Marataba Game Reserve
Big Five Safaris in Marakele National Park
Discover the Sanctuary of Marakele National Park
Marakele National Park, aptly named as a place of sanctuary in Tswana, stands out among South Africa’s reserves as the pinnacle of African luxury safari experiences. Within this haven, we discovered Marataba, a pristine 23,000-hectare (56,834-acre) privately managed section that captures the essence of unspoiled Africa.
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of the Waterberg Mountains and the remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five with exceptional sightings of rhino, our signature species. Our two luxury lodges are designed to cater to both soulful explorations and active family safaris.
Immerse yourself in nature with exhilarating game drives, informative bush walks, and unique water safaris, bringing you closer to the wild than ever before. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring every aspect of your stay is taken care of, providing an unparalleled safari experience.
+27 67 311 1590
Taking a closer look
Embark on daily game drives in open safari vehicles, departing at sunrise and late afternoon to explore Marakele’s diverse wildlife. Get close to Africa’s most impressive species and enjoy surprise stops for unexpected wildlife encounters along the way.
Explore Marataba with the expertise of our FGASA-accredited field guides and skilled trackers. Our MORE Field Guide College trains top-tier guides, including students from historically disadvantaged communities, ensuring a high-caliber safari experience.
As part of the Morning Safari, bush walks offer a unique opportunity to experience nature up close. Guided by an expert field guide, you’ll be positioned downwind of larger game while discovering the smaller, often overlooked creatures that might be missed during vehicle safaris.
Experience Marataba’s remarkable wildlife from the deck of the flat-bottomed river boat, Miss Mara. This gentle vessel takes you on a 2.5 km journey up the Matlabas River, offering serene and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Ideal for birdwatching and relaxed game viewing, this water safari is perfect for those six years and older, providing a tranquil and immersive experience along the river.
Marataba, renowned for its successful rhino conservation efforts, offers a unique experience from April to September. Participate in a rhino intervention alongside veterinarians, engaging in activities such as fitting tracking collars, ear-notching, collecting blood and tissue samples, and micro-chipping horns. Note that dehorning is not included in this experience. Advance notice is required, and your participation fee supports the ongoing conservation of these endangered rhinos.
While you enjoy private time, the Mack & Madi team of field guides and childminders will engage children aged 5 to 11 in exciting activities. The Safari Club Eco Garden serves as a child’s paradise and all-in-one bush entertainment space, where kids can learn animal tracking, camp in the bush, and watch outdoor movies under the stars. This immersive experience fosters a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing children to make new friends while exploring nature.
Immerse yourself in the soothing green landscapes of Marakele while enjoying in-room therapies using organic TheraNaka™ products. These treatments, delivered in complete privacy, offer a rejuvenating experience that helps you reconnect with yourself and feel refreshed.
Enhance your safari experience with swift air travel. Enjoy exclusive, personalized service on the daily Federal Air charter flight from Johannesburg to Thabazimbi airstrip. Upon arrival, our team will warmly greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to the lodge.
Sustainability is a core value across all properties, with ongoing efforts to minimize our environmental impact. Managed by the More Community Foundation, our ‘Get Your Hands Dirty’ Community Experiences offer a meaningful immersion at Heuningvlei Primary School and Itsoseng Daycare Centre. Engage with teachers and children in these vital institutions, enhancing your connection to the local community. This experience requires pre-booking.
Mountain Lodge
Elevate Your Safari Experience to New Heights in the Serene and Secluded Setting of Marakele National Park’s Majestic Mountainous Landscape.
Safari Lodge
Immerse Yourself in Luxury Safari Living Amidst the Untamed Beauty of Marakele National Park’s Vast Wilderness and Diverse Wildlife.
Key Information
The drive from Johannesburg to Marataba Game Reserve takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. For security reasons, the Greater Marakele Security Hub, in collaboration with the Limpopo Roads Agency, has established seven access control points to Marakele National Park. To enter, drivers must present a valid driver’s license, and vehicles must display a valid South African vehicle license disk.
Reservations can arrange luxury road transfers from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Marataba, South Africa. Guests will be greeted at the airport and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle. The journey to the lodges covers approximately 326 km (203 mi) and takes about 3.5 hours.
Guests can fly directly into Marakele National Park via the Matla Mamba Airstrip, located just 25 minutes from Marataba Safari Lodge and an hour from Marataba Mountain Lodge.
Marataba Air
MORE has partnered with Federal Air to provide daily flights between Johannesburg and Marataba Luxury Lodges. All flight arrangements and logistics can be organized upon request.
Unique Air
Unique Air offers a Safari Link scheduled air-transfer service, connecting lodges in Marataba Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and Welgevonden Game Reserve.
For any assistance en-route, please contact Marataba at +27 (0)14 779 0018.
Driving Directions from Johannesburg to Marataba
Initial Route:
- Depart O.R. Tambo International Airport, following signs for R21/R24.
- At the road fork 200 meters from the airport, take the right fork towards R21 Pretoria/R24 Johannesburg.
- The road will sharply turn right; stay in the left lane and follow signs for R21 N Pretoria.
- After exiting the airport, move into the left lane and follow R21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria signs.
- Take the R21 N Kempton Park/Pretoria off-ramp after 300 meters.
- Drive for 34 km, then take exit 134 for N1 Noord, Pretoria/Polokwane/Johannesburg.
- At the fork immediately after, take the right fork towards N1 North Polokwane.
Recommended Route (±3.5 hours):
- Continue for 124 km on N1 North Polokwane, passing Carousel Toll Plaza and Kranskop Toll Plaza (Note: Debit cards are not accepted).
- At Kranskop Toll Gate, stay left and exit for R33 Marble Hill/Modimolle. Proceed through the toll gate, and at the T-junction, turn left onto R33 Modimolle.
- Drive 79.6 km, passing through Modimolle and Vaalwater, until you see a Spar and Total petrol station on the left.
- Continue straight for 53.7 km, where the road becomes R517, until reaching the turn-off for R510 Thabazimbi on the left.
- Turn left onto R510 Thabazimbi and drive for 27 km until you see the Marataba sign and turn left.
- Continue through the SANParks boom for 8 km until you see Marataba signage on the left, followed by the main gate.
- Follow the guard’s directions to Marataba Safari Lodge, where you will be warmly welcomed!
Alternative Route (±4 hours):
- Drive 20 km, then take exit 156 for N4 towards Rustenburg.
- On N4, continue straight for 43 km.
- Exit 245 towards Sandton/Brits (R511).
- Turn right at the top of the off-ramp towards Brits.
- Continue straight for 141 km on R511, passing through Brits.
- At the T-junction, turn right towards Thabazimbi.
- Continue straight for 8.7 km into Thabazimbi, then take the turn-off for Lephalale onto R510.
- Continue for 32 km on R510, then take the turn-off for Lephalale R510.
- Continue for 11 km, then turn right at the Marataba signpost.
- Drive straight for 8 km; Marataba Gate will be on the left.
- Follow the guard’s directions to Marataba Safari Lodge, where you will be greeted.
Note: During the rainy season, it is advisable to use a high clearance vehicle to reach the Lodge.
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Marataba Residence
Indulge in Exclusive Luxury and Personalized Service in Your Private Haven Amidst the Untouched Splendor of Marakele National Park.
