Marataba Luxury Lodges

"How did it strike you on arrival?Once you walk along the wooden “moat” and through the lodge’s double-height entrance, you’ll no doubt be fixated on the panorama of the red-hued Waterberg mountains, with the slopes seemingly set ablaze during sunset. Nice. What’s the crowd like?There’s no typical guest as the clientele on any given day range from honeymooners to multi-generational families, safari first-timers to game lodge veterans. Marataba is based in Marakele National Park’s private 23,000-hectare concession, which it only shares with one sister lodge, so perhaps the guests’ common denominator is a preference for exclusivity. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The lodge hosts 15 canvas-and-stone Tented Suites, each kitted in rich fabrics and niceties such as a complimentary minibar, air conditioning, a roll top bath and an indoor and outdoor shower. Like the communal areas, the tent’s contemporary yet earthy look is a refreshing departure from the overdone ‘Out of Africa’ trope seen in other safari accommodations. If you’re lucky, you might be able to view wildlife activity right in front of your wraparound private deck—booking a suite closer to the river increases this likelihood. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge. Room service and food: Worth it?All meals for Marataba guests are taken care of, as are snacks and drinks such as Gin & Tonic during game drives. Bush dinners illuminated by numerous fire pits are a special treat. Anything stand out about other services and features?Options to relax outside of your tent include a communal pool with loungers, hammocks amongst the trees and a library with plush brown leather sofas; alternatively, book an in-room spa treatment on your deck and zone out to sounds of the birds and the breeze. For those wanting alternatives for Big Five excursions beyond vehicle drives, Marataba offers a walking safari and a must-do water safari, where guests navigate the Matlabas River in search of hippos, lions and much more while on the lodge’s pontoon, Miss Mara. Bottom line: Why are we staying here?Far from roughing it, Marataba’s sleek tented suites, ace safari guides and first-rate amenities amongst an otherworldly landscape makes for one of South Africa’s finest lodges." - Travis Levius