Marataba Reserve is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places we have seen, and we were left breathless when we first took it all in. Rich red mountain rock bears down on the verdant plains at its feet, and it is not hard to imagine a time long past when Stone Age settlers sought refuge in the sanctuary of Marakele.

The world may be different, but this landscape is as sound and as perfect as it has always and ever been. Contrasting mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize the park.

Rare finds of yellowwood and cedar trees, 5m high cycads and tree ferns are some of the plant species you will find. All of the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats, as well as an amazing variety of birds (including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world, with more than 800 breeding pairs), have settled here.

What makes the Marataba experience particularly special is that it is a story about nature, animals and people. It is a story about personal commitment and dedication, about putting natural resources to best use, and about public-private partnership.

It started with the commitment of Nelson Mandela, Mavuso Msimang (then CEO of South African National Parks) and Valli Moosa (then Environmental Minister), together with a passionate group of individuals who wanted to make a difference to nature in a sustainable way. This soon became a tradition taken up by the present owner families.