Marataba Conservation Camps has opened new retreats in a new section of the Marakele National Park in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.
The new camps are located in a new 52-acre privately managed section of the Marakele National Park, offering guests access to the Kalahari sands as well as the park’s stunning wildlife.
Founders Camp, which boasts four suites and one game vehicle and guide, can be booked on an exclusive-use basis. The camp overlooks the Matlabas River, which attracts a variety of wildlife, while suites are tucked under the trees and have large decks from which to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. The main lodge area also features indoor and outdoor dining areas, an interactive kitchen, and a swimming pool.
By contrast, Explorers Camp (below) has five canvas tents and one family tent and is available on a semi-exclusive use basis with two guides and two vehicles. From the camp, guests enjoy views of a favourite waterhole and the dramatic Waterberg Mountains; with large, shady lawns and a dedicated family tent, the new camp is an ideal choice for families.
As a contractual National Park, Marataba is one of South Africa’s most innovative conservation models, and operators like Marataba Conservation Camps have a focus on protecting the area’s diverse flora and fauna through modern and hands-on conservation practices. During their visit, guests can immerse themselves in the peaceful and vast wild spaces of Marataba whilst also actively participating in essential conservation projects. These range from tracking and monitor key species, and assisting in the compilation of ID kits by monitoring social behaviour, body condition and the geographical area of sightings, to setting up and monitoring camera traps and inspecting footage to discover what has been recorded.
Every full moon, there’s also the chance to join the full moon census, a wildlife count including night-time monitoring, census logging, and identification of white and black rhino, the notching of which is an important wildlife management intervention at Marataba.
Funds from the new camps go to support the on-going conservation efforts, with rates including a private conservation guide, safari vehicle, all meals and house drinks, and conservation and safari activities except specialist annual experiences and specialised itineraries. Marataba Conservation Camps are easily accessed from Johannesburg, either by road (3 hours) or private charter (45 minutes).
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