Family photographs, canapés and drinks set against the backdrop of the spectacular Waterberg Mountains… What more could a bride ask for… nevermind during a global pandemic!
Marataba Safari Lodge is the ideal location for a romantic wedding. Nick and Carly visited them as soon as the travel restrictions were lifted and simply fell in love. Located in the Marakele National Park, this setting really is a “place of sanctuary”. You can feel nothing but calm and quiet while you soak in the backdrop and take in all the amazing wildlife sounds in the distance. Breathtaking landscapes can only do more to inspire romance; now add Big Five game and elusive birds congratulating you on their way past the ceremony!
Nick and Carly and their closest family and friends enjoyed a truly magical weekend. Their guests left with once-in-a-lifetime memories that will forever be brought up at every family dinner, and will hopefully bring them back.
The staff at Marataba went over and above to make this the most special time in the bush for them and their families. The crimson sunset with carefree, roaming wildlife creating stunning silhouettes set the stage for some breathtaking photographs.
Amongst the mountains, plains and riverscapes… a collection of everlasting moments were created, but our words can only say so much. Carly has very kindly shared some of her favourite memories of her wedding and the exquisite wedding photographs that will surely leave you speechless… here:
Q: What made you decide to have a safari-style wedding?
A: Before the COVID pandemic arrived, we had planned to get married in the Cape Winelands with a big traditional wedding affair. But we can honestly say that having to scale down our wedding to a more intimate, safari weekend away with our 50 closest family and friends could not have worked out better. It was perfect in every way, with the best part being the personal, quality time that we got to spend with each and every one of our guests – on game drives, sitting around the boma and eating delicious meals together under the stars.
Q: Why Marataba?
A: I don’t think there’s any bush experience in South Africa quite like the Marataba experience. The spectacular landscape of the Waterberg mountains and the abundance of wildlife all while being one of the very few lodges on the reserve means every experience feels private and exclusive. The incredible staff are out of this world and no request is ever too much. And then, of course, the luxurious facilities which cater to your every need and you could not possibly feel more spoilt. A huge perk is that they are also very family-friendly which meant our little people got to be a part of all our wedding festivities too.
Q: What is one moment you would want to relive over and over?
A: Walking down the aisle to meet my husband-to-be with the Waterberg escarpment in the background and the impala trotting around behind us as we said our vows – there simply could be no better setting to get married.
If you have ever thought about planning a safari wedding in South Africa, on a private game reserve, then Marataba is the ideal destination for you. The lodge is just 4 hours away from Johannesburg and the staff offer a wedding planning service that will happily help you arrange, organise and coordinate – from flowers to dinner and activities for you and your guests.