Overview

It is 5am and the dew is still on the leaves of the towering yellowwood trees. You have had your morning coffee and are setting off on your first walking trail of the day through the unspoilt Marataba Reserve near Thabazimbi in South Africa. If you are following the river course, you can expect to bump into some lazy hippos and game coming down to drink.

Or perhaps you have chosen a gorge trail in the Waterberg Mountains, where a refreshing swim under a natural waterfall awaits. History buffs may be excited about seeing Iron Age ruins and cave paintings that date back to the Stone Age.

Spend the cool mornings and evenings hiking, and the rest of your time unwinding in your glass-and-wooden suite that is on stilts to ensure uninterrupted views over the reserve, which has diverse landscapes that range from savannah and riverine forest to mountains and gorges.

An easy 4-hour drive or short chartered flight from Johannesburg, Marataba will take you back to a time when we rose naturally at dawn, climbed gorges and summited peaks, were awed by untamed wildlife and spent our evenings gazing at the stars and telling stories of the day…

Highlights

• Only 5 en suite tents, all with fireplaces
• Malaria-free reserve in Waterberg biospheres
• Spectacular flora & diverse scenery
• Passionate, professional guides
• Helipad & airfield for chartered flights

Facilities

Marataba Walking Trail Lodge is situated in some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer: the peaks and valleys are studded with waterfalls, prehistoric cycads and tree ferns, all of which is home to not only antelope and birds but also rhino and the big cats. With all these natural beauty, there is no need for man-made distractions and all electricity is supplied by solar power.

General Facilities

• Bar
• Beauty or wellness therapist
• Wi-fi available
• Solar power

Dining

Kick off your morning with hot coffee and a biscuit or two before having a tasty breakfast of muesli and yoghurt. Fill your backpack with healthy snacks like wraps, nuts and fruit to enjoy on the trail.

If you undertake a full-day hike you will enjoy a picnic lunch in the open, while half-day hikers can tuck into brunch once they return. Afternoon tea fuels you for a late trail, while ‘interactive’ communal dinners often feature dishes cooked right on an open fire, like stews make in a traditional 3-legged pot accompanied by delicious salad.

The chefs use fresh, organic ingredients and are happy to showcase the special techniques required for successful ‘bush cooking’.

Rooms

There are only five suites at Marataba Walking Trails Lodge, each with king-sized or twin beds, a private viewing deck, fireplace and en suite bathroom that has a ‘rain dance’ shower and its own mini viewing deck.

All rooms have fans and safes, and are a spacious 40sqm / 430sqft each.

Room Amenities

Eco Suite AMENITIES

• En-suite shower only
• Fan
• Outdoor area
• Safe in room
• Twin bed available

Activities

• Guided walks
• Hiking