Tucked away in Limpopo Province, the pristine reserve of Marakele National Park is not just a sanctuary for diverse wildlife but also a beacon of hope for one of the most endangered species on the planet — the rhinoceros.
Thanks to the efforts of the MORE Family Collection and their Rhino Conservation Experience at Marataba Luxury Lodges, this iconic park is playing a crucial role in rhino preservation.
About Marakele National Park
Marakele, which means “place of sanctuary” in Tswana, lives up to its name. The park covers more than 67,000 hectares, straddling the transition zone between the dry western regions and the more humid eastern regions of South Africa.
This unique location creates a diverse ecosystem that is home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. From towering yellowwood trees and rare cycads to thriving populations of elephants, leopards, and Cape vultures, Marakele is a wildlife lover’s dream.
However, its most urgent mission centers around the conservation of rhinos. Both the black and white rhinos, two of Africa’s most iconic species, face constant threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
Marakele has become one of the few remaining strongholds where these animals can roam freely, thanks to rigorous anti-poaching measures and dedicated conservation programs.
The MORE Family Collection has partnered with the park in a collaborative effort to not only protect these magnificent creatures but to involve visitors in the cause.
Luxury Meets Conservation
The MORE Family Collection is renowned for offering luxury safari experiences that don’t just showcase Africa’s wildlife but also actively contribute to its preservation. Their Marataba Luxury Lodges, set within the boundaries of Marakele, provide an unparalleled experience where adventure, sustainability, and conservation intersect.
For visitors staying at Marataba, conservation isn’t just a distant concept — it becomes a personal journey.
The Rhino Conservation Experience, offered from April through September, allows guests to step beyond the role of a mere observer and become active participants in safeguarding rhinos. It’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of the adrenaline it offers but because of the tangible difference it makes.
The Rhino Conservation Experience
The Rhino Conservation Experience is more than a typical safari — it’s a hands-on conservation adventure. Visitors work alongside expert veterinarians, rangers, and wildlife monitors in real-life rhino protection activities. This includes tracking rhinos on foot, and participating in vital veterinary procedures like ear-notching (which helps identify individual animals), and horn micro-chipping (a critical anti-poaching measure).
One of the most heart-pounding aspects of the experience is the opportunity to witness or assist in the darting of a rhino for these procedures. Under the careful supervision of professionals, guests may even have the chance to feel the coarse, grey skin of a sedated rhino and help gather essential data for its ongoing protection.
This close encounter with such an ancient and vulnerable species is both humbling and empowering. It’s not just about watching conservation from afar — it’s about playing an active role in it.
Sustainability Beyond the Safari
The MORE Family Collection ensures that their conservation efforts are not just focused on wildlife but extend to the communities that surround Marakele National Park. Their sustainability model includes employment opportunities for local people, education programs about conservation, and responsible tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact of lodges and safaris. This holistic approach ensures that both wildlife and local communities benefit from the protection of natural resources.
Guests at Marataba can rest assured that their visit contributes directly to these efforts. Every stay helps fund anti-poaching units, wildlife monitoring programs, and local community initiatives, ensuring that the conservation of the park’s rhinos is sustainable in the long term.
Join the Fight for Rhino Conservation
The Rhino Conservation Experience at Marakele National Park offers more than just an adventure — it offers the chance to make a real difference. For those who crave both thrilling encounters with nature and the knowledge that they are part of something bigger, this is the journey of a lifetime.
