Marataba Safari Lodge South Africa

My welcome. While according to the lodge, the drive from Johannesburg to Marataba takes around four hours, road works and a few wrong turns meant a drive of around five and a half hours. Any frustrations at such a long drive and accompanying hunger pains were quickly forgotten on seeing a table set for breakfast overlooking a small waterhole and the Waterberg Mountains (which in part look very much like the mountain ranges of Western Australia’s Kimberley region)!

A welcoming letter which explained the program including times of game drives in the morning and evening, the name of my ranger – Adriaan, and the restaurant team who would be looking after me.

The time Adriaan and I spent exploring the 230,000 hectare reserve in an open vehicle. Marataba is located on a 23,000 hectare private concession in the Marakele National Park at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains. The reserve is home to the big five – i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. We didn’t see the big five, on my first day but having been to South Africa on many other occasions it wasn’t a problem. Indeed seeing and learning more about some of the other creatures was just as enjoyable. At the same time on my last day at the reserve we did come across three lionesses on the roadway. After one walked right past our vehicle and had a short and angry exchange with another one the three settled down. As a result a long detour was necessary to get around them.

A sunset cruise on Miss Mara, a small pontoon vessel, which the lodge operates on the Matlabas River. Watching the sun set on the water with the red mountains as a backdrop, while enjoying snacks and a white wine, was one of those unforgettable experiences. The following night we had evening drinks next to the river which was also a great experience.

A sunset cruise on Miss Mara, a small pontoon vessel, which the lodge operates on the Matlabas River. Watching the sun set on the water with the red mountains as a backdrop, while enjoying snacks and a white wine, was one of those unforgettable experiences. The following night we had evening drinks next to the river which was also a great experience.

My accommodation in one of the 15 canvas-and-stone tent suites. Each of the suites features a king size bed, free-standing stone bath, indoor and outdoor shower, bathrobe, slippers, Charlotte Rhys body products, tea and coffee making facilities and complementary sherry. My tent overlooked the Waterberg Mountains and a balcony provided the ideal place to enjoy the view.

A massage on my balcony. Marataba offers a number of treatments including an aromatherapy full body massage. It was very reasonably priced at around South African $600 Rand.

The meals. Breakfast was served after the game drive and included hot and cold options, at lunch there was a choice of two starters, two mains and two desserts and for dinner two entrees, three main meals and two desserts. Options included char grilled gemsbok fillet, pan seared duck breasts, venison curry bunny chow, vegetable strudel and stuffed chicken breast.

The friendly, helpful staff.

Free-wi-fi in public areas.