House rules

Please note all Marloth Park rules apply to guests of Ostrich Hide.

Gate Security:
Please cooperate with the Security Personnel at the Entrance Gates. They are acting upon instruction to have the Entrance Register completed by all visitors to Marloth Park. They are also under instruction to check vehicles to remove flora and fauna, which is prohibited. This is for your safety and that of our animals and the Conservancy as a whole.

Speed Limits and Driving Rules:
This is for the safety of the animals and pedestrians. The speed limit on all tarred roads is 50 kilometres per hour. The speed limit on all dirt/gravel roads is 30 kilometres per hour. No under-age or unlicensed drivers. No riding on the tailgate of any vehicle. All general national road laws pertain to Marloth Park. Please be conscious of the damage that can be done to dirt roads. They’re easily eroded and can make them inaccessible. This is particularly important when driving on the river road.

Noise:
No loud noise nor music is allowed. Please consider your neighbours, as noise travels further in the bush than in an urban area. From 6 pm, this rule is strictly enforced by the Marloth Park Law Enforcement Officers. Use of power machinery should be limited to regular working hours, Monday to Friday. Generators should be used with consideration to neighbours and the environment. Please make an effort not to use these after 6 pm unless in an emergency situation. N.B: The Law Enforcement Officers enforce a no noise policy. When our guests break the noise rules, a fine will be issued to us, as property owners, and not to our guests. If we receive this fine, you will be removed immediately from our property, and the fine will be deducted from your safety deposit.

Walking or Cycling After Dark:
Between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am, walking and cycling in Marloth Park are prohibited. We do have some of the more giant cats and hyenas coming into Marloth Park from the Kruger National Park so your safety is our concern. For the sake of yourself and our wildlife, please do adhere to this rule. Of course, driving is in no way prohibited or restricted.

The Parklands:
It is strictly prohibited for anyone to walk, ride or drive through the Parklands. These areas are not permitted solely to preserve grazing for the wildlife.

Flora And Fauna:
Removal of any flora and fauna is strictly prohibited. Marloth Park has a delicate eco-balance, and we strive to maintain it in as pristine condition as possible. It is a criminal offence to remove any flora and fauna. This includes picking up dead branches or cutting branches for any use, especially as braai wood.

Braai Wood:
As mentioned above, no trees in Marloth Park may be cut or even pruned to be used as braai wood. Fallen branches are compost for the extremely nutrient-depleted soil and must be left where it falls. Braai wood is available at the Entrance Gate and the two shopping centres.

Poaching And Shooting:
Poaching is a criminal offence. No person other than the Municipal Rangers is permitted to shoot any animal in Marloth Park. This includes shooting with firearms, pellet guns, cross-bows and ‘ketties’. Poachers or ‘game’ shooters will be arrested and prosecuted.

Spotlights:
These are strictly prohibited. Please do not use them. There are safer, alternative light sources to view animals at night.

Off-Road And Quadbikes:
These are prohibited. Please do not bring these to Marloth Park or if you have, please keep to the official roads only. Do not ride across other people’s property, and, most importantly, not in the Parklands.

Fires And Fire Hazards:
Fireworks, crackers and Chinese Lanterns are strictly prohibited. These are extreme fire hazards and consider that the large majority of homes in Marloth Park have thatched roofs. Far more importantly, the wildlife we are privileged to live with suffer immensely from the loud noises and light-flashes. Please ensure that your braai fire is completely extinguished before you retire for the day. Embers are dangerous and can quickly start a raging bush fire, endangering wildlife, humans and homes.

Feeding of Animals:
At all times, remember that these are wild animals no matter how ‘tame’ they appear to be. Kudu, warthog, giraffe, monkeys, baboons, and mongooses can inflict serious injury. Please keep your distance!! Feeding of the wildlife is allowed, but we ask that only game pellets and lucern be put out for the animals. These are available at the Shopping Centre and Daisy’s Den in Marloth. Spread the pellets and lucern around; otherwise, our warthogs ‘hog’ it all. Please do not use feeding troughs as this can spread Bovine Tuberculosis from animal to animal. Carrots and apples, sliced up, are favourites of the zebra, impala and warthogs, but in moderation, please.

PLEASE DO NOT FEED MIELIES, MIELIE COBS OR MIELIE MEAL TO THE ANIMALS.

This causes colic as they cannot digest it and results in an excruciating death for the animal.
It is strictly forbidden by Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Tourist Board and the State Vet to feed any animal in Kruger National Park. This includes feeding through the fence along the river road. Bread and oranges are not to be used to entice elephants or any other animal to come closer to the fence.

Refuse Removal And Recycling:
Please place your refuse in a secured black bag and take it directly to the Municipal Refuse Dumpsite at both gates. There is no regular refuse removal in Marloth Park. Please do not use a ‘baboon cage’ for your refuse as the baboons, monkeys, and mongoose do get into these and risk being poisoned or cut on metal or glass. If possible, please separate your refuse into paper, glass, plastic and tin and take it to the Recycling Centre at the Municipal Refuse Dumpsite, where it will be correctly disposed of in an eco-friendly manner. Disposable nappies carry untold risks to all wildlife. Please do not dispose any of these in the bush. For your health and that of the animals, please secure soiled nappies in a plastic bag and dispose of them directly at the Municipal Refuse Dumpsite.

Home Safety And Security:
Please store all valuables, particularly cell phones, laptops, cameras, tabs and other easily transported electronic gadgets, jewellery and cash in a safe, out-of-sight place. Out of sight is out of mind, so please take care.
If you are outside enjoying a braai under our star-spangled skies, please ensure that windows are closed, and doors are closed and locked, especially if the door is not in your direct line of vision.

Firearms should be locked away as per South African firearm laws, and if this is not possible, please keep it on your person at all times. Do not, under any circumstances, leave firearms laying around anywhere, anytime, any place. Baboons are the most cunning house-breakers. Please ensure that all windows, doors, and security doors are closed and locked if you go out. Of course, baboons are not the only culprits, so this is a precaution for overall safety. Be vigilant and aware at all times. Although this is the ‘bush’, the same safety and awareness rules of the ‘big city’ are relevant here too.

Water Conservation:
Marloth Park is a water-scarce area. Please use water wisely and sparingly. Check dripping taps and water leaks.

Soil conservation:
The upper six inches of topsoil is the most important layer of soil to ensure the growth of grazing grasses. Please do not rake or sweep the open ground around the house and leave leaves and branches to naturally decompose and provide the essential nutrients to feed the soil.

Don't Drink And Drive. Get a Designated Driver.

If the maximum agreed number of 4 persons is exceeded, the rental agreement will be
dissolved by operation of law and access to the holiday home will be refused without entitlement to
a refund of the rent.