The exclusive Marloth Park village affords the visitor a rare opportunity to see Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) up close. Marloth Park inspires a sense of peaceful co-existence between man and the animals seen languishing in and around the Crocodile River – dividing Marloth Park from the Kruger National Park – and freely roaming the village streets.
Marloth Park is located just over 400km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria via the N4 northern highway. The landscape is one of remote bushveld, an ideal place to experience safaris and quiet, starlit evenings. The village occupies roughly 1500ha and adjoins the Marloth Park-owned 1500ha Lionspruit Game Reserve.
Hides have been setup at elevated points for game viewing over the Crocodile River and fences are absent, allowing animals to wander undisturbed in the village.
Bring your checklist to tick off the entire alphabet of animals, from the shy armadillo to the huge herds of zebra.
Things to do
Game viewing options are plentiful, drive through the private Lionspruit Reserve for viewing of all major species bar the elephant or drive the short distance into South Africa’s largest game reserve, the Kruger National Park.
Lounge around the swimming pool at the Bundu Restaurant or enjoy a game of tennis at the same venue.
Marloth Park is centrally located in this most beautiful part of the world where activities are no more than a day’s drive in all directions:-
North into the Kruger National Park for a night drive,
West to Mpumalanga’s national heritage sites such as Bourke’s Luck potholes, old gold rush towns and stunning waterfalls,
South to the kingdom of Swaziland to visit their cultural villages and the Ngwenya glass factory, and
East to the country of Mozambique for diving or snorkelling off the pristine white beaches and azure sea.
Take an adventure filled day trip to Hazyview for an interactive encounter with elephants, river rafting or tubing down the Sabie River, treetop zip lining in a private forest, abseiling and mountain biking.
For a bit of fun family entertainment, the folks at Letubi Quad Biking outside Malalane offer 13 quad biking tracks in the valley for novice or advanced riders. Also on offer are micro-light flights over the scenic Letubi Valley.
Enjoy a round of golf at the internationally-renowned Leopard Creek Country Club, the 18-hole course designed by Gary Player.
Where to Eat
Hearty meals served under thatch or around a pool shaded by a Lapa is what you can expect at the Phumula Kruger Lodge Restaurant. Open 7 days a week.
The Le Fera Restaurant and Bar at Ngwenya Lodge has a wide selection of dishes on their menu, ranging from delicious burgers to thin crusted pizzas. Enjoy a boerewors (spicy sausage) breakfast. Small kiddies menu available.
The Portuguese seafood prepared Mozambique-style are the standout dishes at Restaurante Tambarina in Komatipoort. Sip on a katemba (red wine and cola) while waiting for your freshly prepared meal to arrive.
The renowned steak house chain, Cattle Baron, has a restaurant at the Skukuza camp in the Kruger National Park. These restaurants always serve up prime meat cuts, perfectly prepared.
Hamilton’s Restaurant in Malalane has a good selection of tasty meals. Kiddies menu and outside playground.
Stay home and delight in a braai (barbeque) on the patio for an opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures such as the cuddly bush baby.
Night Life
Get to the Duck ‘n Dive Saloon in nearby Malalane for sports evenings, poker nights, DJs on the decks and/or shot specials.
Listen to the wildlife stories – and tell your own – over a drink at the Ngwenya Lodge pub.
Hey, you’re here to relax, enjoy the stellar show high up in the heavens!
Where to Stay
Marloth Park’s superb accommodation in serene surroundings, broken only by the occasional lion’s roar, ranging from luxury lodges and well-equipped self-catering units to romantic holiday homes, is the ultimate location for a once in a lifetime safari vacation.
Transport
Air :The nearest airport is Komatipoort Aerodrome, 26km from Marloth Park, all flights via OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg. Privately chartered planes can fly directly to TSB Malelane Airport, 35km away. The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mbombela (Nelspruit) is a 70km drive from Marloth Park.
Car :Hire a car from Terence Zweni Express if flying in to Komatipoort. TSB Malelane airport has 2 car rental agencies onsite, Mobombela (Nelspruit) has several car hire companies, otherwise order a vehicle online.
Taxi :Marloth Park is best enjoyed with your own vehicle, however, there are a few taxi services operating between the airports and the village.
Did you know?
The Marloth Park Honorary Rangers are a group of volunteer residents who strive to promote and maintain the conservancy. The rangers offer informative bush & bird walks to visitors and residents.
The Lionspruit Game Reserve is for the exclusive use of Marloth Park residents.
If you arrive at Marloth Park without your own vehicle (not recommended), there are licenced rangers available to drive you through Lionspruit or into Kruger Park.
Marloth Park has all the necessary conveniences within the village, there is no need to bring in supplies.
No pets allowed, for obvious reasons!