Hotel review: Marataba Safari Lodge, Marakele, South Africa
This is my first choice for a family safari with young children. It was a dream come true to enjoy Marataba Safari Lodge with my brother and high-energy 4-year-old niece. Based on this experience, and observing others, I would say 4 years old is the youngest I would be comfortable taking kids on safari. She was curious and engaging with her surroundings, asking questions and listening when given important instructions. She was comfortable being with us on the 3-hour game drives (we had a private vehicle, so we could be flexible) and also happy to spend time with childminders at the kids’ club. She is also still talking about the trip, months after.
We visited in May 2026; the weather was perfect, with cool mornings that warmed up to t-shirt weather as soon as the sun came up. Read on for a full review of our stay, and please do reach out if you’re planning a family safari and would like independent advice.
Introduction
For families dreaming up a family safari in South Africa, Marataba Safari Lodge is a stylish lodge with fifteen luxuriously appointed tented and stone suites, and a prime location on a private reserve in the malaria-free Marakele National Park. A wonderful team that genuinely cares for your whole family, and leaves you feeling part of theirs. Kind, joyful, and warm, the staff are always one step ahead, intuitively reading when a child needs to eat, play, or nap; when a parent needs to rest or be spoilt; and when a family needs space or an impromptu surprise to spark joy. The people are matched by wide landscapes, wildlife that still feels wild, an epic eco-garden kids' club, exquisite food, and a balance of comfort and elegant style. Everything came together perfectly to create a safe and stunning environment for our family to be present, pampered, and in awe of South Africa’s wilderness areas away from crowds.
Quick verdict on Marataba Safari Lodge
If you are looking for a peaceful corner of African wilderness to connect and enjoy being on safari with your family, friends, and loved ones, Marataba is it. From before sunrise to well past sunset, days at Marataba flowed with ease. I travelled with my brother and 4-year-old niece; all of us were spoilt in our own ways. Waking up at Marataba was like being in a dream, captured in this short video. Days were spent tracking wildlife, exploring the beautiful reserve, and enjoying the lodge's luxuries and staff. Evenings were spent reliving the days over campfire drinks, lantern-lit boma dinners, and fine-dining under the stars. Time seemed to slow down at Marataba; two nights felt like four, the staff took care of everything, and all we had to do was enjoy and relax.
Who is Marataba Safari Lodge for (not for)
Marataba Safari Lodge works best for families, especially anyone travelling with young children. The staff and setup are fantastic for active and curious preschoolers and middle childhood (4 to 12 years). Other guests included South Africans coming for the weekend and international guests combining a few days’ safari with Cape Town. There were couples, groups or families (kids of all ages), and foodie travellers. If you’re looking for a rustic bushcamp experience with bucket showers, it’s not that. For a luxury lodge in South Africa, it is more authentic and ‘in the bush’ than many. With a healthy mindset, it would be hard not to enjoy Marataba Safari Lodge, and if your mind is not settled, after a few days here, it will be. Couples looking for privacy and seclusion — away from kids — can consider the nearby solar-powered Marataba Mountain Lodge. And, large families or groups (up to 10 people) may prefer to book the Marataba Villa on exclusive use.
Marataba Safari Lodge, main areas
Getting to Marataba Safari Lodge
We self-drove from Johannesburg as we were visiting other lodges in the area; the drive direct from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport is around 4 hours. If you are only visiting Marataba Safari Lodge, I would recommend booking a private road transfer and handing that drive to someone else so you can arrive fresh. It is also possible to fly to Thabazimbi Airstrip (approx 1 hour drive away), or take a heli transfer to the lodge.
Why we chose Marataba Safari Lodge (and the Waterberg region)
Our decision to stay at Marataba Safari Lodge was a culmination of months, years even, of research. A choice based on long-standing relationships, shared values and ultimately, trust. For my niece, Amelia, aged just 4, it was important to find a place that proactively welcomes kids and offers fun, safe ways for her to engage with South Africa’s wilderness. Having worked with the More Collection – the family brand that operates Marataba Safari Lodge – for many years, I consider it the best family safari operator in South Africa. With 25 years of industry experience, they continually improve and refine their offering. Family and people are at the heart of what they do, and you can feel it. I also know that they have exceptional style; having stayed at their other lodges (Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Cape Cadogan), I was excited to be spoiled once again by their signature level of comfort, excellent guiding, the seamless guest experience, and the exquisite food (and fine wines) that seems to effortlessly end up on your plate, even in the middle of the bush.
