African Wildlife Plains

4.8/5 – 8 Reviews

$2,452 pp (USD)
This tour is offered in ZAR. Show rate in ZAR

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 12.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arriving at Your Safari Destination

Arriving at Your Safari Destination

Marataba Mountain Lodge is set in an exclusive location secluded in the Waterberg and surrounded by Marakele National Park. Its design and operations have taken their cue from the earth, serving to merge the lodge with its environment. Marataba welcomes those in search of peace and space.

Only 5 private eco suites, welcoming a maximum of 10 guests at a time, open onto a wilderness world of their own as this area is renowned for its magnificent scenery and flourishing wildlife. The main lodge provides more social relaxation areas and a shared rock pool, which seems to skim off into the waterfall valley below.

All of the Big Five, including the rare and endangered black rhino, can be seen here, along with abundant birdlife, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. Enjoy the lodge's exclusive safaris with twice-daily game drives, after-breakfast bush walks, specialist Marataba Trails, and cruise into the late afternoon with a sundowner Miss Mara Water Safari.

Main Destination:
Marakele National Park (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve)
Best Time To Visit May to September (Dry season)
High Season Never (The park is little visited)
Best Weather Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild weather and little rain)

Wildlife in Marakele NP

GiraffeCommon
ZebraCommon
ElephantOccasional
Wild DogOccasional
Show more
HippoOccasional
LionRare
BuffaloVery Rare
HyenaRare
Accommodation:
Marataba Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Marakele NP (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Scaling the Heights to Your Safari Mountain Lodge

Scaling the Heights to Your Safari Mountain Lodge

Life-enriching experiences: Through our people and this place, we create experiences for guests to enrich their lives – whether they are looking for adventure, family time, romance, relaxation, or the chance to give back.

Game drives: In open safari vehicles, head out each day at sunrise and again in the late afternoon to find the reserve’s many fascinating animals, both diurnal and nocturnal. This is a truly personal experience as no more than 7 vehicles are in the concession at any one time. Because the animals are accustomed to them and do not see them as a threat, the field guides are able to take guests within close range of Africa’s most impressive species. The photographic opportunities are spectacular!

Main Destination:
Marakele National Park (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve)
Accommodation:
Marataba Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Marakele NP (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Hiking to Your Safari Mountain Cabin

Hiking to Your Safari Mountain Cabin

Marataba Trails: A specialist walking experience for the seasoned hiker who is looking for a challenging trail in a unique part of the world. Marataba is blessed with a great diversity of ecosystems and landscapes. Its trails lead through different areas of the reserve – along riverine, gorge, mountain, and interesting routes – and provide a variety of experiences. Our expert trail guides will advise on suitable routes based on guests’ preferences and fitness levels.

Miss Mara Water Safari: Morning and sunset water safaris are operated on the Matlabas River, a scenic 30-minute drive from Safari Lodge and 45 minutes from Mountain Lodge. An experienced Marataba field guide conducts a cruise along the waterway, which provides plenty of game-viewing opportunities. Guests can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, abundant birdlife, and land animals (like elephants), coming to the water’s edge to drink and forage.

Main Destination:
Marakele National Park (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve)
Accommodation:
Marataba Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Marakele NP (Waterberg Biosphere Reserve)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Heading to the Mother City, Cape Town

Heading to the Mother City, Cape Town

As you reluctantly leave the untamed beauty of the safari behind, a new chapter of your journey unfolds. Transitioning from the wilderness to the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town, you embark on a 3-night exploration of South Africa's most iconic urban gem.

This transition promises a seamless blend of natural wonders and urban sophistication. Dive deep into Cape Town's rich history as you visit historical landmarks like Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned) and explore the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap with its colorful houses.

You'll ascend Table Mountain via a cable car to witness breathtaking panoramas of the city, sea, and mountains. The scenic drive along Chapman's Peak Drive offers awe-inspiring coastal views, while a visit to the Cape Peninsula and its resident penguins at Boulders Beach adds a touch of whimsy to your journey.

Cape Town's wine country also beckons, inviting you to savor the region's world-renowned wines.

Main Destination:
Cape Town (City)
Accommodation:
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
  • Luxury hotel located in Cape Town (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Settling in for Your second Cape Town Evening

Settling in for Your second Cape Town Evening

The Community Tour gives a very personal and authentic look into life in the townships. The tour begins with a stop at the MCT-supported Injongo Educare Crèche in Mfuleni where guests can help to make or serve the children breakfast, read, play ball, and have singalongs with them. This is followed by a short walk down the road to where the crèche began at the home of inspirational founder, Mavis Ngcongolo, who will be there to greet the group.

We then move on to the township of Khayelitsha where guests can see Cape Town’s biggest settlement from Lookout Hill. The tour’s last stop is Langa (meaning "sun"), arguably Cape Town’s most vibrant and progressive settlement. Here, guests visit the Langa Heritage Museum in The Old Pass Court building, the Guga Sthebe Arts & Culture Centre for local empowerment, and the Langa Quarter where the Ikhaya Le Langa project is furthering social enterprise and creating a tourism hotspot.

Please note that additional costs are applicable.

Main Destination:
Cape Town (City)
Accommodation:
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
  • Luxury hotel located in Cape Town (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Commencing Your Cape Town Sojourn with a Restful Night

Commencing Your Cape Town Sojourn with a Restful Night

Your last night in Cape Town is a bittersweet symphony of memories and farewells. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the city's iconic Table Mountain, you head out to find that perfect piece of memorabilia.

Strolling through the lively streets, you're met with a kaleidoscope of sounds and colors, each shop and market stall beckoning you with its treasures. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of street food, and the lively chatter of fellow travelers and locals creates an atmosphere of vibrant camaraderie.

With each step, you reminisce about the days spent exploring Cape Town's rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and breathtaking landscapes. You recall the mesmerizing views from the top of Table Mountain, the penguins at Boulders Beach, and the taste of South African wines in Stellenbosch.

Main Destination:
Cape Town (City)
Accommodation:
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel
  • Luxury hotel located in Cape Town (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Heading Home After a Memorable Stay in Cape Town

Heading Home After a Memorable Stay in Cape Town

As you bid farewell to the captivating beauty of Cape Town, a sense of nostalgia accompanies you on the journey to the airport. The iconic Table Mountain looms in the rearview mirror, a silent sentinel bidding adieu. The colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, the dynamic V&A Waterfront, and the lush wineries of Stellenbosch become cherished memories.

The flight home is a mix of contentment and yearning, as you leaf through your photos and recount the adventures. You mentally revisit the imposing cliffs of Chapman's Peak, the penguins of Boulders Beach, and the taste of South African wines.

Arriving at your doorstep, you carry with you not just the physical items but also a heart filled with gratitude for the moments lived, the sights seen, and the flavors savored. Cape Town has left its mark, and its memory will forever be a cherished part of your adventures.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by African Wildlife Plains, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of African Wildlife Plains.