Marc's Treehouse Lodge is a unique safari lodge beautifully positioned along the banks of the perennial Klaserie River. It is situated in the Motlala Game Reserve, right next to world famous Kruger National Park in northern South Africa. Motlala has 3 of the Big 5: Black and White Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard. The rustic treehouses are romantic and restful and blend perfectly into the bush. Guests at Marc’s enjoy a Sunset Drive on Motlala, full day open vehicle safaris in Kruger and a 1,5 h bush walk on Motlala.

Compared to similarly priced dinner, bed and breakfast camping safaris for backpackers, Marc’s offers so much more and it is easy to understand why it has become a favourite venue for the backpacking fraternity.

Accommodation at Treehouse Lodge is secure, comfortable and relaxed. We offer 12 treehouses: four original units built in the trees with designated private ablutions on the ground below and eight en suite units built on stilts within the tree canopy.

Three treehouses overlook an illuminated waterhole, often frequented by our resident buffalo herd while nine treehouses are discreetly nestled in gallery forest along the river.

Each treehouse is equipped with beds and linen, soap and towels, overhead fan, mosquito nets and wooden viewing deck. In addition we have added two brick and mortar guest houses as well as two equipped canvas tents for those of our clients that prefer these types of accommodation.

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge has a swimming pool, a bush bar and a rustic boma where 3 course meals are served. After your evening meal, which always has a typical African flavour, you can relax around the crackling campfire and share your impressions of the day’s wildlife highlights and adventures.

Marc’s Treehouse Lodge is part of the Motlala Game Reserve which boasts well-watered grazing for its varied fauna. White and Black Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra along with the numerous antelope have made the Motlala Reserve a real wildlife paradise. Among the predators, Leopard and Hyena are more often heard than seen. The nights at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge are enriched by the calls of its denizens: the eerie whoops of hyena; the spine-tingling wail of jackals , the distant roar of lions and the plaintive cry of the thick-tailed bushbaby add an unforgettable aural dimension to one’s appreciation of the bush.

Birds tend to be more vocal than most other creatures. In the thick canopy of the treetops at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge – probably due to restricted visibility - the avifauna are particularly noisy as they warn of predators, call their mates or proclaim the boundaries of their territories. Among the feathered fraternity at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge, colourful specials include Narina Trogon, Purple-crested Touraco, Trumpeter Hornbill, Natal Francolin and Natal Robinchat. The early morning cacophony of birdsong is a stark reminder that one is deep in the riverine bush.

Three, four and six-day safari itineraries are offered at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge. The following is an example of a 3-day itinerary:

DAY ONE: Pick up from your hostel or Johannesburg Airport and travel in an airconditioned vehicle via Dullstroom or Nelspruit to Marc's Camp. After a short break (swim/ early Sundowner at the bar) you board the open Landcruiser for a 3 hour sunset drive. Your qualified guide will facilitate your first sightings of Africa's varied fauna. We stop for photos of the magnificent African sunset. After dark, your guide will use a powerful spotlight to locate nocturnal animals. Dinner in the Boma around a crackling fire will be a typical South African meal. Overnight in your fascinating treehouse or comfortable chalet.

DAY TWO: At the Orpen Gate of Kruger we board our open Gameviewer that provides unbeatable opportunities for a total sensual wildlife experience. These vehicles offer superior viewing and the absence of windows allows you to hear and smell the African bush and its denizens. Your experienced guide will show you many animals and birds that frequent this wildlife paradise. The Orpen/Satara region has open plains with numerous herds of giraffe, zebra and antelope that attract the big cats. Dinner and overnight at Marc’s Camp.

DAY THREE: Early morning game walk accompanied by your armed ranger. You will attempt to get close to the numerous animals that have made their home at Marc’s, especially nyala, buffalo and rhino. After breakfast, you drive via the picturesque Blyde River Canyon on your return to Johannesburg where you arrive in the late afternoon. Airport dropoff by arrangement.

Tariffs include all transfers, all entry fees, all game drives and game walks and accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Excluded are lunches, drinks, gratuities and personal items.

Please enquire for 4-day and 6-day safari rates.