Mateya Safari Lodge

Have recently returned from our third visit to Madikwe Game Reserve and the luxurious Mateya Safari Lodge.

It is because of the wonderfully professional and knowledgeable Head Ranger, Werner and his Tracker Paul that we will again return. To sit, transfixed, as we did on our last morning, as a young male lion decided he would take a run at a small number of buffalo left drinking at a dam and the resulting rushed return as the entire herd turned on him. He then called for his mother.........who decided to seek shelter from the sun and lay down against the wheel of our jeep......to be joined by chastened junior......well........

As always, we enjoyed a number of excellent sightings, including our favorites, an elephant family enjoying a drink and swim in the dam and a number of great rhino sightings.....magical to sit quietly watching these magnificent animals. Plus of course, many smaller animals who make up the large number of animals on this Reserve, such as the elusive and pretty Klipspringer. Every drive offers another chance to see something unique......just love it!!

The six villas at the Lodge offer every luxury, each with their own large plunge pool and extraordinary bathroom and outdoor shower and in our case, Villa One had a resident gorgeous bright yellow weaver, making a nest in the hope of attracting a female.
Fascinating to watch his progress each morning. Outside our front door each morning we were greeted with another flash of color as a male Paradise Flycatcher flitted around.

The food is very good and served either on the expansive deck (breakfast and lunch) or in the unique wine cellar (special dinner).
There is also a wonderfully large main lodge, complete with the most mind-boggling array of African wall art, sculptures and figurines, skillfully combined to offer cozy sitting areas and a large bar and a vast selection of excellent wines. Trust Connie to recommend wines to complement your dinners - he has a very good "nose" and will serve you well.
Daniel will cheerfully offer you your breakfast and lunch choices and the chef will come to your table and offer you lunch and dinner choices.

The very charming Christine and Joanne will take care of any booking or internal transport arrangements you need to make and simply make sure everything is handled smoothly.

We look forward to another visit!!

During August 2017, I spent four never to be forgotten days at the Mateya Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, located in north central South Africa on the Botswana border. Game viewing was excellent and among the animals I saw were giraffe, kudu, springbok, Cape buffalo, white rhinoceroses, warthogs, zebras, lions, impalas, African wild dogs and many elephants. On the last game drive, I finally saw a female leopard relaxing atop a tree. I also saw the rarely sighted AARDWOLF! Since there were only a few guests (maximum is ten!), I had my own specially designed Toyota Land Cruiser with a private guide, Dylan and a tracker, Thomas who were excellent in tracking lions! The morning and late afternoons were quite cold as a rare cold front was passing by! I did end up using the heated blankets provided on several occasions! There are only five suites, each with their own indoor and private outdoor showers, separate bathroom with two vanities, tub and separate toilet and bidet. There is also a large deck, complete with outdoor furniture - table, chairs and lounge with view past the private plunge pool to distant game! The spacious room, with a four poster bed, lounge chairs, writing table, a very well stocked mini bar is beautifully furnished with African artwork and figures. There is really nothing more than a guest could ask for! After the morning game drive, a buffet breakfast, with freshly squeezed orange juice is served on the outdoor viewing deck. Eggs, any style and other hot items can be ordered. Except for the last day, I never had lunch! Dinner was served in the dining room with a choice of a meat or fish main course. There was a different hand crafted menu for each dinner, a wonderful souvenir! Dinner can also be taken in the lower well-stocked wine cellar! There is a large separate well stocked library. All areas are furnished with African figurines, artwork, paintings, sculptures and collectibles. The brochure on the lodge gives a very true picture and what I have attempted to describe! From the viewing veranda, animals can often be seen at the nearby watering hole. There is a large flat screen TV, a computer with internet access and a spa among the other facilities. For me it was a walk to the dining facilities from my and I used a wheel chair that was available. Wash is included and done daily. A stay at the Mateya Safari Lodge is truly a once in a lifetime experience! The lodge is serviced by twice daily charter flights from Johannesburg's airport.