Set within the dramatic sandstone folds of the Waterberg, Marataba Game Lodges—part of the MORE Collection—offer a compelling case study in conservation-led hospitality. Located within a privately managed concession of Marakele National Park, this 23,000-hectare partnership model has become one of South Africa’s most successful examples of ecological restoration driven by tourism.
A Wilderness Restored
Two decades ago, this corner of the Waterberg was ecologically fragile. Today, through a long-term collaboration between Marataba Game Lodges, conservation specialists, and South African National Parks, the landscape has been revived into a thriving mosaic of mountain slopes, bushveld, and riparian forest. The area is unfenced from the greater Marakele ecosystem, allowing elephants, lions, rhinos, and other species to re-establish ancient migratory patterns—an important selling point for travellers seeking authentic, free-roaming wildlife encounters.
Low-Impact Luxury Across Two Lodges
Marataba Game Lodges operate two distinct properties tailored to different client profiles:
- Marataba Safari Lodge – A classic luxury safari experience with canvas-and-stone suites positioned below rose-coloured cliffs. Ideal for couples, families, and first-time safari travellers seeking comfort and immersive game viewing.
- Marataba Mountain Lodge – A boutique, adults-orientated retreat with just five eco-suites. Elevated platforms, solar-powered systems, and a minimalist aesthetic appeal to privacy seekers, honeymooners, and sustainability-focused travellers.
Across both lodges, architecture intentionally blends with the landscape, reinforcing the brand’s “luxury that listens to the land” ethos.
Signature Experiences
Marataba’s guest offering centres on depth rather than density—low vehicle numbers, flexible scheduling, and guiding that emphasises interpretation over checklists.
Game Drives & Expert Guiding
Morning and afternoon drives reveal a high diversity of wildlife, including a major breeding colony of Cape vultures, one of the largest in the world. Guides are recruited and trained locally, bringing cultural and ecological fluency to the guest experience.
Guided Bush Walks
Walking safaris provide an alternative, sensory-rich perspective suited to experienced travellers and repeat visitors. These interpretive walks focus on tracking, botany, and ecological relationships.
Miss Mara Riverboat Safaris
Available only at Marataba, the Miss Mara boat experience offers a unique differentiator for agents selling the region. Quiet river cruising gives guests access to hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife along the Matlabas River.
Thabametsi Treehouse
A fully serviced, open-air sleep-out platform designed for private stargazing and overnight stays. This “wow” experience is a high conversion upsell for both lodges and a signature product for the MORE Collection.
Culinary Offering
Under Chef Thabo—including a dedicated kosher kitchen—Marataba offers a superb contemporary South African dining programme. Meals range from open-fire breakfasts to multi-course dinners under the stars, reinforcing the property’s focus on elevated but unpretentious hospitality.
Conservation as Core Business
The Marataba Conservation Project provides a hands-on, operational model where tourism revenue directly funds wildlife management, anti-poaching units, vegetation restoration, and ecological monitoring. Guests can participate in conservation activities, which appeal strongly to purpose-driven travellers and conservation-minded segments.
For the trade, this positions Marataba as a product that aligns with global demand for sustainable, experience-led travel—particularly among US, UK, European, and Australian markets.
Seasonality & Best-Sell Periods
- May–August (Dry Season): Premier wildlife viewing, crisp weather, high visibility—ideal for traditional safari markets.
- November–March (Green Season): Lush landscapes, dramatic thunderstorms, excellent birding, and strong value for families and longer stays.
Who to Sell It To
- High-end FITs seeking exclusivity within a national park setting
- Honeymooners and couples drawn to remote, design-forward properties
- Families (Safari Lodge) looking for soft adventure and diverse activities
- Conservation-focused travellers, including return safari clients
- Agents needing a product that balances wilderness authenticity with polished service
The Takeaway for Travel Professionals
Marataba Game Lodges offer a rare combination in the South African safari market:
a wild, unfenced national-park environment paired with commercially reliable luxury hospitality and a deeply credible conservation mandate.
For travellers, it is a place where the landscape—not the lodge—sets the rhythm. For the trade, it is a product with strong storytelling, high guest satisfaction, and a clear point of differentiation in a competitive safari ecosystem.