Marataba Safari Lodge

We love safaris and have been to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and other places in South Africa. Unlike other reserves and lodges where we have stayed in South Africa (especially Kruger), Marabata's isolation from other neighboring lodges and reserves allows guests to enjoy a much more exclusive and true experience of being in contact with nature. There are no cities, roads, power lines and dozens of cars from other lodges passing you all the time. At Marabata, it feels like the entire reserve as far as the eye can see is practically yours. The Lodge has just a few rooms in a huge area connected to Marakele National Park where the mountainous topography of the plateaus meets the irrigated plains just below to create a stunning landscape! We found the facilities, service, food and drinks to be excellent. The reserve is full of animals and we saw the Big 5 countless times, as well as many other species over the course of our 4 nights. Our guide, James, was very helpful, kind and competent at all times, especially considering that we were traveling with our three young children aged 7, 9 and 12. Unlike most other safaris, there is a great deal of concern for the safety of guests during the game drives and all guides carry a rifle that is kept in the car at all times, which although many consider unnecessary, made us feel much more at ease, especially with children on board. We booked the tree house for our last night and the entire staff went out of their way to ensure that we had a perfect experience in every way. We have been traveling the world for decades and sleeping in the tree house was possibly one of the most special, surprising and grand experiences we have had in our lives. I highly recommend it.

Marataba was our second location on a two week trip to SA. Their location with the Waterberg Mountain Range as a backdrop made the experience even more magical. Our guides were very well educated, professional as well as personable. There as part of a photography group, I appreciated their willingness to get us into the best possible positions to shoot the beautiful animals and scenery. The river safari was something out of a movie as we were lucky enough to watch a group of bull elephants have some fun in the water. Our "tent"was blessed with an incredible view. Food and service was wonderful and it seemed like we were always eating if we weren't on safari! All around a fantastic experience!

No attention to detail spared. The quality of the service was exceptional. We stayed at both the mountain and the plains lodges and I would say that as a couple the mountain lodge is much more intimate and gives a feeling of exclusivity.|This really is a superbly run operation in a reserve that is stunningly beautiful. This is our second time here and if the planets align there will hopefully be more.

I never imagined myself as a bush girl, this place got me re-imagining they blew me away. From the luxury tented house to the game drives and the food. Thank you Elrich and your team of highly professional and motivated staff. You made our stay an unforgettable experience.

Awesome experience at Marataba, the staff were the best from the welcome to the butlers and the housekeeping, including the resort manager, everyone was truly awesome. The accommodation was really fantastic and very comfortable. Stellar service from everyone at the lodge and the game drives were truly amazing. Highly recommended.

Our stay at Marataba was fantastic. Our ranger Kyle was the highlight of our time there. His knowledge of the bush is excellent. We also absolutely loved the surprise of going on the barge. Caitlyn welcomed us onto the barge. She was very professional and friendly. We saw lions close up drinking, rhinos and many animals on this trip on the barge - the scenery - mountains etc just breathtaking! Thank you for a wonderful time at Marataba - we will be back!

From the location of the lodge to the professionalism of the staff, our stay allowed us to relax, enjoy game drives, bush walks, good food / drinks and see the big five. ||Amazing experience which I would recommend to anyone living overseas / in South Africa!

Marataba Safari Lodge was magnificent in every way. Each staff member we came across was friendly and helpful, and the lodge had a very intimate feel, almost like staying with friends who own an enormous home in the bush! We felt very well looked after, and as if nothing would be too much trouble for the staff to assist with. Our tent was very comfortable, with lovely furniture and plenty of space. It was clean, beautifully placed in the bush, and had lovely extra touches like bath salts, immune booster fizzies, and a very extensive tea/coffee and drinks bar - even a lemon with a little knife & a chopping board! We didn't bring children, but the adjoining room for them felt very homely, with a stuffed toy on the bed and books & games on the bookshelf. We saw incredible game: rhino, cheetah, lion, tortoises, wild cat, elephant, and many many birds. Our guide was knowledgeable and very polite, we felt very relaxed with him in charge. Absolutely amazing experience all round, thank you Marataba team!