Location
Marataba Private Reserve, South Africa

Marataba Mountain Lodge enjoys an unparalleled setting within the Marataba Private Reserve, a less-discovered safari treasure lying within Marakele National Park. This stylish new luxury lodge offers a few fortunate guests exclusive access to this private 57,000-acre preserve—an exceptionally scenic mosaic of plains, mountains and valleys that's home to predators, primates, abundant hoofed game and more than 400 bird species. Walking safaris are the big draw here, with a chance to track black and white rhinos on foot. With just five individual eco-suites, the intimate camp is set into the hillside at the base of Waterfall Valley, surrounded by mountain streams and the source of the Matlabas River. Views over the valley are spectacular, with wide-angle vistas of the Waterberg escarpment merging into acacia savanna. Each individual chalet has wall-spanning glass doors that bring the outside in, complemented by the use of wood, stone and a neutral palette that enhances a sense of being one with the wild environs beyond. The open-concept layout conveys a Scandi-style minimalist ambience that allows the mountain views to take center stage. Indoor en suite bathrooms have a walk-in rain shower, a Nespresso machine is on hand for in-room coffee, and a wood-burning fireplace lends atmosphere and takes the chill off on cooler nights. The camp's central area is an intimate place to gather: in the outdoor conversation pit with cushioned seats around the campfire, on the viewing deck, around the infinity rock pool, or by the cozy indoor fireplace set against a soaring rock wall, which warms the lounge and dining spaces. The 100% solar-powered lodge is committed to ecologically conscious practices throughout its operations.

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