Marataba Safari Lodge

Marataba Safari Lodge sits in a privately managed section of malaria-free Marakele National Park in the Waterberg. Fifteen stone-and-canvas Luxury Tents, including four Family Luxury Tents, feature king beds, ensuite bathrooms, outdoor showers and shaded decks. Days revolve around Big Five game drives, guided walks and morning or sunset water safaris on the Matlabas River, with optional Thabametsi Treehouse sleepouts. Family-friendly programming and low vehicle density make this an easy, adventurous base with dramatic mountain backdrops.

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Walking safari near white rhinos with guides, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park

Quick facts
Private section
15 tents
4 family tents
Water safaris
Malaria-free

Family tent exterior at Marataba Safari Lodge with canvas canopy and private deck

Luxury tented suite interior opening to private deck, Marataba Safari Lodge

Highlights & Activities.

Morning and afternoon game drives with FGASA-accredited guides track Big Five, with flexible family safaris. Guided walking safaris deepen bushcraft; switch perspectives with morning and sunset water safaris on the Matlabas River. From April–September, join a hands-on rhino conservation experience alongside veterinarians. Choose in-room spa treatments between outings, and dine alfresco with bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and boma dinners. Book the Thabametsi Treehouse for a starry sleepout. Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club keeps young explorers engaged; photographers can visit the Creative Lab to transform wildlife images. Enjoy low-density sightings throughout.

Cheetah at dawn during game drive, Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park, Waterberg safari

Region information.

Marataba forms a 23,000-hectare, privately managed section of malaria-free Marakele National Park within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere. The greater park conserves about 67,000 hectares of mountains, river valleys and bushveld, home to the Big Five and rich birdlife, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures (≈800 breeding pairs). Expect elephant and buffalo herds, predators, and rarities like brown hyena, aardwolf and pangolin. Activities span guided walking, traditional game drives and morning/sunset water safaris; regulations apply inside the broader national park. Access is by daily flights or ~4-hour road transfer from Johannesburg.