Marataba Safari Lodge

“Truly family-friendly with world-class animal experiences”

Believe all the reviews that laud Marataba's family-friendly safaris - our kids (ages 7 and 10), who can't sit still for a 20-minute car ride in California, happily sat for 6 hours of game drives a day (and got their energy out at the truly-fun kids club between drives). What's less-mentioned in t… lisää

Believe all the reviews that laud Marataba's family-friendly safaris - our kids (ages 7 and 10), who can't sit still for a 20-minute car ride in California, happily sat for 6 hours of game drives a day (and got their energy out at the truly-fun kids club between drives). What's less-mentioned in the reviews is the INCREDIBLE wildlife experiences you'll have. We lucked out with Peter M. as our guide and in four days saw (in no particular order): pangolins (twice!), both white and black rhinos (multiple times!), a giraffe giving birth (we saw the baby fall out!), a leopard, lions on a hunt and more elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, wildebeest and other game animals than we can count. The accommodations and food are outstanding (both beautiful and comfortable), and while it was winter, the heated pool in the afternoon was perfect for kids. With only 16 tents, fellow guests took time to say hello and our kids made friends with children from all over the world. All the guides are wonderful but Peter deserves special mention - he is someone who has clearly found his calling. Peter is not only incredibly knowledgeable but his love of nature is infectious (on his weeks off, he goes camping!) His work ethic is incredible -- the first guide every morning at the lodge -- and has a friendly and easy-going presence. Ask for him if you can! While this was our first safari, it certainly won't be our last. Thank you to the whole Marataba team for a trip we'll be talking about for years.

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“Wow - what a place!”

What an amazing place to enjoy our first ever safari. The scenery was breathtaking, our room was stunning, the staff couldn't do enough for you and the food and drink was delicious! We arrived to a warm welcome and a hot flannel to freshen up - this continued after we returned from every safari. … lisää

What an amazing place to enjoy our first ever safari. The scenery was breathtaking, our room was stunning, the staff couldn't do enough for you and the food and drink was delicious! We arrived to a warm welcome and a hot flannel to freshen up - this continued after we returned from every safari. We were then shown to our family room, which was so comfortable and had amazing views of the Waterberg Mountains. The mini bar and freestanding bath (which also had a mountain view) were a bonus! We then enjoyed a lovely lunch sitting outside surrounded by monkeys and impala before heading out on our first safari. From the moment we met him our guide Tim, he was amazing. So passionate, knowledgeable, patient and always happy to answer our questions. Tim made sure every safari was different. We loved seeing the hippos, cape buffalo, cheetahs, lions (and cubs), and a pangolin - to number just a few! Stopping for drinks (mid safari) was something we also looked forward to. Evening safaris were followed by a lovely dinner sitting in front of the warm fire, usually served by the amazing Linda or Chillies. It was then back to our lovely room to do it all again the next day. The only thing we would change is to have stayed longer if we could! We would have liked to enjoy the swimming pool, our room, the food and general relaxing surroundings a bit more. Definitely got the safari bug and definitely keen to go back soon!

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“Marataba never disappoints”

Our third visit, and Marataba does not disappoint. It is one of the most beautiful reserves in SA, game viewing is great ( we saw pangolin and leopard!) and service is exceptional. Game drives are never crowded with only a few game drive vehicles in the reserve. Pick mountain lodge for exclusivity,… lisää

Our third visit, and Marataba does not disappoint. It is one of the most beautiful reserves in SA, game viewing is great ( we saw pangolin and leopard!) and service is exceptional. Game drives are never crowded with only a few game drive vehicles in the reserve. Pick mountain lodge for exclusivity, and safari lodge for the open space and relaxation areas. We will definitely be back.

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“Amazing - definitely not the last visit!”

I was lucky enough to be able to revisit this lodge after a weather challenging January. I was keen to see what is undoubtedly the most beautiful reserve I have visited at its best. As expected the lodge was once again superb, beautiful rooms (it seems a cheat to call them tents), amazing food, a… lisää

I was lucky enough to be able to revisit this lodge after a weather challenging January. I was keen to see what is undoubtedly the most beautiful reserve I have visited at its best. As expected the lodge was once again superb, beautiful rooms (it seems a cheat to call them tents), amazing food, and a superb team that work so hard to make the stay completely fabulous. You come to expect this at a high end lodge but they really do it so very well here. On the road trip to it, I was chatting to my driver and friend and said to her that I felt this would be my last visit - I’m a big fan of the greater Kruger, and Marataba is impossible to get to without “losing” a day in travel. In my head it was a tick box visit, one I was excited for of course, but not one for revisiting. However I was wrong. And the main reason for that was my guide Tim. I had requested him as a guide once more. And from the moment he greeted us on arrival holding a small snake (non venemous) that he had rescued (and the subsequent look of slight doubt when he couldn’t remember if I was a fan of snakes - I’m not) I knew it was going to be an epic stay. And indeed it was. The game viewing was exceptional that is true, including leopards, black rhino and even a pangolin, amongst many others things, but Tim really goes above and beyond - nothing is too much trouble, and he is so very kind, He is excellent company, does the best animal impressions, is so knowledgeable and is very much the reason why that box is not in fact ticked, and why I will definitely be coming back. I said in my last review that every lodge needs a Tim and I stand by that.

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