Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport where a representative from Federal Air, our preferred charter and schedule flight partner, will be waiting to welcome you. You will then be transferred to Federal Air’s lounge area for your flight to Madikwe Safari Lodge at 13h00, your home for the next 3 nights.
On arrival at Madikwe Eastern Airstrip at 14h00 you will be met by your Field Guide who will transfer you through to Madikwe Safari Lodge (a short 10 minute drive).
After a checking in and a quick freshening up, meet for a substantial high tea and setting off on your first game drive! Remember to take a light jacket, hat, and your camera, binoculars.
Below you will find the suggested safari program, however this can be customized based on your individual needs while staying at Madikwe Safari Lodge.
5:30 amWake-up Call
6:00 amTea/Coffee and Game drive departs
9:00 amGame drive returns, then breakfast / brunch is served
At leisure Bush walk or activities of personal preference
1:00 pmLunch
4:00 pmHigh tea
4:30 pmGame drive departs
7:30 pmGame drive returns and dinner follows
All meals, morning and evening game drive daily, local beverages, teas and coffees, mini bar refreshments on the game drives, and select activities such as bush walks included.
Premium beverages, laundry, telephone calls and spa treatments
It’s now time for your next adventure. You will be transferred from Madikwe in the MORE luxury vehicle to Marataba Safari Lodge at around 10h00 (after morning game drive and breakfast).
Arrive at Marataba Safari Lodge (a 2 - 3 hour drive) where a friendly team with a welcome drink and warm face towels await. You will meet with your Field Guide and have a light lunch before departing to Marataba Walking Trails Lodge.
A variety of trails options are available, differing in respect of degree of difficulty and fitness required. Trails range from trekking over the top of the Kransberg range, to traversing through gorges. Regardless of the route, the one thing that
remains consistent is the likelihood encountering wildlife along the way.
Evenings are spent in good company around the fire in the boma, learning
about bush cooking techniques, local customs and legends. Astronomy finds its best practical application beneath these heavens!
4:30 amWake-up Call
4:45 amTea/Coffee/Snacks
5:00 amDepart on morning trail
9:00 amTrail return, breakfast is served
At leisure At leisure
12:30 pmLunch
At leisureAt leisure
3:45 pmRefreshments/snacks
4:00 pmDepart on afternoon trails
6:30 pmReturn from trail/ freshen up
7:00 pmInteractive dinner
* In winter one trail day will include a day walk with picnic lunch. Breakfast will be served before departing on the trail and there will be a short evening walk for sunset
Unique aspects
• The Marakele Reserve is unique in respect of topography, flora
and fauna.
• Walking Marataba offers the only Malaria-free Big 5 walking trail
in South Africa.
• The variety of terrain and vegetation makes for a unique walking
experience every time you leave the camp.
• These are true wilderness trails, with no sign of civilization. It’s
just you and the wilderness.
• Marataba Trails Lodge is all about healthy living, and guests are
treated to an interactive culinary experience with Marataba’s chef
who specializes in fresh, organic and delicious meals – many of
which are prepared over an open fire.
best time to travel
• This is a year-round trails destination where experience is
varied based on temperature rather than wildlife sightings.
• The best bird-watching is from October to April.
• Winter trails leave from the camp later in the morning and
earlier in the afternoon to make the most of the winter sun.
• Summer trails take place early morning and late afternoon so as
to escape the heat of a typical African day in the bush.
location
Located within the Marakele National Park, Marataba Trails Lodge
is just 4 hours drive from Johannesburg.
All meals, teas & coffees, all beverages (including softdrinks, beers, spirits and wines), all trail activities, refreshments & snacks on the trail and transfer to/from the camp where required.
Premium beverages, laundry, telephone calls and all activities not listed as planned
It’s time to leave the mountains and open plains behind and head back to Johannesburg. A representative from MORE Private Travel will meet you at Marataba Safari Lodge after morning game drive and breakfast, and transfer you by road to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
On arrival at OR Tambo please make your way to International Departures and customs for your onward flight home (own arrangements).
