Lodge of the Week - Marataba Safari Company

Exquisite!

Set amongst thick acacia bushveld overlooking a waterhole, with a stream running through camp is the Marataba Safari Company’s exquisite luxury tented camp. The main lodge boasts a brilliant architectural design bringing together 5 Star decadence and rustic historical charm. Fifteen tented suites look on to an awe inspiring Waterberg cliff face, glowing red during the daylight hours. Each suite has ample space, a simple yet elegant layout and offers the guest perfect seclusion and privacy - the lodge is a romantic utopia. The dining is a delightful experience where meals are alternated between a formal style (where an a la carte menu is offered) and informal where platters and buffets are provided. The staff are thoroughly efficient, friendly and go out of their way to provide you with superb service.

Marataba is situated in a 23,000 hectare private conservancy within the Marakele National Park. The Marakele National Park is one of the newest National Parks in South Africa and will no doubt become a popular name on the African safari map in time. Spectacular geological formations and a diverse range of habitats provide the foundation for an awesome nature experience as the concession supports a brilliant diversity of wildlife. Game drives are tailored to explore this vast conservancy and this is a completely exclusive nature experience. You are unlikely to see another vehicle, unless there is a special sighting of one of the park’s elusive creatures. Although the density of some species of larger game is not as high as it is in some of Africa’s more famous safari regions, it is the unusual sightings that make Marataba special. Nonetheless, quality sightings of elephant, lion, rhino (both black and white) and leopard are prevalent. The guides are young and passionate and generally rotate between each game drive meaning that you get to enjoy your safari experiences with different guides, each with their specific passions and style. The safari experience shares its focus between the smaller animals (which are prolific here) and the larger cohabitants on the reserve. This is a welcome change to the common safari mindset of looking at only the bigger game.

Exclusive, secluded and intimate - this is a place where the soothing tranquillity of nature can relax even the most stressed city dweller. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners and small groups looking for a private and exclusive wilderness experience.

RATINGS BREAKDOWN
Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.6
Safari Experience	6.9
Service	8.7
Facilities	5.1
Unique Rating	7.4
Conservation	7.3
Social involvement	3.6
OVERALL RATING:	8.2

Read more about wildlife and safaris on The Game Lodge Index

Fun Facts about Impalas

Andrew Bachelor

Sometimes, Impala's are seen around every corner while on game drive. Many rangers tell of guests who enthusiastically photograph Impala's on their first drive, only to ignore them by the fourth or fifth drive as they are so abundant. 
Impala's are very graceful and here are a few interesting facts about them.


Impalas graze and browse, thereby maximising the availability of food

More reliant on vocal communication than most other antelope, the impala is capable of guttural grunts and roars that are easy to hear from a kilometre away.  

Jaime Naylor

For safety they move in herds as large as the available food will allow. They scatter in all directions if a predator should charge, leaping in strides of up to 12 meters.
Considered the "fast food" of the bush, especially with the black "M" (as in MacDonalds) on their rump.

PMdT Photography

Female Impala's do not have horns, only the males have horns. 
To attract a mate, the male impala's neck swells and a strong secretion covers head and neck. Both sexes have scent glands located above their rear hooves, marked by black tufts.

PMdT Photography

The impala is the only hoofed animal that allogrooms - mutual grooming from one animal to another - as well as grooming itself.

Richard Millar

Although its physical proportions are suggestive of a large gazelle, certain details of its anatomy and behaviour causes the impala to be classified in a group of its own. Impala’s social nature and the fact that it habituates thick bush, separate it from the gazelle.

Richard Millar

A pregnant female is capable of extending her gestation period by up to 2 weeks if the start of the summer rains are late, which will result in poor grazing value and thus poor nutritional value of her milk produced

Read more about wildlife and safaris on The Game Lodge Index

Photo of the Week - Little Elephant by Richard Millar

Photo by Richard Millar Photography

You can view more of Richard Millar's photography on his website - Richard Millar Photography or join his group on Facebook 

Read more about wildlife, game reserves and game lodges on The Game Lodge Index