Marataba Mountain Lodge

Marataba Contractual National Park is a 50,000-acre privately-owned section of Marakele National Park in the Waterburg Mountains north of Johannesburg. There are four lodging options available in the park, but our favorite is Mountain Lodge. The lodge offers daily game drives for wildlife viewing, but the unique selling point of the property is its diverse network of hiking trails. Guests can view elephants roaming the grasslands on foot or tackle a challenging climb of a mountain peak. It’s a more intimate way to connect with the land.

The lodge is a five-room off-grid Scandinavian-styled hideaway. The decor is minimalist and includes large decks, an infinity pool, and enchanting views of a cliff-lined valley. Star gazing here is exceptional, but for an even better view consider a night in the Thabametsi Treehouse. The two-story tower has all of the luxury amenities you need, but with a rooftop star bed for gazing at the heavens without the worry of bumping into the wildlife below. Marataba Mountain Lodge is one of the best options for those looking for a hiking-oriented safari experience in South Africa.