Contact Numbers
Marataba Safari Lodge: +27 (0)14 779 0018
Marataba Mountain Lodge: +27 (0)14 779 0018
Download activities fact sheet
Reserve Gate Times
The gate into Marataba Game Reserve opens at 07h00 and closes at 17h00.
Please let us know if you will be arriving outside of these hours so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your entrance.
Lodge Check-In and Checkout Times
Check-in is at 14h00 and checkout is at 11h00, daily. Should you require a later checkout, please contact the Guest Relations team at your lodge and they will do their best to accommodate you.
Malaria
Safaris are often associated with a risk of contracting malaria, but you needn’t worry about that here. Marataba is situated in a region of South Africa that is not inhabited by the Anopheles mosquito, responsible for transmitting this parasite. Our concession is therefore classified malaria-free.
Weather
Average maximum temperatures range from 21°C/70°F in July to 35°C/95°F in January, with the lowest average minimum occurring in July at 3°C/38°F. The region is semi-arid, with an average annual rainfall of 500mm (20in), most of which occurs during the summer months (December to February). Rain is usually in the form of thundershowers, where a downpour is experienced – very seldom lasting longer than a few hours.
What to Pack for Safari
For all safaris, we suggest wearing neutral-coloured, natural-fibre clothing. Any dark or brightly-coloured item – which will absorb heat, attract bugs and announce your presence to the animals – is best left at home. Around the lodge, casual and comfortable is the order of the day, and there’s no need to dress up at night, unless you’d like to.
- Sturdy walking shoes for safaris, and sandals/flip flops to wear back at the lodge
- Scarf, gloves, pullover, and windbreaker (evenings, even in summer, can get chilly)
- Swimwear, if desired
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm (even in winter)
- Insect repellent (also provided by the lodges)
- Camera, video camera, spare memory cards, and charging equipment
- Binoculars, if desired (your field guide also carries a spare set)
- Book or e-reader
- Waterproof bag for personal items
Daily Programme
An idea of what awaits…
That being said, you are not restricted to a schedule. Your time is your own to plan exactly as you like, or to take up opportunities as they arise in the moment.
| Summer (September to April) |
Programme | Winter (May to August |
| 05h30 | Wake-up call | 06h30 |
| 06h00 | Tea/coffee and snacks are served | 07h00 |
| 06h15 | Depart on game drive/Marataba Trail | 07h15 |
| 09h30 | Return; breakfast/brunch is served | 10h30 |
| At leisure | Bush walk, or other activities of personal preference | At leisure |
| 13h00 | Lunch is served | 13h00 |
| 15h30 | Afternoon tea is served | 14h30 |
| 16h00 | Depart on game drive/Miss Mara water safari | 15h00 |
| 18h30 | Return from afternoon activity | 17h30 |
| 19h00 | Dinner is served | 19h00 |
Please note: this programme is dependent on prevailing weather conditions, and may be adjusted for your safety and convenience.
Laundry
You can’t come on safari and not get a bit dusty, so we offer a laundry service at each lodge. It must be remembered that as these are ‘bush’ laundries, it is not advisable to send delicate items that require special care.
A laundry bag and list are provided in each suite. We ask that you leave your completed list and filled bag on the bed prior to leaving on the early-morning game drive – this will enable us to return your items by the afternoon.
Please note: this service incurs an additional cost, which will be added to your final account, payable on checkout, for your convenience.
Gratuity Recommendation
Tipping is at your discretion. Should you choose to leave a gratuity for the lodge staff, you can have this added to your final account. As a guideline, we suggest ZAR500 per suite per day – this will be shared* between your field guide team and hospitality staff.
*Specific allocations clarified on request
We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the projects we support in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families. Please click here to see what supplies are needed for our project/projects.