Marataba’s location within the private reserve was also important; we wanted our safari experience to be private, with quiet drives away from crowds and other vehicles. We wanted to track the wildlife and enjoy beautiful scenery whilst doing so. I’d fallen in love with the view of the mountains, which became an ethereal focus point from our tent, the main lodge areas, and whilst on drives in the reserve. Two other key factors that made Marataba our first choice for this safari with a four-year-old are that the Waterberg region is malaria-free and easily accessible from Johannesburg, a 4-hour drive.
One of the biggest factors for this trip was their kids' offering. On arrival, we were met by our team, which included Dorcas, a dedicated childminder; she whisked Amelia and me into the Kids Club, aka Ecogarden. This vast area, the size of a football pitch, is enclosed and close enough to the main lodge areas that the kids feel safe and parents know they're nearby. Open daily from 11 am – 14:30 pm, there were two full-time staff during our stay (and only Amelia was there). A glass-sided indoor play room had tables to create and walls stacked high with books, paints, pencils, and other craft materials, as well as toys, giant beanbags, and a large movie screen.
Outside, there’s a giant-sized trampoline, a jungle gym, and a huge lawn for games. In addition to the Ecogarden, every day kid-centric safari activities were offered, including spoor casting, which involved Amelia going on a short drive with our guide to find lion tracks and pouring flexible mold into the paw prints in the sand. She was over the moon with this take-home for show-and-tell at school. Kids can choose to eat at the kids club or with their parents. Amelia chose to eat her lunch there, which meant my brother and I enjoyed a quiet adult lunch on the lawn nearby.
First impressions at Marataba Safari Lodge
We were welcomed on arrival by five staff members, who turned out to be our dedicated crew. A guide, a host, a child carer, and others who ensured that we had everything we needed for our stay. After a warm welcome, a refreshing citronella hand towel, a light fruit-infused drink, and seamless iPad check-in, we were unpacked and enjoying lunch on the lawn with a chilled glass of wine half an hour later. For Amelia, it was undoubtedly the kids club and seeing the impalas, in her eyes “reindeers”, roaming freely on the lawn.
Room options at Marataba Safari Lodge
Fifteen luxury tents in total. We stayed in one of the four family tents, a two-bedroom unit. No room keys, no screens in rooms. The spacious tented suites are slightly elevated with wooden decks and stone walls at the rear. Our tent (12) tucked away in the thick bushes overlooked the river and mountains. I loved the combination of natural woods, canvas, and stone. There was a King-Size bed in the main tent, with double sinks, a dressing/hanging area, and an extensive mini-bar behind (which we barely touched; we were so well-fed). The open-plan bathroom with an ensuite bathtub (viewing the bush) and shower can be separated from the bedroom with a canvas divider that rolls down. With a WC separate. Everything a traveller needs was provided: international plug sockets, laundry service, energy boost vitamins, bathrobes and full-size natural bath products (baobab shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath salts, and lotion). Outside on the deck, an open-air shower looking towards the mountains, and open to the stars at night.
A connecting door inside the main tent led to a kids' bunk room with its own shower, toilet, and low sink (so kids can brush their teeth). I slept in one of the bunk beds, full-size and very comfortable. The flow of the room worked well even with three people in it. For kids, there was a full range of kid-friendly, natural bathroom products for Amelia’s pampering. There were also kids’ slippers, a mini bathrobe, toys, books, and a giant cuddly giraffe that got picked up immediately.
The deck at the front of the tent had space for chairs, and after asking for yoga mats, I had a blissful yoga session there with a gentle breeze, the sounds of nature, and the tent's canvas flapping. The deck was also a nice place for a morning shower or stargazing after dinner. One evening, after a soak in the egg-shaped bath, I looked up to see the Southern Cross; coming from the northern hemisphere, it was a reassuring repositioning.
Kid and adult in-room joys
Food and drink at Marataba Safari Lodge
Food and drinks are a huge part of the Marataba experience. The day started with coffee and muffins, before the game drive. A game drive stop was another opportunity to spoil us with tea, coffee, scones and cookies.
Coming back to the lodge for breakfast, where an extensive menu included several options: juice of the day, kombucha, eggs benedict, porridge, pancakes, to order fresh. I loved their breakfast classics with a twist, such as French toast, maple syrup, brie and bacon. Breakfast was also a time to debrief on the morning drive, peruse the spa menu, listen to the birds and chat to other guests and staff.
