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Marataba Conservation Camps

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Nestled between ancient mountain ranges and endless plains, the Marataba camps stay true to their meaning: ‘a place of peace at the mountains’.

The winding Matlabas River gives life to a variety of animals, from rare black and white rhinos to the resident hippos. Whether you’re travelling for relaxation or adventure, Marataba is the accommodation for you. For a relaxing retreat, stay at the exclusive Founders Camp, where you can safari at your own pace. Leave at dawn to see if you can spot all of the Big Five, or lounge by the riverbank where elephants often play. If you’re up for something more adventurous, choose Explorers Camp to give the outdoor lifestyle a try.

Gallery

WEB Marataba CC Founders Camp - Pool overlooking the Matlabas River

Facilities & Activities

Throughout the year, Marataba runs three-day Rhino Conservation Safaris, dedicated to the registration of the animals. Learn how to identify rhinos through their ear notches, monitor them and collect DNA, and help with Marataba’s long-term objective of identifying every single rhino in the area. Another conservation activity you may enjoy is learning how to dismantle snares, protecting the wildlife from poachers. You may even get the opportunity to track predators!

If you have a budding ecologist in your group, why not spend the morning assisting with one of the regular veld condition surveys that helps ensure the habitat of Marataba remains suitable for the array of species conserved there? Or how about a lazy afternoon cruising on the Matlabas River, enjoying the scenery and birdwatching? If you need to decompress, the camps also run mindfulness activities.

For the more active among you, there is ample opportunity to swim, hike and adventure through gorges and mountains.

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Founder & Director

Emily

Worldwide Travel Consultant

Amy

Africa Travel Manager

Dining

You have the option to dine alfresco in the camp’s living areas, or have a private dinner.

All meals, soft drinks, house wines, spirits and beers are included in the price and Founders Camp includes your own dedicated chef!

Rooms

An intimate retreat for reconnecting with your loved ones, you’ll have exclusive use of Founders Camp’s 4 bright, airy suites decorated with a fusion of modern and traditional South African design. The suites are fitted with indoor and outdoor showers, baths and double vanities, and you’ll have access to the camp’s guide and private vehicle, so the timetable is completely up to you. The camp has a maximum capacity of 8 adults and 2 children.

Explorers Camp has a larger capacity of 12 adults and 2 children across a maximum of 2 bookings. Cots can be provided at no additional charge for children aged 0-2 and stretcher beds are available at a 50% child rate for those 2-15 years. As well as their 5 tents, they have 1 family tent. Like the suites at Founders Camp, the tents all come with baths, indoor and outdoor showers. The camp has 2 guides and 2 vehicles to share between bookings.

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Family

Children of all ages are welcome at Marataba Conservation Camps. Both camps are fenced, although be aware that animals may still enter. Explorers Camp is perfect for young families, with large shaded lawns and a dedicated family tent.

A great experience for older teens, the Camps run Young Conservation Ambassadors, a 4 night tailor-made expedition designed to help 16-18 year olds engage with and learn about the future of conservation.

Sustainability

Marataba runs one of the continent’s most successful conservation efforts. All funds raised from their conservation activities are used to finance the operation and specific conservation efforts.

Location

Marataba is located on the north-western edge of the 2.5-billion-year-old Waterberg Massif in South Africa’s Limpopo province, only 3.5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg and 45 minutes by private air charter. The area houses the Big Five, as well as the shy black rhino.

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