Marataba Safari Lodge

Marakele, South Africa

Star rating

Tented Suite, Marataba Safari Lodge, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tented Luxury Suite, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Bush Walks and Safari Experience, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Safari Experiences, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Waterberg Mountain, Marataba Safari Lodge, Johannesburg, South Africa
View of Waterberg Mountain from Marataba Safari Lodge
Marataba Safari Lodge
Water Safari at Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Miss Mara Boating Experience, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
Marataba Safari Lodge
Tented Luxury Suite
Boma Area
Thabametsi Treehouse
Thabametsi Treehouse
Thabametsi Treehouse
Tented Suite, Marataba Safari Lodge, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tented Luxury Suite, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Bush Walks and Safari Experience, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Safari Experiences, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Waterberg Mountain, Marataba Safari Lodge, Johannesburg, South Africa
View of Waterberg Mountain from Marataba Safari Lodge
Marataba Safari Lodge
Water Safari at Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park
Miss Mara Boating Experience, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
Marataba Safari Lodge
Tented Luxury Suite
Boma Area
Thabametsi Treehouse
Thabametsi Treehouse
Thabametsi Treehouse

The hotel

The Marataba Safari Lodge is a family run property set in the Marakele National Park, 23000 hectares of private land in the foothills of South Africa's Waterberg Mountains. At Marataba the staff and their families are committed to making sure that you have the best and most unique holiday experience; from fun filled family safaris, to weddings and romantic honeymoon breaks. With their expert knowledge of the local area, the Marataba Rangers will guide you through the South African bush, where you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some fantastic local wildlife. Accommodation comes in the form of 15 exquisitely decorated canvas tented suites, each with their own free-standing bath tub and spacious private deck. For complete privacy enjoy an overnight stay at the Thabametsi two level treehouse and experience the African bush 9ft off the ground!

Amenities

  • Babysitting service
  • Families
  • Honeymoon
  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Swimming Pool
  • Near National Park

Where is it

Set in the grounds of the Marakele National Park, in the foothills of South Africa's Waterberg Mountains. Transfer time: 4-hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and a 2-hour drive from Sun City.

Hotel information

15 canvas-and-stone Tented Suites, each with their own private deck overlooking the sweeping plains and meandering river below. A free-standing stone bath invites you to appreciate the opulence of the suite’s interior, while indoor and outdoor showers take full advantage of the dramatic scenery of the Waterberg Mountains.

All Inclusive of: all meals, tea/coffee, soft drinks, local brand beers, spirits and house wines. Twice daily game-drives with refreshments and snacks. Game activities such as bush walks, astronomy, wildlife lectures, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, bush diners and children's activities.

Main lodge bar, guest lounge, dining area, boma, and viewing/dining deck. Serviced guest pool, with shaded loungers and towels. In-room spa* and beauty treatments* available. Complimentary WiFi. Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club. Eco Garden kids’ entertainment and education area=. Daily game drives (sunrise and late afternoon). Bush walks. Walking trails. Water safaris*. A night in a Thabametsi Treehouse* - enjoy an overnight stay in a solar powered treehouse built on two levels, with a bedroom, full shower room facilities, and dining and lounge areas. Babysitting service*.

3 nights between 18 Dec-3 Jan.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (673)
  • Very good (44)
  • Average (7)
  • Poor (6)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A perfect experience!

Mar 24, 2025 Guilherme M

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.… قراءة المزيد
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. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Honestly, this place is incredible!

Mar 18, 2025 ben m

Honestly, this place is incredible. Especially if you have kids (Kids club etc.) Could think of 50 superlatives to compliment Marataba and zero criticisms. Thanks to Caitlin, Douglas, Thumi and Patience for making it extra special for both families.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best " out of Africa " experience

Feb 14, 2025 Isabella P

Everything was perfect , but what really stands out is the people who work there. They do their best to satisfy your needs and make you feel home. The field guide, Kyle was amazing, and every game drive was a different experience. We just cant' wait to go back
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Intimate & luxurious

Nov 18, 2024 Mobile08901100558

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… Read more
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! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Off the beaten path.

Sep 28, 2024 eawnyc New York

Marataba Safari Lodge in the Waterberg Mountains is off the typical safari goers path. It was chosen (besides the animals) for the beautiful mountain views (think Sedona or Zion), the permanent tents, and access to water. The white rhino have their horns (no poaching). It’s a malaria-free area. At the lodge, impala, warthogs, and vervet monkeys… Read more
Marataba Safari Lodge in the Waterberg Mountains is off the typical safari goers path. It was chosen (besides the animals) for the beautiful mountain views (think Sedona or Zion), the permanent tents, and access to water. The white rhino have their horns (no poaching). It’s a malaria-free area. At the lodge, impala, warthogs, and vervet monkeys roam on the grass. And the watering hole provides for lots of animal action while enjoying breakfast lunch or dinner. Read less