Family-friendly kosher safari: Our Marataba adventure

Our introduction to Marataba started before we reached the gate to Marakele National Park. Driving down a gravel road, with game fences flanking each side, Johannesburg became a distant memory, three and a half hours behind us. Suddenly, a tiny duiker darted out of a bush and ran alongside our car for a few magical seconds. Our kids were instantly enamoured with the reserve and we hadn't even entered it yet.

Within minutes of arriving at Marataba Safari Lodge, we were greeted with warm smiles and refresher towels. We met our butler, drank homemade iced tea and our children received welcome packs for the Mack & Madi Kids Adventure Club. Then came our introduction to Gary, the kosher chef, a quiet, modest man whose demeanour belies his culinary wizardry.

Our first taste of Chef Gary's magic came on the lawn overlooking a waterhole, where impala, warthog and squirrels milled around just metres from our table. The kids were thrilled to see a troop of monkeys moving through the lodge grounds as we finished our meal.

We were assigned to tent number eight, which was wonderfully appointed, featuring an outdoor shower, a freestanding bathtub and simple yet beautiful adornments. It was a place of true pampering. From our patio, we enjoyed a glorious view of the African bushveld, a flowing stream and sightings of bushpig, baboon, duiker and even a lion.

The lodge and kosher cuisine

The lodge seamlessly meshes sophistication, comfort and simplicity, transforming magically throughout the day. Dinner on the lawns by the bonfire was a particular highlight and even during meals, the game viewing continued. On our first night, we saw a leopard at the waterhole below!

The kosher service at Marataba is both elegant and attentive, with different crockery providing immense comfort regarding dietary concerns. As kosher guests, the interaction with Chef Gary further adds to the confidence in the kashrut of the establishment.

Every morsel was exquisite and every meal a display of culinary perfection. From dawn, when you're greeted by muffins in the lodge, to the last spoonful of dessert at dinner, your palate is constantly delighted. You're provided with coffee and snacks on your morning game drive, breakfast upon return, lunch, afternoon tea, sundowners and snacks on your evening game drive and then dinner, as well as the snacks in your room. Marataba is a foodie's dream, and having a kosher option is truly wonderful. On our final night, Gary prepared a dairy-free cheesecake for dessert, which was divine.

Wildlife adventures

Our wildlife adventures began with the Miss Mara Water Safari Experience. Before we were even halfway there, we had a heart-racing, up-close encounter with a black rhino. This was my first-ever wild sighting of this magnificent creature in all my years visiting game reserves, an encounter that will be etched in my memory forever. Our arrival on the river was soon followed by a greeting from Caitlyn, another talented guide who expertly navigated the boat. Being on the Miss Mara at sunrise, surrounded by the calls of hippos and abundant birdlife, was truly incredible.

The morning and afternoon game drives were absolute treats. The depth of knowledge, expertise in tracking and rapport we experienced with our guides, Matt and James, set a standard few lodges can match. We were blessed with sightings of elephant, hippo, impala, kudu, buffalo, white rhino, waterbuck, wildebeest, jackal, baboon, vervet monkey, warthog, giraffe and more. The highlights, besides the black rhino, included a cheetah with her five cubs and a pride of lions feasting on a warthog.

Family-friendly

Our children thoroughly enjoyed the Mack & Madi programme. They felt comfortable and well entertained, developing a genuine fondness for the staff. The wonderful daily activities also allowed us to unwind and relax for a few hours a day, knowing our children were in good hands.

From arrival to departure, our time at Marataba was truly magical. Our eyes feasted on the reserve’s sights, our palates were constantly delighted by Gary's genius and our hearts were filled with the care provided by all the staff. The entire experience was absolute bliss and will live with us for a long, long time.

To begin your own Marataba Safari Lodge story, please visit: https://www.more.co.za/marataba/safari-lodge