Mateya Safari Lodge

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GENERAL INFORMATION

• Nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, the lodge, comprising dining, lounge, and relaxation areas, provides a high elevation, uninterrupted view of the reserve
• Madikwe Reserve, a Malaria free reserve boasts among the best array of plains game on the continent and over 350 species of birds.
• Accommodation is in five individually designed luxury air-conditioned thatched suites. Each suite blends with its natural surroundings and offers uninterrupted views of the waterhole and plains.
• Rates starting form R4000.00 per person sharing per night.

In the northern reaches of the place now known as Southern Africa, there ruled a kind and caring queen, her name, Queen Mateya. In these parts there was a terrible drought.The queen was informed by her messengers of the powerful Queen of Modjadji (the one that controls rain). Queen Mateya decided she should seek out the Queen of Modjadji to ask her to bring them rain so that her people should suffer no more. Queen Mateya commanded her work-smiths to make the most exquisite necklace that she would give as a gift to the Rain Queen. Upon Queen Mateya’s journey through the wild lands of Africa to find the Rain Queen (there was no email or internet let alone telephones then) she set up camp in the area now known as the Madikwe and built a kraal from stone and other materials she found in the area.After many months Queen Mateya found the Queen of Modjadji and presented her with the exquisite jewel encrusted necklace. She then left on the long journey back to her kingdom. The rains had already begun in her kingdom, the fields were rejuvenated and Queen Mateya’s people were happy once again. Unfortunately the legend goes that Queen Mateya never made it back to her people, and the Queen of Modjadji was never relayed the information of the wonderful life saving rain she had created. Mateya Safari Lodge now stands testament to this legend, built essentially from materials found in the Madikwe reserve by a most caring, kind, and ecologically sensitive team of individuals. It is here that guests will find the very essence of nature.

Madikwe Reserve boasts among the best array of plains game on the continent and over 350 species of birds.
Guests to the lodge can expect to encounter the Super 7 – Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Rhino (Black and White) and Wild Dog.Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, guests can venture on game drives in custom-built 4x4 vehicles, or track on guided walking safaris through the reserve. The Xoi San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari were considered to be masters in the art of tracking. Specialist rangers and trackers at Mateya offer guests a similar experience, opening the door onto a unique wildlife encounter. Guests 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,  rangers will also enlighten guests with the cultural heritage of tracking, as passed down over the centuries through the rich aural tradition of African Folk Lore. Each excursion will be planned around guests’ specific interests, thereby ensuring guests enjoy the full value of fulfilling their ideal safari experience.

The oldest exposed rocks on the reserve are estimated at around 2630 million years old, calculated using radiometric dating.Inselberg hills (rock formations that rise abruptly from the surrounding plains, and are often dome shaped) are scattered throughout the reserve. The formation of these hills, referred to as the Gabbro, coincided with a remarkable process in the history of South Africa, which was coming to its end about 200km away from the present site of the reserve.

ROOMS

The 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.

DINING

Mateya’s chefs delight in the pleasure of preparing only the finest cuisine. Committed to satisfying the desires of the guests palate, their wholesome and sumptuous creations will seduce guests with the textures and flavours of the African bush. Special requests and dietary requirements will be catered for with culinary relish and skill.

FACILITIES

• Swimming Pool
• Parking
• Wellness and Spa Facilities
• Wedding Facilities
• Conference Facilities
• Gift Shop
• Laundry Service
• Library
• Children of all ages welcome
• Game Drives
• Walking Safaris
• Wine Cellar