one of the best non-malarial safari options in Africa

Marataba Mountain Lodge is located in the private Marataba Reserve in the Waterberg Mountains area to the north of South Africa.

The property is part of the More group, a family owned collection of properties, most of which are relatively upmarket. The More family have been in the hospitality business in South Africa since the 1930’s and are a highly professional and personable bunch with whom we have very good relations.

The lodge is centred on a beautiful little building, with stylish lounge and dining areas, leading out to decks with a campfire, small swimming pool and broad views.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Marataba Mountain Lodge is in five lovely modern suites, each with an indoor bathroom, air-conditioning and a private verandah with further views.

Activities

Marataba Mountain Lodge provides access to the following activities, most of which are usually included in the room rate …

• Vehicle safari
• Motorboat safari
• Walking safari
• Mountain hiking
• Bush meals
• Night vehicle safari
• Overnight sleepouts

The Waterberg Mountains area tends to feature in trips relatively rarely, mainly because it is so much lesser-known than Kruger. For this reason, most of the lodges offer much better value for money and often try a lot harder to please.

The usual stay duration is 3-5 nights.

Seasonality

Waterberg has a similar climate to other safari areas in this region but, importantly, it gets a great deal less rain than Kruger, so can be much more attractive during the key rainy season months of November to March …

Apr-Oct is the long dry season in the reserve, the best time for wildlife viewing. Although it can get very cold at night in May-Jul and very hot and humid in October.

Nov-Mar is the green season in Waterberg, when relatively light and sporadic rains freshen the landscapes, but can occasionally become prolonged. As the season progresses, the increase in grass and foliage cover can make wildlife viewing more of a challenge.

Getting there

The Waterberg Mountains area is almost always accessed from Johannesburg, usually by light aircraft, which is a simple and easy hop.

It is also possible to travel up from Johannesburg by road, a journey of around four hours, which is not particularly interesting (since it passes mainly along main sealed roads through farmlands and towns), but is not unpleasant.

Once in the reserve of your choice you get around with a guide and vehicle from the camp at which you are staying. The various reserves can be connected by means of road transfers, also usually provided by the lodges.

Self-drive vehicles are not generally permitted to enter the reserves, although in some areas you are allowed to drive as far as your camp, but are not allowed to undertake safari.

particularly good value for money