Click here to download the Marataba e-Brochure
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Marataba is an all-year-round safari destination where the variation in experience is temperature-related rather than safari-related (there are no migratory species). The best bird-watching period is from October to April.
Tipping/ Gratuities are entirely voluntary. We have however provided an outline of a recommended tipping policy for the convenience of those guests seeking guidance:
GRATUITY GUIDELINES
ZAR 500.00 per room per day
(ZAR 200.00 guide, ZAR 200.00 general staff; ZAR 100.00 butler)
MALARIA
Marataba is situated in a region of South Africa which the malaria carrying mosquito (Anopheles) does not inhabit, and the reserve and region is therefore classed as a malaria-free region.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI VISIT:
- Medication as required
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen (even in winter)
- Study walking shoes as well as light sandals (ideal for summer September – April)
- Comfortable, light colored clothing
- Swimwear if desired
- Contact lens solution, glasses if applicable
- Scarves, headgear and warm jacket for winter (May – August)
- Camera, video camera, spare batteries/charger cable
- Book or e-reader
- Binoculars if desired
- Light sweater for evenings in summer or midday in winter
- Relaxed, comfortable clothing to wear around the lodge
WEATHER
The climate is typified by hot wet summers (September to April) and cool dry winters (May to August). Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) but can get very hot during heat waves in mid- summer and extremely cold at night in mid-winter.
The region is classed as a semi-arid region, rainfall amounts to about 500 mm (19.5 inches) per year, with most of this falling in short, sharp thunderstorms in the late afternoons or at night, between November and March. Mean average temperatures – Summer: 25°C (77°F) to 40°C (104°F); Winter: 3°C (38°F) to 23°C (73°F).
ACCESS
Marataba Safari Lodge is an easy 4 hour drive from Johannesburg.
MORE reservations may also take care of transfers on your behalf in an air conditioned vehicle between Johannesburg and Marataba, as well as between Madikwe Safari Lodge and Marataba. There is a private airstrip available to guests staying at Marataba for private charter flights. MORE reservations may also book these flights on your behalf, and would be happy to furnish you with a comprehensive quotation.
Transfers between the airstrip and the Lodge are approximately 25 minutes.
ACTIVITIES
Morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles, bush walks, bird watching, astronomy (night sky safaris), bush breakfasts and dinners, boma dinners and children’s activities.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING GPS CO-ORDINATES FOR MARATABA Please DO NOT follow your GPS to Marataba. Many of the prescribed roads are not navigable in a normal vehicle. Following GPS co-ordinates can result in getting lost in the middle of the bush, or un-necessary delays of up to 4 hours.
Click here to download Marataba’s comprehensive travel directions