Travel Report Marataba (South Africa)
Marataba Safari Lodge - pure luxury
Marataba Safari Lodge in South Africa is a luxury safari resort located in the Marakele National Park in the north of the country. This exclusive lodge offers a perfect combination of modern elegance and traditional African design, nestled in a spectacular landscape. Guests stay in stylish, spacious tented suites that offer all amenities, including private decks with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Where do you find Marataba Safari Lodge in South Africa?
What you should definitely think about:
Local currencies: South Africa = ZAR (South African Rand), but USD is also accepted here in the lodges. On the other hand, credit card payments work everywhere without any problems.
Vaccinations: Coming from Germany, no vaccinations – not even yellow fever – are mandatory. However, the standard vaccinations are recommended, so follow the recommendations of the German Foreign Office. Marataba is located in a malaria-free area, so no prophylaxis is necessary.
Helpful: A small pocket knife and a strong flashlight with spare batteries are often very useful. A cell phone flashlight will also do in a pinch, but often does not shine far enough.
Clothing: In the lodges in Africa, you can usually have your clothes washed for free or for a small extra charge. This means you can save a lot of luggage. In any case, choose muted colors and preferably functional clothing, as it can be very cool in the morning and warm to hot during the day.
Arrival Marataba
It is possible to travel to Marataba Safari Lodge by car or by plane. From Johannesburg, the journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Alternatively, guests can take a private charter flight to nearby Thabazimbi Airport, from where a short transfer to the lodge is organized. In terms of time, the flight doesn’t really save much and so we opted to travel by car, which works really well.
The Marataba Lodge and the service
The service at Marataba Safari Lodge is outstanding. The staff are attentive, friendly and always eager to ensure guests have an unforgettable stay. From the personal welcome on arrival to the room service and experienced safari guides, every aspect of the stay is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Guests can be assured that their every wish will be catered for to enjoy a luxurious and authentic safari experience.
Marataba, the facility
The interior of the lodge is modern, but with an African touch. The building is really stylish thanks to its large glass surfaces, but still blends in perfectly with its surroundings. When you first walk through the hall onto the veranda, you are overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of the mountains. It could hardly be more beautiful. There are many places to relax and linger in the garden and the swimming pool, which is often visited by elephants for a drink, is also located here.
Marataba - the accommodation
The accommodation at Marataba Safari Lodge offers a luxurious yet authentic safari experience. Guests stay in stylish tented suites that are perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings and offer the highest level of comfort.
Tented suites: Each of the spacious tented suites is elegantly furnished and features large windows and doors that let in plenty of natural light and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers and African savannah.
Facilities: The tented suites have en-suite bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs and indoor and outdoor showers, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking scenery while they freshen up. Each suite also has a private deck where guests can relax and watch the wildlife nearby.
Amenities: Other amenities include air conditioning, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities and a safe. The suites are designed to offer both privacy and proximity to nature.
Family accommodation: Special family suites are available for families, offering extra space and child-friendly amenities. These suites are designed to meet the needs of families while maintaining the luxurious standards of the lodge.
Marataba - Food and drinks
The culinary experience at the lodge is excellent and varied. Meals are mostly served in the open air, often in a traditional boma where guests can dine under the stars. The cuisine offers a mix of local South African and international cuisine, using fresh, regional ingredients. Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements are also catered for.
Marataba - Safaritimes
Morning safari: The first safari of the day starts before sunrise, usually around 5:30 am. Guests are woken up with a light breakfast before setting off in open safari vehicles. During the approximately three-hour drive, guests have the opportunity to observe the wildlife in the cooler morning hours when many animals are most active.
Afternoon safari: The second safari of the day starts in the late afternoon, around 16:00. Before departure, there is often afternoon tea with snacks. The afternoon drives also last around three hours and often end with a sundowner, where guests can enjoy the sunset in the wilderness with a drink.
Vehicles: There is space for a maximum of 6 people in the safari vehicles, the center seat is always free and there are boarding platforms in the vehicles.
Marataba - wother activities
Bush walks: These guided walks allow guests to experience the region’s flora and fauna up close. Experienced rangers lead the walks and share their knowledge of nature and wildlife.
Boat safaris: On the Matlabas River, guests can enjoy a different perspective of the wildlife. These boat trips offer a relaxed way to observe animals on the riverbank and in the water. These tours are particularly appealing at sunset.
Evening stargazing: After dinners, there is often an opportunity for stargazing. The clear, unpolluted air of the region offers excellent conditions for marveling at the southern night sky.
The flexible design of the safari activities at Marataba Safari Lodge ensures that guests have a varied and comprehensive experience in the African wilderness.
Marataba - The wildlife and the landscape
The wildlife around Marataba Safari Lodge is diverse and impressive. Marakele National Park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as many other animal species such as giraffes, zebras and various antelope species. Guided safari drives and bush walks offer guests the opportunity to experience the wildlife up close.
Is it possible to combine a trip to Marataba with other safari areas?
Yes, you can. Here is an example of the route we took:
1.day: Munich -> Johannesburg
2.day: Johannesburg -> Polokwane (African Roots Guest House Polokwane)
3.day: Polokwane -> Mashatu (Mashatu Tented Camp)
4.day: Mashatu Tented Camp
5.-7.day: Mashatu Tented Camp -> Polokwane (Protea Hotel The Landmark Polokwane)
8.day: Polokwane -> Marataba (Marataba Safari Lodge)
9.day: Marataba Safari Lodge
10.day: Marataba Safari Lodge -> Madikwe (Tuningi Safari Lodge)
11.-12.day: Madikwe
13.day: Madikwe -> Magaliesburg (Mount Grace African Pride Magaliesburg)
14.day: Magaliesburg -> Johannesburg -> Munch
Trip was organized by: AST-REISEN
Für Mashatu and Marataba, look at our other travel reports
Fazit Marataba
If you want to vacation in a malaria-free safari area and don’t want to do without any luxury, Marataba Safari Lodge is the right place for you. For photographers who want to observe the landscape and animals, the area is also very beautiful, but cannot compete with other areas such as Timbavati or Sabi Sand (see separate travel reports) in terms of wildlife and sightings. In any case, you can enjoy a relaxing and truly restful time in Marataba, with food and leisure activities of the highest standard.
Want to order a calendar from our photo tour?
as of 18,90€, Sizes A2-A5
What photo equipment for Marataba and a round trip?
The photographic equipment we took with us is listed below. You also have the option of ordering the photographic equipment we used directly via our Photo-Shop and requesting further technical details. There are also lots of extras available there.
Backpack: Lowepro Runner 450