What a delightful surprise! If you’re looking for a remote bush retreat, the Waterberg’s Marataba Mountain Lodge is about as discreet and peaceful as it gets. Tucked into the hillside at the end of the Waterfall Valley in Marataba’s Big Five game reserve. It’s a contemporary Scandinavian-style lodge built in wood with fireplaces in each of its five sophisticated yet simple Eco Suites – perfect for wintry nights! Each of its design elements take their cue from nature, so expect stripped-back wood furnishings, stone colour palettes, gorgeously soft throws. Everything you need to cocoon is here and there’s NO tv (right up our alley at Perfect Hideaways), and you only need mention that you feel like an massage and you can indulge in an in-room or deck massage, enjoying the views as you zone out and relax.

We love its eco credentials too: it’s solar powered and has the lightest footprint. The views of the Waterberg escarpment are spectacular from each suite and the pool. Time literally stands still here and the rhythms of nature take over. If you’ve done many a game drive before, then you’ll love the opportunity to grab those walking sticks and head out on a walking safari and immerse yourself in the beauty of this diverse reserve with its abundance of water running through it.

What we love!

• Its location – you can literally step off the world for a few days and cocoon
• The expansive valley and mountain views from your bed
• That the Mountain Lodge is so small you can book it out exclusively – an amazing option for milestone celebrations!

What you need to know…

• The Mountain Lodge takes children over the age of 16, so if you’re combining this with a Marataba Thabametsi Treehouse sleep out, we would book you into the Marataba Safari Lodge instead. This is a bucket list experience we highly recommend! Mail us for details and we’ll fill you in

Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon