MATEYA SAFARI LODGE
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
ABOUT MATEYA SAFARI LODGE
A rare and unforgettable safari experience awaits at the breathtakingly beautiful Mateya Safari Lodge, custom-designed for the discerning traveller. The moment you pass through the magnificent Zanzibar elephant doors, you are transported into a magical world of luxury and Madikwe safari splendour, where time is of no importance and relaxation is paramount.
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.
About Madikwe Private Game Reserve
The Madikwe Private Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s prime safari destinations. Situated on the Botswana border within the North West Province of South Africa, these 75 000 hectares traversing wilderness is home to the so-called Super Seven, which includes all the Big Five species – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino, as well as cheetah and the elusive African wild dog. The reserve also boasts more than 350 recorded bird species.
Habitats include open grasslands and bushveld plains, with scattered rocky outcrops and single mountains which make for spectacular game-viewing opportunities.
Cuisine
The creative and passionate Mateya chefs take pure delight in preparing exquisite cuisine to satisfy any palate.
Only the freshest and finest home-grown ingredients are used in the wide variety of gourmet dishes on offer. The scrumptious creations from the kitchen brims with flavour and, although contemporary, the textures and combinations reflect authentic African inspiration.
Mealtime at Mateya is a gastronomical delight and setting and presentation various according to your choice of location in which to dine. The glass-walled main dining room offers an elegant setting with its spectacular views of the wilderness, where guests can sit down to an exquisite three course meal among fine silverware and candlelight. Dishes are perfectly paired with fine vintages from the cellar, and the latter is also available for more intimate dining and boasts more than 8 000 bottles of prestige wines.
Bush picnics can be pre-prepared upon request and delectable delicacies, freshly baked, accompany the afternoon high teas.
Whether a scrumptious breakfast, light lunch or dinner in the boma under the African sky, dining at Matey Safar Lodge is a culinary feast each and every time!
The lodge caters to individual dietary preferences.
MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE ACCOMMODATION
The five individually designed thatched suites are arranged in a radial configuration around one of the hills, balancing comfort and sophistication, to offer guests the rare pleasure of their very own secluded slice of Africa.
Decorated in original African artwork, the spaces reflect the essence of this pristine wilderness. Rich hand-crafted mahogony furnishings create an ambience of tranquillity in which the weary spirit can relax and unwind. Whether you laze in the shade of your natural window sala or enjoy a refreshing dip in the deck’s rim-flow pool, you cannot help but to immerse yourself in the beauty of your environment.
The en-suite bathroom with a secluded open-air shower and modern amenities, elaborates on the theme of a superior luxury safari.
Mateya Safari Lodge Suite Facilities:
• Air- conditioning
• Deck with sala and rim-flow pool
• Lounge
• En-suite bathroom with bathtub and open-air shower
• Fireplace
• Dressing gowns
• Pure cotton linen
• Mosquito nets
• Hairdryer
• Electrical outlets
• Fan
• Heater
• Fridge
• Minibar
• Safe
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary Internet connectivity
• Tea/coffee-making facilities.
MATEYA SAFARI LODGE FACILITIES
Main Lodge
Nestled in a rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, the lodge’s elevated positioning offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness.
Comprising and elegant lounge and dining room and other relaxation areas, as well as a expansive deck with a pool, overlooking the waterhole and surrounding plains, the ambience of the lodge captures the essence of an untamed spirit. Its contemporary style reflects its earthy origin and a superb collection of African art creates an eclectic feel.
The lodge also boasts a bar, library, gym, health spa and curio shop and boardroom.
Mateya Safari Lodge Main Lodge Facilities
• Lounge
• Dining room
• Fireplace
• Bar
• Deck with pool
• Library
• Wine cellar
• Boma
• Spa
• Curio shop
• Boardroom
Mateya Safari Lodge Services
• Airport shuttle
• Laundry service (complimentary)
• Laundry service (available)
• Room service
• Card facility
• 24-Hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Internet connectivity
• Meal on request
• Private vehicle available
• Secure parking
• Wheelchair friendly.
ACTIVITIES AT MATEYA SAFARI LODGE
Game drives
Discover adventure and connect to the wild up close when you head into the bush in open safari vehicle under the expert guidance of a field guide and experienced tracker. Experience the thrill of encountering the Super 7 up close – elephant, white & black rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
Game drives take place during the early morning and late afternoons during which your field guide will share his wealth of knowledge of the bush while tracking the Big Five and other endangered species like wild dog and cheetah. It is an opportunity to discover the hidden secrets of the bush. Tracking animals after dark by spotlight opens up a whole new world of excitement. Expect to see nocturnal wildlife such as leopard, honey badger and smaller members of the cat family. Your guide will also stop at scenic spots en route for some refreshments. Watching an African sunset, cocktail in hand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For the more adventurous early morning bushwalks offer the exhilarating experience of tracking animals on foot. Here you can immerse yourself in the rhythms of nature, and utilise all your senses as your guide reveals the intricacies of the African bush, its creatures, medicinal plants, hidden treasures and more.
