Limpopo Province, South Africa
Marataba Private Reserve
Unique Luxury Safari Experience
Residing in Marataba is assured to be one of the most unique safari experiences in South Africa, with just two lodges having exclusive access to their 23,000 hectare private reserve. The reserve offers excellent, tailored services such as offered top level guided bush walks, game drives, birdwatching and astronomy.
Game viewing is excellent in this region, which offers the only malaria-free Big Five walking trail in South Africa. Discover the magnificent African wildlife set against the backdrop of the park’s unique, stunning landscape, with it’s contrasting red rock mountains, grass-clad hills and deep valleys, which also offer diverse hiking opportunities.
Modern comforts and luxuries are not forgone at the boutique lodges which are tastefully furnished to combine western design and traditional African textiles which compliments the surroundings perfectly. Marataba Safari Lodge has 15 luxurious tents and welcomes guests of all ages with specially-planned children’s activities, while Marataba Mountains Lodge has just five suites with incredible views. And for an unforgettable night under the stars, opt to sleep out in the reserve’s fabulous treehouse after a sunset picnic dinner.
Highlights
Game drives
Walking safari
River boat trips
Stargazing
Bird watching
Children’s activities at the Safari Lodge
15 tent Marataba Safari Lodge
Five suite Marataba Mountain Lodge
Treehouse sleepout experience
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to South Africa
Whatever you want from your adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Marataba Private Reserve with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
