Marataba Mountain Lodge

The essence of the solar-powered, Scandi-style Marataba Mountain Lodge is in its exclusive location – secluded in the Waterberg and surrounded by the Marakele National Park. Its design and operations have taken their cue from the earth, serving to merge the lodge with its environment. Marataba welcomes those in search of peace and space.

Just five private Eco Suites, welcoming just 10 guests at a time, open onto a wilderness world of their own – renowned for its magnificent scenery and flourishing wildlife. The main lodge provides more social relaxation areas and a shared Rock Pool, which seems to skim off into the Waterfall Valley below.

Mountain Lodge is one of only two luxury lodges in the Marakele National Park and feels like a privileged perch to take in this 21 000ha private section of the malaria-free Marakele National Park. Lesser known to visitors, it is one of South Africa’s most spectacularly beautiful places.

All of the Big Five, including the rare and endangered black rhino, can be seen here, along with abundant birdlife, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. The lodge takes guests in on exclusive safaris – enjoy twice-daily game drives, after-breakfast bush walks, specialist Marataba Trails, and cruise into the late afternoon with a sundowner Miss Mara Water Safari.

When we discovered Marataba, we instantly knew we had found something very special. A 21 000ha piece of unspoilt Africa within Marakele National Park (Setswana for 'place of sanctuary'), it is unlike anything we have ever seen. With spectacular landscapes and iconic wildlife, this place holds its own among South Africa’s greatest reserves.

Within this vast wilderness, Marataba Mountain Lodge is one of just two lodges feeling like a privileged perch from which to take it all in. For a private African safari, you truly don’t get better than this.