Lunch was a daily (impressive) menu; there was always a healthy option (gazpacho, salads, sorbets) in case you’d indulged too much, or were saving yourself for high tea. I had pan-fried sea bass for lunch one day, served with charred corn and colourful dressings; the chef's creativity was high on the list of talents. Dessert was cheesecake ice cream or a fresh berry millefeuille, served with delicious South African wines or one of their Signature cocktails.
Afternoon tea was elegantly displayed on the lawn: savoury canapés (vol-au-vents, Asian rolls) and sweet treats (fresh fruit, doughnuts, a glossy red velvet cake), served with juices and tea/coffee.
Their Kids Menu was equally impressive, with four or five options for each meal, and everything that Amelia loved. All the while knowing that if she wanted something else, it would be available, no worries.
Sundowners and snacks during the safari activities.
Dinners were an impressive display of the chef and his team’s talents. My brother, a steak lover, had a delicious steak one evening, served with a red wine jus (the chef kindly shared his recipe). The BBQ/braai spread was especially impressive; I loved sampling traditional South African recipes, including boerewors (beef sausages), oxtail potjie (a rich slow-cooked stew), and charred vegetables with a spoonful of pap (a ground maize dish).
What we loved at Marataba Safari Lodge
Being part of nature for a few days, and seeing wildlife moving at its own rhythm in its natural habitat. No screens, no global news. Just space to connect with family, staff and the other guests. I loved the open landscapes, watching the clouds change and move across the vast African skies and the Waterberg plateau, the world's fourth-oldest mountain range. Waking up to the sunrise and the sound of impalas grazing outside the tent. Having time to relax by the pool, which was heated in Winter.
I loved the privacy of our tent, our home in the bush, with space to roll out a yoga mat on the deck. The stylish and open main areas of the lodge, centred around the camelthorn tree and a grass lawn that disappears into the bushveld with the mountains beyond. Impalas grazed throughout the day and came into the sleep safely away from predators at night.
The attention and care of the staff who made every moment matter. Decorating the deadwood tree with lanterns for our boma dinner under the stars. One evening we dined with our guide and heard his fascinating story. The staff singing Marataba — 'mara' means plains, 'taba' means mountains — was also a moving moment.
The ways the staff found to engage Amelia both in the kids club and on drives. Our guide inviting her to sit in the front next to him, and then on his lap to drive whilst in the bush (on safe sections of the road). Teaching her to use binoculars, how to differentiate the animal dung: rhino poo (big + black) and elephant poo (big + light brown), and so many stories about the smaller safari details (a favourite: the termite mound queen).
I loved being disconnected from the stresses of everyday life and connected to all senses. The changing colours, the sound of impalas sniffing by our tent, and the smell of grass after a rhino has walked through it. Pre-dinner and drive chats within our family, with our guide and other guests; everyone enamoured with their environment.
What could be better
I honestly couldn’t think of anything. Our guide asked us for feedback throughout our stay and told us they have a morning meeting every day to discuss it and resolve issues quickly. So the little things we fed back (a drink served with too much ice) were rectified overnight.
Is Marataba Safari Lodge worth it?
It is one of the pricier lodges in South Africa, but well worth working hard to save up for. For people with busy schedules and short on time, Marataba ensures families can make the most of their holiday with loved ones. For families looking for a safari lodge that is kid-centric and understands what parents and kids need and value, this is it. We left feeling reconnected and thoroughly spoiled.
Wildlife and nature drives at Marataba Safari Lodge
Marataba Safari Lodge is on the Marataba Reserve, a 21,000-hectare (52,000-acre), privately managed section of the Marakele National Park; it is one of South Africa's most innovative conservation models. As the Marataba reserve borders the Marakele National Park, wildlife moves freely between the two. Whilst it's harder to find animals than in places like Sabi Sands, I personally prefer seeing wildlife that is still wild, where you have to track the animals. It keeps you, and your guide, curious and connected to the bush.
There are currently seven vehicles, which makes for a very private and exclusive safari experience, and no crowding at sightings. The guides stick to the sandy roads and will only go off-road a little for very good sightings, and not often. They prefer to keep to one vehicle per sighting, with guides communicating with other guides and their guests to share sightings. The overall feel is one of respect, sensitivity and attunement to the environment. There is no need to crowd an animal or stress them out by getting too close. Binoculars are there to get a closer look.
