From the moment you step up to this door at the main entrance
of Marataba Safari Lodge, you know that you are in for a special time.
Although both large and imposing,
it manages to be welcoming at the same time.
This was a return trip for my wife and I,
as we had previously visited the property back in 2015.
After a 3 hour drive from Johannesburg,
these drinks were exactly what we needed.
Just to take the edge of our thirst as we filled out
the ubiquitous indemnity forms.
And THIS is the vista that awaits arriving guests.
Of all the game lodges that I have visited,
this has to be my favourite view.
The magnificent Waterberg mountain range.
Stretching almost as far as the eye can see.
If you turn away from the mountain,
then you get to see the main lodge building.
A great spot to enjoy a meal, a beverage
or just to sit and absorb the surrounding beauty.
Who needs to go on a game drive when the wildlife comes to you.
This rather inquisitive Bushbuck took a moment to stop
in mid chew to see who I was.
There is, of course, the inevitable troop of Vervet monkeys
that have to be carefully watched least they steal food from your table.
The small waterhole in front of the lodge
became the drinking stop for a couple of Giraffe.
Back in the main building…
This lounge area can be found to the right of the front door.
There is Wi-Fi available,
which can be both a blessing and a curse.
And on the left…
A dining area that can be used if the weather is inclement.
During our stay, we enjoyed all our meals outdoors.
The accommodation, hidden amongst thick foliage.
And the Waterberg mountains loom large in the background.
There are several tents along this path,
but as a result of the dense vegetation, they are all very private.
All the tents are the same, except for two
which have recently had a second bedroom/bathroom built on.
The main bedroom is very spacious, with a bathroom on the left
and a deck out front so that guests can enjoy a view…of the mountain.
In the second bedroom of the family accommodation.
These bunk beds were extremely comfortable
and my wife and I almost slept here.
This room also has a en-suite shower and a toilet.
Marataba Safari Lodge is child friendly
and they have a dedicated staff member to entertain the youngsters.
I did try our outdoor shower late in the evening.
Which was fun on a chilly autumn night.
But the water was hot and it was only a few steps
back into the warmth of our accommodation.
This beaded wire curtain separates the bathroom from the bedroom.
Not so much for privacy as a design feature.
There is a dressing area behind the wall at the head of the bed.
Wash hand basins as well as shelves and hanging space,
for those who wish to unpack.
Some of the food that we enjoyed during our stay.
The Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Not to mention a high tea that is served just before the afternoon game drive.
Marching to the beat of a different drum.
Here the pace of urban life can be forgotten,
and guests can enjoy their bush experience to the full.
First time in a while that we have been in the bush under a full moon.
Very special!
A big thank you to all the staff, rangers as well as the management
for making our stay such a memorable one.
A big thank you to each of these brands
for coming on board.
This has been my constant travel companion
for the past several years.
It might look worn,
but that represents the kilometers/miles
we have shared together.
From Kilimanjaro to the beaches of India.
To coach trips across Europe and Vietnam
and to a variety of game lodges and road trip destinations
in South and Southern Africa.
BEST SUITCASE EVER!
Check out their Facebook page:
This torch has been turning heads!
The Olight SRS2UT Intimidator.
Marketed locally by:
https://torchsa.com/
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
https://www.ruggedwear.co.za
I have worn the orange Veldskoen in the jungles of India
and on the beaches of Croatia.
Not to mention, many game reserves in Africa.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
Now to try out the rest of the colours in the range.
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
This Powerbank is my constant companion
while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
My constant travelling companion.
To find out more about the collectible Funko range of figurines,
visit:
I could not do without this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
To see who else were winners in 2018, visit:
www.sablogawards.com
All images are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission
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