The Offbeat Goat Collection
Marataba Conservation Camps
Marakele National Park, South Africa
South Africa / Madikwe and Marakele / Marataba Conservation Camps
Adventure meets sustainability at these conservation-centric wilderness camps
Balancing purposeful safaris with luxury, Marataba is all about low-impact tourism with a strong conservation ethos. Nestled in the heart of lush bushveld country, hugging the fringes of the Kalahari, the camps are fully dedicated to sustainably managing the biodiverse ecosystems of the Marakele. And that is precisely what its Dutch philanthropist owners set out to do.
Here you will experience exclusivity and high-touch safaris focused solely on conservation activities, from tracking cheetahs to tagging rhinos. Each of its three camps (Founders, Explorers, and Star Camp Out) is different in style, but all are located in the Marataba Contractual National Park.
“We are committed to driving a financial model which supports the long-term conservation of the park while maximising sustainable socioeconomic opportunities for surrounding communities.”
—Marataba Conservation Camps
the look.
Founders Camp — Booked as an exclusive camp, these tastefully designed suites overlook the Matlabas River and boast sophisticated interiors, blending contemporary Scandi-chic design with tasteful African touches. With a patina of warmly polished woods, rough-hewn stone, and brushed concrete, the spaces feel fabulously stylish yet intimate, decorated with a designer’s eye for detail.
Explorers Camp — Nestled in tangled bushveld against the backdrop of the Waterberg mountains, Explorers Camp consists of 5 canvas tents perched on wooden decks, tastefully decorated with African touches. Sparse but comfortable, with all the modern-day comforts that define a luxurious under-canvas safari.
Star Camp Out — For those seeking the Out of Africa experience, Star Camp Out is the ultimate off-grid bush camping. Situated in the far remote corner of the park, it will stretch one’s comfort zone but undoubtedly worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
the experience.
camp sleep-out
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, sleeping in the remote off-grid Star Camp Out.
participatory safaris
Join a unique participatory-style safari by foot or vehicle with trained conservation guides that will share knowledge of the reserve’s wildlife and biodiversity.
conservation-led experiences
Roll up your sleeves and participate in daily conservation work: wildlife tracking and monitoring, camera trap analysis, elephant impact assessments, tree planting, rhino notching, and vegetation mapping. Or take part in a full-moon census (a unique wildlife count entailing monitoring, census logging, and ID’ing the white and black rhinos).
unplug + detox
Feeling lazy? Sit back and enjoy a full-on digital detox (entirely off-grid).
the impact.
Marataba walks its talk in sustainability, actively committed to conservation and bolstering local communities.
Eco-design
Camps are low-impact, and all camps blend seamlessly into the environment.
Conservation-driven
Actively engaged in conservation projects, including rehabilitating and restoring flora and fauna, collecting and monitoring vegetation and wildlife, and managing vulnerable species like the rhino.
Community-focused
Fully committed to securing long-term buy-in from the local communities. The Marataba Conservation and Community Foundation are committed to supporting local businesses and fostering awareness of pressing environmental issues within the community.
Culinary sustainability
Boasts an authentic, sustainable food culture that embraces ethically and sustainably sourced foods.
Waste, water, and energy management
Off-grid and fully solar-powered.
at a glance.
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good to know
Marataba runs 3 camps: Founders Camp (exclusive use only, open all year) includes 4 suites (and a pool), sleeping up to 8 people with a minimum 3-night stay. Explorers Camp (open all year) is fenced off and family-friendly and consists of 5 tents (+ 1 family tent) with a minimum 3-night stay. Star Camp Out (exclusive-use, open March -October only ) includes 4 tents and can only be booked as an add-on to a minimum of 3 nights at either Explorers or Founders Camp.
location
Marataba Contractual National Park (a privately managed section of the Marakele National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa).
*Photos courtesy of: Marataba Conservation Camps and Wetu.
Stays in South Africa
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