That said, we had animal-rich safari drives on our first afternoon drive; we saw a pride of lions (they were sleeping after feasting on a zebra), two leopards hunting, elephants, rhino, lots of impala, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, and giraffes with their babies, almost the Big Five for our under-five-year-old. I was amazed at how relaxed Amelia was in the vehicle, especially with the lions so close; her usual chattiness stopped, and she was completely awestruck by the moment.
In addition to the wildlife, I loved the scenery of the reserve, especially the mountain backdrop, whose rocks and ridges shifted through a kaleidoscope of pinks, reds and oranges throughout the day. I also loved the diversity of terrain and wildlife because Marataba Safari Lodge is midway between the Bushveld and the Kalahari Desert. This is seen in red sand in places, the red light at sunset, and the variety of species; for example, they have brown hyena, usually found in desert habitats, and spotted hyena, which prefers bushveld.
Mornings in May started with a 6 am wake-up call, meeting in the main area for coffee, warm muffins, and rusks. Chatting with other guests before jumping on our Land Cruiser. Bundled under blankets, eyes watery in the cold morning air, we set off in the open vehicle. Noting the overnight news - seen and smelt in the dung and destruction of trees along the road, telltale signs of who was passing near the lodge: elephants eat 300 kg per day. A dam stop for coffee and biscuits, and a dash of Amarula, echoed by the hippos splashing nearby. It was a beautiful spot for taking in the Waterberg Mountain panorama, the dead trees providing perfect compositional frames/focus for the camera. Our drive continued to a leopard hiding up a tree with its impala kill, so well camouflaged it was only noticed once zoomed in with binos.
On an afternoon drive, just as the sun was setting, we followed a cheetah on the move. Stopping to watch an elephant crack a tree in half, just to eat the grass next to the trunk. As we came back to the camp, we spotted a civet cat with the red filter on torch for nocturnal drives. On our final morning drive, we saw my favourite bird, an African fish eagle, and a herd of buffalo, completing the “Big Five under five years”.
Additional offerings at Marataba Safari Lodge
One particular highlight for us was a surprise boat trip on Miss Mara; slowly pootling on the dam, we were in prime position to see the hippos emerging from the reeds, yawning. Keeping an eye open for leopards who love the tree-lined banks of the dam, as do the birds perched on overhanging branches. Here’s a short video https://www.instagram.com/p/DYy7qymIrYG/ of our “coffee stop” cruise. Complete with fresh coffee, Amarula, cookies, scones and jam. This was where we captured a family photo, with the majestic mountain backdrop.
Wellness Treatments are offered in the tents. Their spa menu includes a Signature TriScented Massage, 70 min, R1700. Circular massage symbolising the connection to nature and the circle of life. Warm hands melt the shea butter into the skin. Also noted: an African Wood Massage, deep tissue, 90 min, R2100; a CBD massage using a CBD-infused balm and an aloe + rooibos wrap that calms skin irritation. For Kids (12yrs+): they offer facial, massages, African Princess 45 min / R700, manicure/pedicure. They use TheraNaka/Theravina products.
Visit the Camera lab, where high-tech cameras are available for rental. Guests can speak to Rivoni there. Also make use of the photo printing facility, rolls up into a cardboard sleeve, ready to go.
Sleep out in the treehouse. We didn’t experience it, but it looks magical. A sleep-out for adventurous types, and romance.
Curio and gift shop. A small shop is stocked with small gift items (key rings, socks, T-shirts), notebooks, handbags, hats, jackets, and Africa-focused books.
Conclusion
We were deeply touched by the spirit of Marataba. The care, kindness, support and thoughtfulness were profound; a sense that the staff had welcomed us into their family. My brother summed up the feeling: “Even though we only stayed for 2 nights, it felt like we were there much longer.” The staff take care of everything so that you can make the most of your time. That time was special; we forgot politics, fuel crises, and never-ending to-do lists, and Marataba Safari Lodge provided space to connect with family over a love of the natural world.
I will always remember it as the place that nurtured my 4-year-old niece’s love and understanding of Africa’s wild animals and spaces. Experiencing it through her eyes and rekindling my love for the bush alongside my brother, whilst feeling safe, spoilt and relaxed, was the ultimate family safari!
It was a tearful goodbye, in part because I was suddenly overwhelmed by how much had aligned for those two days to happen, and how hard we had worked to make it happen. I was reminded of the power of working out what you want, asking for/ going for it, and consistently working hard for it. I was ready to go back to work, with incredible family-bonding memories in the bank, and motivated to start saving up for the next family adventure.
Thank you to the More Collection and the fantastic team at Marataba for your care, support, and trust.
