We opted to drive from the airport, with the feeling of wilderness becoming ever more evident the closer you get to the lodge. Animals such as warthog and springbok are visible as you drive along the final dirt road to the gate. A relaxation area is available at the gate, where you have a chance to cool off with a drink and complete the registration form, before continuing the last 20 minute drive within the concession.
On arrival you are welcomed by the staff and shown to your tented suite. Try and arrive lunchtime, so you can experience a game drive that day, unfortunately we were a little late, but I was not complaining as it was a chance to chill out on our own bush deck, taking in the beautiful Waterberg Mountain range.
During the early evening, we joined other guests as they arrived from their experience for drinks around a fire, listening to what they had seen. Marataba operates in the heart of the Bushveld, offering a chance to see the big 5 and most of the large mammals synonymous with the African Bush including, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah and buffalo. Warthog can often be seen within the camp grounds, regularly mowing the grass by the pool, but don’t worry, they are quite safe and run away as soon as you approach them.
Talking of warthog, this appeared on the menu for dinner that evening and after initially turning my nose up, to something I had never experienced before, I was pleasantly surprised. It was like a fillet steak but with a little more organic flavour, very appetising indeed and cooked to perfection.
As you would expect from a top 5 star game lodge, all your drives, meals and soft drinks are included in your rate and the meals really are something to look forward to. Always amazes me to experience fine dining in the middle of the bush, something you never forget.
The morning game drive times will differ, depending on the time of year that you go, but for us in early spring, it was very cool so make sure you are fully prepared. Our morning drive gave us the opportunity of seeing plenty of Zebra, rhino and one of my favourites, giraffe.
After a tasty lunch, facing the Waterberg mountain range, you have the chance of relaxing in the sun, swimming in the pool and reading a book from the selection in the library, before your next drive.
During the afternoon drive the guide heard a roar and said it’s a leopard. So we strategically made our way over to where the noise came from and then it was up to him to find the leopard, as the roar had stopped. I was a little nervous when he got out the vehicle to inspect footprints, I had visions of me prizing open the jaws of the leopard from the guide, fortunately the hunt continued in the safety of the vehicle, as we continued, so no heroism was required. Suddenly the leopard appeared, marking his territory as though we were thin air and not seen, amazing. We followed the leopard slowly for a good 20 minutes as he marked many trees before disappearing in the thick bush. Quite an experience, certainly one to brag about over dinner.
Even though guests just sit in the safari vehicle and do little else, it’s amazing how tired you feel. If I mentioned what they do in your suite to help you unwind, that would spoil it, so you’ll just have to find out for yourself.
My recommendation is at least two nights at Marataba, 3 if you can afford the time. Our 2 nights just didn’t seem enough and I was ready for more.
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