Bushwalks
For the more adventurous early morning bushwalks offer the exhilarating experience of tracking animals on foot. Here you can immerse yourself in the rhythms of nature, and utilise all your senses as your guide reveals the intricacies of the African bush, its creatures, medicinal plants, hidden treasures and more.
* Please note that persons over the age of 60 will have to submit a doctor’s certificate declaring them fit to partake in this activity.
Animal tracking
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.
Birdwatching
With more than 350 recorded bird species, avid birders will find pure delight in the wide variety of birds that frequent this pristine wilderness. The guides are experts in ornithology, and will share interesting facts with the lover of all things feathery. Expect to encounter the African Eagle Hawk, black-cheeked waxbill, rock pigeon and lesser-masked weaver, to name but a few.
Wellness centre
For utter rejuvenation and relaxation, guests can choose from a range of expert body treatments by the dedicated health therapist. Those who prefer to work up a sweat, can do so in the well-equipped and personalized gym. At Mateya Safari Lodge you can truly restore mind, body and soul.
Rhino-tagging
Molori is involved in rhino conservation efforts and guests can by arrangement be part of an extraordinary hands-on rhino tagging experience – involving the notching, DNA sampling and micro chipping of the rhino’s horns. Guests can work on the ground with the vet and ecologist, in close proximity to the sedated rhino, or take to the air in a helicopter during the rhino search. The rhino tagging conservation experience is charged at additional cost and must be arranged a week in advance. Guests of all ages can participate, with a high level of parental monitoring required for younger children. The experience begins early morning, between 6:30 and 7:00am, and runs into the early afternoon. Lunch is taken to guests in the bush or a late lunch can be arranged upon return to the lodge.
The lounge & library art collection
It is at Mateya Safari Lodge that the unique fusion of diverse African heritage is drawn together with the utmost finesse and style. Those who get their inspiration from beautiful things will appreciate Mateya’s unique art collection, which is considered to be one of the continent’s finest. Each piece was purposefully chosen for the manner in which it captures the vibrancy of Africa’s wilderness. Proudly, Mateya Safari Lodge is home to 21 original paintings by Paul Augustinus for whom the vast landscapes and abundance of wildlife have been an emotive inspiration. Nothing quite captivates the vitality and exhilaration of the wild like Robert Glen’s magnificent bronze sculpture of an agile lioness attempting to bring down a leaping impala – “Close Shave”. Adding to the allure of this piece, Mateya Safari Lodge also boasts several exquisite bronze sculptures by Dylan Lewis.
Library
The library is home to an invaluably rare collection of works of African literature dating back to the turn of the 19th century. In quiet seclusion guests are able to immerse themselves in the rich past of this land and relive the splendour unique to Africa through the captivated eyes of superbly talented authors.
Wellness centre
To bring home the renewing ambience of Mateya Safari Lodge and the majesty of the setting, guests can be treated to a full range of pleasurable and rejuvenating body treatments by a dedicated health therapist. Give way to the energetic call of the wilderness by making use of our personalized gym. Feel the freedom to take a healthy breath of Mateya Safari Lodge magic, restoring your mind, body and soul.
Bush Boardroom
For the more business inclined, inspiration and a new sense of creativity await at Mateya Safari Lodge. The bush boardroom affords the opportunity to rediscover drive and purpose in the heart of the bush by utilizing the fully-equipped bush boardroom. Full Internet, Wi-Fi and email facilities are available.
Curio shop
The curios shop stocks a wide range of local arts and crafts created by skilled craftsmen. Many of the items are hand-crafted by the very same artisans whose works adorn the lodge. Unique memorabilia, carrying the Mateya Safari lodge logo, will make perfect gifts for loved-ones back home. Guests can purchase all necessary safari regalia from the boutique, as well as any conventional items that might have been forgotten, for example, toothpaste or batteries.
MATEYA SAFARI LODGE LOCATION
Mateya Safari Lodge is situated in the Madikwe Private Game Rerserve on the border of Botswana, within the North West province of South Africa – about 90km north of the town of Zeerust.
A scheduled flight departs daily from Johannesburg and lands directly in the reserve, making it easily accessible and a desirable destination. Travel time by road from Johannesburg is approximately 4 hours.
