Mateya Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve

Mateya Safari Lodge is one of the most prestigious lodges of its kind in the world and certainly one of the most exclusive in Southern Africa. Located in the spectacular 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, Mateya is the ultimate compliment of exquisite architectural design and comfort enhanced by the splendor of a pristine African setting. If you’re searching for that rare and unforgettable safari experience, offering a luxurious destination within breathtaking natural surroundings, then welcome to Mateya.

Location

The Mateya Safari Lodge is situated in the spectacular 75,000 hectare Malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The reserve is characterized by extensive plains which slope in a north-easterly and easterly direction towards the Marico River. The Dwarsberg Mountain Range forms the reserve’s southern boundary, and the Tweedepoort Escarpment forms the dividing line between the reserve’s northern and southern sections, rising to 1328m at Tshwene-Tshwene.

The Madikwe Reserve is located in a Malaria-free area of the North West Province, a mere three and a half hours drive from Johannesburg and 120km from Sun City. The Madikwe Reserve has its own airstrip and regular SA Airlink flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Sun City and then onto the lodge make Mateya easily accessible. Arrangements can be made for direct, chartered flights, landing at the Madikwe Reserve airstrip, which is a short 10 minute drive from the main lodge.

Lodge

Mateya Safari Lodge is designed for the discerning traveler, offering a graceful fusion of relaxed comfort in a beautiful setting. The lodge caters for a maximum of ten guests. As such, you are assured exclusivity, privacy and the very highest standards of personal care and attention at all times.

Nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, the lodge, comprising dining, lounge, and relaxation areas, provides a high elevation and an uninterrupted view of the reserve. The suites are arranged in a radial configuration around one of the hills, each with a private, rim-flow pool deck and natural window sala overlooking the waterhole or surrounding plains.

The scene is breathtakingly beautiful, the game is plentiful, and the comfort is unsurpassed. The artwork and literature capture the essence of an untamed spirit. Savoured with either a glass of chilled Chardonnay or well-matured Merlot, the Mateya Safari Lodge Gallery and Library offer the delight of sharing in the many breath-taking adventures of those to whose cannon of experience your Mateya safari will be the latest addition.

Whether soaking up the afternoon rays whilst walking through the reserve on a guided tracking safari, or sitting down to an evening of fine dining, each and every feature of your visit will leave you with the pleasure of having indulged in an unforgettable experience. Gazing out through the glass walls of the main dining room, or watching the cinders leap into the starry night from the bonfire in the open air Fire Core, you will feel that Mateya offers a sublime fusion of luxury carved into the edge of an untamed African wilderness. It is this balance which makes Mateya a truly remarkable destination.

Suites

Mateya Safari Lodge consists of five individually designed luxury air-conditioned thatched suites. Each suite blends with its natural surroundings and offers uninterrupted views of the waterhole and plains. Guests can enjoy a balance of sophistication and comfort, in total privacy and harmony with nature, savouring the rare pleasure of their very own secluded slice of Africa.

Indeed, the original African artworks that adorn each suite seem to reflect the very essence of the Madikwe Reserve – a beautiful, vital, and untamed stretch of bush. Reclining in hand-crafted mahogany furnishings, looking out as the Zebra lead the plains game to the waterhole, the immediacy of your experience could not be more vivid. Lying under the shade of your natural window sala, or immersing in the cool water of your rim-flow pool, each and every feature of your suite provides total privacy and comfort. Your en-suite bathroom complete with a secluded open-air shower invites you to luxuriate in a sensual setting that is designed to satisfy your ultimate enjoyment.

The ambience of a fresh and clear night is warmed by the heat from the custom-designed fireplace, and as you settle down to admire the myriad of stars speckling the sky, the whispering breeze utters magical words that speak of tomorrow’s promise.

GAME DRIVES

Tackling the African bush in custom-built 4×4 game drive vehicles offer guests the thrill of getting close to game and tracking over vast distances. With a maximum of four guests per drive each guest is assured the personal care and attention of our rangers who will introduce you to the intricate and wonderful features of the reserve.Mateya’s vehicles are equipped with the following unique features:

• Binoculars, offering excellent viewing at all times.
• Spacious pouches for books and photographic equipment.
• Shade cover and side flaps offering protection against wind and rain.
• Comfy warm blankets in case of cold weather.
• Flasks for hot coffee on those early morning excursions.

BUSH WALKS

The Xoi San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari were considered to be masters in the art of tracking. Specialist rangers and trackers at Mateya offer you a similar experience, opening the door onto a unique wildlife encounter. You will have the pleasure and thrill of viewing animals close up, as well as have a better understanding of how nature works in perfect harmony to sustain the delicate ecosystem that continues to thrive at Mateya. Coupled with the physical journey, our rangers will also enlighten you with the cultural heritage of tracking.