South Africa Lodge Vacation Rentals Luxury Canvas and Stone Tented Suite in the Marakele National Park   (3)

Overview

Luxury Canvas and Stone Tented Suite Vacation Rentals in the Marakele National Park, South Africa

South Africa Lodge Vacation Rentals Luxury Canvas and Stone Tented Suite in the Marakele National Park

Find yourself by connecting with nature in this sanctuary of dramatic mountains, vast plains, rich animal diversity and winding rivers cutting through the landscape.

This lodge is situated in one of the most spectacularly beautiful places. Rich red mountain rock bears down on the verdant plains at its feet, and it is not hard to imagine a time long past when Stone Age settlers sought refuge in the sanctuary of Marakele.

The world may be different, but this landscape is as sound and as perfect as it has always and ever been. Contrasting mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize the park. Rare finds of Yellow-wood and cedar trees, 5 meter high cycads and tree ferns are some of the plant species you will find. All of the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats, as well as an amazing variety of birds (including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world, with more than 800 breeding pairs) have settled here.

The Lodge is a simple extension of the natural environment beyond its walls - rich, bold, organic and patently magnificent. If you sit quietly for long enough, you can feel the energy of the countless people who have made this place home since The Stone Age.

Each of the 15 canvas- and-stone Tented Suites is tastefully furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. Whether sharing it with lover, friend or family (or keeping it all to yourself), the interior is ample, and the attention to detail impeccable.

Get cosy at the fireplace with a good read from our library. If the world beyond needs you (for just a moment, mind you) you are welcome to use the Wi-Fi in the public area, with our compliments.

Whether you prefer your own company or that of new-found friends, there are a number of spots from which to soak up the view – hammock, pool lounger or grassy patch.

Each unit is fitted with a free-standing stone bath which is a very good place to breathe in the moment, and reconnect.

The Field Guides embody the highest of standards, and pride themselves on being able to breathe life into travellers’ dreams of an unforgettable safari in the African wilderness. Here the guiding culture is built on a genuine passion to share Mother Nature in her most glorious form. This, coupled with the keen interest in people and helping them to realise their dreams, is what keeps our Guides motivated, energised and in a league of their own.

The Field Guides take pleasure in:
- Showcasing the vast array of wildlife, human history and tremendous topography characteristic of the reserve.
- Finding and following animal tracks, and signs of wildlife in the area.
- Captaining a boat safari, and watching the wonder on guests faces to see an elephant playing in a mud bath from the water.
- Embarking on a bush walk in some spectacular wilderness areas.
- Ending the day on the plains of this absolutely beautiful reserve with an ice-cold G&T at hand.

A sincere reverence and respect for the reserve and environment define the manner in which the safaris are conducted. Sightings have a maximum vehicle allowance so as never to cause undue stress to animals, and a balanced approach to human vs eco-system is practised at all times. In the company of your Field Guide, you will learn more about the Big Five and the many unique animal species found here.

GAME DRIVES
2 safaris a day (one early morning, and one late afternoon, into the evening)each approximately 3-4 hours long, including a scenic coffee and sundowner break to purely appreciate just being in the moment.
The fact that only 5 vehicles head out each day onto the 23,000 ha reserve means that you are unlikely to encounter other vehicles during your safari – leaving just you and your guide alone in a vast, scenic wilderness.

WALKS
The bush takes on a completely different perspective when you are on foot. Each of your senses will be on full alert as you feel the grass and stones beneath your feet; touch the leathery leaves of trees you walk beneath; smell the musky scent of wild animals in the vicinity; taste the sweet grass of the veld; and hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone. Every guest has unique interests, and our guides are adept at playing to those interests – be they mammals, birds, flora, insects or geology.
Walks generally take place after breakfast and last approximately 1½ to 2 hours, depending on the fitness level of guests. In summer, due to the heat, walks may be incorporated into the morning game drive before heading back to the lodge for breakfast.

SAFETY FIRST!
Guides and trackers accompanying guests will conduct a pre-trail briefing. They will explain more about the area in which the walk will take place, and what walkers need to know. This will include how guests should walk (single file behind the guide, no lagging behind), what to do in certain instances when encountering animals on the walk, information on medical kits and handheld radios etc.) First Aid kits and handheld radios are standard equipment on walks, so that in the unlikely event of an emergency, the group has contact with the lodge and access to basic medical equipment.