometimes see wildlife wandering past the lodge. The quality of cuisine matches the general high standards, making use of fresh vegetables, fruits and the finest ingredients.

One of the more unique attractions at Marataba is the opportunity to take wonderful boat trips aboard the Misss Mara along the Matlabas River in an area called Python Dam. This is quite a rare excursion in game reserves in South Africa and gives a very different game viewing perspective as you can sit just yards from large herds of buffalo and elephant as they drink, splash and wallow at the water’s edge. Boat trips can be taken at various times of day with different focuses. Morning trips tend to offer wonderful birdlife, midday cruises look to catch larger game as it makes its way to the water for a drink in the heat of the midday sun and sunset cruises last for a couple of hours and allow you to relax as the sun sets across the waters, birds come in to roost and predators start to become more active.