TOURISM NEWS Marataba Conservation Camps opens in the Waterberg Now open, Marataba Conservation Camps is a new, conservation-focused safari experience giving guests the chance to be part of hands-on wildlife management and ecological conservation, and to travel with a purpose. In a post COVID-19 world, the way people travel will be changed forever and this reimagining of the traditional bush experience offers guests the opportunity to be part of the future of conservation. Founders Camp and Explorers Camp are both located in Marataba Contractual National Park, a privately managed section of the Marakele National Park. To encourage a full tailor-made stay, Founders can be booked on an exclusive-use basis and Explorers on a semi-exclusive basis. Every booking is allocated a private conservation guide and vehicle, allowing for maximum flexibility, and experiences can be chosen on a ‘mix and match’ basis. This gives guests the rare freedom to delve into what they are passionate about and experience a holistic journey through the area. Founders Camp sits on the Matlabas River and is comprised of four individual suites. The main area and each of the rooms has an expansive deck, offering magnificent views up the river to the iconic mountains. Booked in its entirety on an exclusive-use basis, the goal was to create an elegant family home in the heart of the bush. The furniture is a fusion of old and new: refurbished, antique wood coffee tables and traditional African bowls sit alongside contemporary light fittings and modern textiles. The colour palette is an earthy mix of charcoal and terracotta, with shades of blue and teal, reminiscent of the river, and flashes of vibrant orange. The river is home to numerous pods of hippos and, with no crocodiles, animals wade into the water to eat and drink. Sightings straight from Founders Camp include regular elephant crossings, kudus wading in the shallows, rhinos coming to drink and a wide variety of birds. There is a boat based at Founders Camp for water-based safari cruises on a 2km stretch of accessible river, also available to guests staying at Explorers Camp. Explorers Camp is one of the original camps of Marataba and has been creatively upscaled to five double tents and one family tent. With a backdrop of the Waterberg Massif and an active waterhole right in front of camp, Explorers is 122 responsible traveller
known for the elephants that frequently stop in for fresh water, just metres from camp. The canvas tents sit on elevated wooden decks and can be made up either as king beds or twin beds. With plenty of metal details, wooden furniture and natural fabrics, the interiors are functional yet easy-going and organically chic, and encourage guests to kick off their shoes and embrace the lifestyle of Marataba. With two guides and vehicles, Explorers is booked on a semi-exclusive basis for 9 guests or less and an exclusive basis for 10 or more in one booking.
