Marataba Safari Lodge

Marataba Safari Lodge sits on the plains beneath the Waterberg mountains, with stone architecture and open communal spaces looking out towards the surrounding bushveld. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, with extensive facilities giving it a more resort-like feel. The main lodge includes a lounge with a fireplace, bar and dining area, alongside an outdoor deck and boma. A large shared swimming pool and several shaded seating areas provide plenty of space to unwind.

The spacious Mack & Madi children’s centre offers supervised activities and an eco-garden play area. Another standout is the Creative Lab, where guests can rent cameras and lenses, receive photography assistance and print images from their stay. Guest tents are spread around the grounds, so walking distances vary. One tent is listed as suitable for guests with disabilities; specific access requirements should be confirmed when booking.

Marataba Safari Lodge has 15 tented rooms across two categories: 11 Luxury Tents and four Family Luxury Tents. Canvas and stone give them a traditional safari character, while spacious interiors and contemporary furnishings create a comfortable atmosphere. Each tent has a private viewing deck overlooking the surrounding bushveld, with the Waterberg mountains beyond. Amenities include air conditioning, a minibar, safe and hairdryer. En-suite bathrooms feature a bath and indoor shower, complemented by an outdoor shower.

Family Luxury Tents include a separate children’s bedroom with its own bathroom. The tents are spread around the grounds, so walking distances to the main lodge vary. One tent is listed as suitable for guests with disabilities; guests with mobility requirements should confirm its availability and access arrangements before booking.

Morning and afternoon game drives form the main safari routine at Marataba Safari Lodge. Drives last approximately three hours, with a coffee stop in the morning and sundowners in the afternoon, often returning after dark to look for nocturnal wildlife. Open safari vehicles normally accommodate six guests and are led by a field guide. Dedicated family drives allow younger children to explore the reserve on a separate schedule without requiring private vehicle hire. 

Guided bush walks focus on tracks, plants and smaller wildlife, while Miss Mara water safaris cruise along the Matlabas River, offering opportunities to see hippos, waterbirds and animals along the banks. Activities operate year-round, with timings varying seasonally and departures subject to weather and operating conditions.

Marataba is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, with both black and white rhino present. Giraffe, zebra and various antelope add to the wildlife variety, while hippos inhabit the waterways. More elusive species include brown hyena and pangolin, though sightings are uncommon.

Birdlife ranges from colourful lilac-breasted rollers to raptors such as brown snake eagles and black-chested snake eagles. The river also supports a variety of waterbirds, adding another dimension to wildlife viewing aboard Miss Mara.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included at Marataba Safari Lodge. Breakfast offers a continental selection alongside cooked dishes ordered from a menu. Lunch features lighter menu choices, while dinner varies between plated, multi-course meals and braai/barbeque evenings. The food draws on fresh, seasonal ingredients and South African flavours.

Meals are served in the main dining area, on the deck or outdoors, with settings changing according to the weather and the evening’s arrangements. Guests can dine with their travelling party, while shared dining occasions offer opportunities to get to know fellow guests.

Arrival day

Check-in is from 14:00, with time to settle into your tent before the afternoon safari. Guests arriving before the activity departs can normally join their first game drive that day, returning to the lodge for dinner.

A full day

The day begins with an early morning safari, followed by breakfast back at the lodge. Time between activities is spent relaxing, enjoying the pool and having lunch. Afternoon tea precedes the next safari, with dinner served after your return. Families with younger children follow a separate family-drive schedule.

Departure day

There is usually time for a final morning game drive and breakfast before checking out by 11:00, depending on your onward travel arrangements.
Activity times change with the seasons. Summer brings earlier morning departures and later evening returns, while winter mornings start later and afternoon activities finish earlier.

Guests aged 16 and older pay the full adult rate. Rates vary by season. These published starting rates apply until 19 December 2026 and 31 May 2027 respectively.

Marataba Safari Lodge is situated in the Waterberg region of Limpopo, South Africa, within the privately managed Marataba section of Marakele National Park. The lodge sits on the plains at the foot of the Waterberg mountains, surrounded by bushveld with views towards the rocky escarpment.

Marataba Safari Lodge welcomes children of all ages. The four Family Luxury Tents accommodate two adults and two children, with a separate children’s bunkroom and bathroom adjoining the parents’ bedroom. Confirm children’s ages and any cot requirements when booking.

Dedicated family game drives welcome children of all ages, so families with younger children do not need to book a private vehicle. These outings run after breakfast and again in the afternoon, with timings adapted to families. Private vehicles are available at an additional cost, subject to availability. Guided bush walks have a minimum age of 16, while children of all ages may accompany their parents on Miss Mara water safaris.

The Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club offers supervised activities such as animal tracking, arts and crafts, baking and outdoor movies, alongside the dedicated Eco-Garden play area. Activities are adapted to younger guests, with childminding available at an additional cost. Confirm suitability for your child’s age, childcare availability and charges before arrival. Parents should supervise children outside organised childcare, particularly around the pool.

Marataba Safari Lodge can be reached by self-drive, a pre-arranged road transfer or a flight to Thabazimbi Airstrip. Allow approximately four to four-and-a-half hours by road from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, depending on traffic and road conditions. From Thabazimbi Airstrip, the road transfer to Safari Lodge takes approximately one hour. Transfers can be arranged through the lodge.

Self-drive guests can drive directly to Safari Lodge, and a 4×4 is not normally required. Follow the lodge’s supplied directions through the SANParks access-control point and onwards to the Marataba entrance gate, where security will direct you to the lodge. Carry a valid driving licence and advise the lodge of your expected arrival time, particularly if arriving late. Some roads through the smaller towns have potholes, so allow time for a slower journey.

Marataba Safari Lodge is situated in a malaria-free area.

Accommodation, all meals, teas and coffees, minibar refreshments and selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Safari activities include twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks and Miss Mara water safaris, subject to activity requirements and availability. Wi-Fi and Mack & Madi children’s activities are also included. 

Additional charges include compulsory park fees, the conservation levy and Impact Levy. Premium drinks, flights and transfers, private safari vehicles, spa treatments, childminding, laundry, gratuities and purchases are excluded. Optional experiences such as the Thabametsi Treehouse sleepout, rhino conservation activities and community visits also cost extra. 

MORE Collection’s published reservation terms require a 20% non-refundable deposit, with the balance payable 45 days before arrival. Cancellations within 45 days of arrival incur a 100% charge. For peak-period stays from 20 December to 3 January, a 50% non-refundable commitment applies, with the balance due 120 days before arrival. These published terms relate to reservations through MORE’s agent portal; confirm the conditions attached to your specific booking, including any charges for amendments or date changes.