At Marataba, life is very black and white. Not in the usual sense, but because of the sheer numbers of rhinos resident there – both black and white. If you want to see these endangered, unusual animals living harmoniously, hop on a game drive from Marataba Safari Lodge and keep your camera close.

Set in the Waterberg, one of the most ancient mountain ranges in the world, Safari Lodge lies in a unique landscape of dramatic mountains and sweeping plains. Marataba is aptly named and means ‘where the plains meet the mountains’, which is the exact view from Safari Lodge. 

Not just the view, but the lodge is grand on so many levels. Built from surrounding rock and wood, the lodge enhances the natural environment where it stands and speaks clearly of the strong conservation ethos practised across the Marataba properties. They are privately owned and managed within Marakele National Park in Limpopo, with the magnificent Matlabas River running through it.

Absolutely suited to singletons, couples and families, Safari Lodge carefully allocates suites to ensure complete privacy and enjoyment for all guests. Since the owner, Robert More, has young children, kids are especially well catered for at Safari Lodge with special outings and offerings for even the tiny tots to enjoy. Of the 15 luxury tented suites – all exquisitely appointed in pared down, contemporary African décor – 4 are specifically designed for the comfort of families. 

There’s extraordinary space, peace and tranquility here, with a mere handful of guests in a vast 21 000 hectares of bushveld. And in this space there’s as much or as little as you’d like to do, with game drives and game-viewing cruises on the river. Maybe consider a guided bush walk after breakfast or a half-day hike around mountains to rock art and waterfalls – or simply relax and enjoy an in-suite spa treatment in this special place of sanctuary for both humans and wildlife. 

Of course, the Big Five live happily here at Marataba, but they are not the main focus. Also look out for rare pangolin and enjoy the prolific birdlife – and the views that completely enfold you. Not forgetting all those rhinos, who will always be the black and white stars of the show.

 What we love:

• a romantic and luxurious night out in the magical Thabametsi treehouse
• game viewing from water level aboard Ms Mara
• that kids are so welcome and are specially catered for with the tailored Mack and Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club experience
• highly personalised and unpretentious service, yet you also feel part of the family
• always dining in a different and enchanting setting
• African artefacts used in unusual ways for décor, like wooden grain stompers as bedside tables and spears as towel drying ladders
• the root-based coffee table in the living room
• natural materials like leather and cowhide used throughout

Need to know:

• game drives are for kids from 6 years old
• there is no minimum age for child guests
• the drive is 3.5 hours from Joburg
• there are fly-in options from Lanseria in a Cessna