Where is Thabametsi Treehouse and how does the experience work?

Within the privately managed Marataba section of malaria-free Marakele National Park, Waterberg. You depart Marataba Safari or Mountain Lodge by vehicle at sunset for a hosted handover, enjoy a gourmet picnic and lantern-lit stargazing, sleep to night sounds and rejoin your guide at dawn.

What facilities and safety features are provided?

A two-level, solar-powered deck with bedroom, lounge/dining and a full shower room (two hot showers), plus USB charging, lantern lighting and radio contact with the lodge. Staff brief you on safety and remain on call.

How many guests and what are the age guidelines?

It sleeps two adults and two children; families with children aged 6–15 are welcome. The set-up and hosting are designed for comfort and peace of mind.

What’s included and what’s not?

Included are sunset transfers from your Marataba lodge, a gourmet picnic with selected drinks, lantern lighting and a dawn wake-up with coffee/tea. There is no Wi-Fi by design; pack warm layers for winter nights.

What wildlife and scenery can I expect?

Wide Waterberg views with Big Five country below; expect elephants, antelope and abundant birdlife to pass within sight and earshot, framed by superb dark-sky stargazing.

Thabametsi Treehouse

Raised above the plains in Marataba’s private concession of Marakele National Park, Thabametsi Treehouse is an exclusive sleepout for guests of Marataba Safari Lodge or Mountain Lodge. The two-level, solar-powered hideaway includes a bedroom, lounge and dining space, a full shower room with two hot-water showers, and a viewing deck facing the Waterberg. Capacity is two adults and two children (6–15). Arrive at sunset, dine alfresco, stargaze and wake to dawn wildlife from your deck.

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Private bush breakfast on the Thabametsi Treehouse deck with Waterberg mountain views

Quick facts
Exclusive sleepout
2 sults + 2 kids
Solar powered
Waterberg views
No Wi-Fi

Canopied star bed on private deck at Thabametsi Treehouse, sunrise in Marakele National Park, South Africa

Daytime view from Thabametsi Treehouse deck over Waterberg bushveld, Marakele National Park, South Africa

Highlights & Activities.

Begin with an afternoon game drive from your lodge to the treehouse. Settle in for sunset views across the Waterberg, wildlife watching from the deck and radio-assisted peace of mind. A gourmet picnic basket and selected drinks are included; solar lighting, USB charge points and two hot showers keep comfort high (no Wi-Fi). Fall asleep to night sounds and stargaze in clear skies; wake for coffee and sunrise. Families (6–15) are welcome. After breakfast, rejoin your guide for morning activities back at Marataba, game drives, walking or a water safari, as preferred.

Thabametsi Treehouse star-bed platform overlooking the Waterberg plains, private sleepout in Marakele National Park

Region information.

Thabametsi sits within Marataba, a 23,000-hectare, privately managed section of Marakele National Park in South Africa’s malaria-free Waterberg. The greater park protects ≈67,000 hectares of mountains, river valleys and bushveld, home to the Big Five and superb birdlife, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures on nearby cliffs. Days combine classic game drives, guided walking and, from the Matlabas River, gentle water safaris. Access is typically by scheduled flights or ~4-hour road transfer from Johannesburg; visits pair well with Marataba Safari or Mountain Lodge stays. The Waterberg’s dramatic mountains frame year-round wildlife viewing.