Mata Mata Rest Camp: Our full report
Immediately beside the Namibian border, in South Africa's section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mata ...
... Mata Rest Camp is one of this park's three original restcamps. Like the others, it offers fairly simple self-catering accommodation – with all the kit for cooking provided and a shop on site – and hence affordable access to this spectacular wilderness.Originally the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was made up of two separate national parks: Botswana's Gemsbok National Park, and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa – which never had any fences between them. In 2000 these two countries, facilitated by the Peace Parks Foundation, combined the management of the park to create Africa's first transfrontier park: the Kgalagadi.
This 38,000km² park is set up for self-drive visitors; this is by far the easiest way to visit. One Expert Africa team member visited it as early as 1989, and the park's essential character has remained fairly unchanged since then. Due to its relatively remote location, distant from most major towns, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park gets relatively few visitors – making the place all the more of a pleasure from those who do come here. Amongst its other game, the park has a thriving cheetah population, strong populations of lion, wildebeest and gemsbok, and is probably the best place in the world to see meerkats thriving amongst their native Kalahari dunes.
The original Mata Mata Rest Camp has always been fairly basic, and whilst it was given a facelift in 2009, it remains fairly simple by the standards of most modern safari lodges. (This is generally viewed as hugely positive for many of its visitors, of course.) While many visitors choose to camp here, there are 13 chalets, which differ in size and amenities. All are self-catering.
- Each of the original chalets now comes with an en-suite bathroom with separate toilet and shower, one or two bedrooms, a kitchenette kitted out with fridge/freezer and all cooking and eating utensils; and outside barbecue facilities. Towels and bed linen are provided.
- Ten brand new thatched chalets overlooking the dry riverbed are more modern in style, and include air conditioning, satellite television, a fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, a lounge and a patio with barbecue facilities.
The restcamp also incorporates a small shop selling basic food items, a game hide overlooking the dry Auob river, a swimming pool and a very useful fuel station.
Note that there is a border crossing between Namibia and South Africa, beside the camp. This was closed for many years from around the 1990s, but opened again in 2007. The Kgaladai's authorities are at pains to point out that this crossing is for tourist use only. This can mean day-drips into the park from the Namibian side, but more usually means visitors crossing into the park in order to stay in it. Thus the rules expect tourists who wish to use this crossing post to have confirmed accommodation for a minimum two nights within the park. Note that Kgalagadi Park's only full passport control post on the South African side is Twee Rivieren.
Our view
Mata Mata Restcamp stands at the edge of a massive wildlife reserve which is under-rated and under-visited. However, like most of the places in the Kgalagadi, it is best suited to slightly more adventurous safari-goers who know, from experience, that they enjoy pure self-drive trips. It's a good (although never luxurious) base from which to explore the park – best combined with at least two of the Kgalagadi's other camps. Note that accommodation here, like most places in the park, is often booked up well in advance – so book early if you possibly can.
Country manager: South Africa
Geographics
- Location
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park can't really be fully appreciated in a short stay. To avoid disappointment, a stay of at least four nights is recommended (and preferably 5-7 nights), split between Mata Mata, Twee Rivieren or Nossob. Perhaps consider adding in one of the new wilderness camps: Grootkolk Camp, Kalahari Tented Camp or Bitterpan Camp.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The fenced, simple Mata Mata is one of the few camps in the Kgalagadi without any age restrictions. Whilst self-catering here will appeal to those on a tight budget on their family safari holidays in South Africa, others might miss a restaurant.
- See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
- Birdwatching
- As part of a birding trip to South Africa the Kglagadi Transfrontier Park offers the chance to see 264 species of bird. Both resident and migrant species can be found here, and it is also great for raptors.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa
- Wildlife safaris
- These days the number of visitors to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is increasing, especially from South Africa. However, they are still relatively low, especially in comparison to places like Kruger – making it a fantastic place for game viewing without the crowds.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Mata Mata Camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Although the restcamp is relaxed and fenced, remember that you are on safari, and that dangerous big game wanders around this park – hence children should be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mata Mata Rest Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mata Mata Rest Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
67% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There are no telephones or cellphone reception at Mata Mata.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The closest hospital is in Upington.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
- Each chalet is equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Activities
4WD Safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry tubs and ironing facilities (no iron) are available.
- Money
- There are no electronic safes in the chalets and no currency exchange is possible.
- Accepted payment on location
- There are no debit/credit card facilities at the shop or fuel station.
Other lodges in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Twee Rivieren
The Kgalagadi's largest restcamp, Twee Rivieren is the centre for the park's administration, and an obvious stop for food and fuel for self-driving visitors.
Kalahari Tented Camp
Kalahari Tented Camp, with self-catering accommodation, is an unusual and well positioned base for exploration of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Ta Shebube Rooiputs
One of just three private lodges in the Kgalagadi, Ta Shebube Rooiputs offers a well-appointed base from where you can explore this delightful National Park.
Nossob Rest Camp
A basic but very well positioned rest camp within the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Simple self-catering accommodation is available as well as camping options
Gharagab Camp
Gharagab Wilderness Camp is located in a remote corner of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is wonderful if you like wilderness areas. However, access takes time - so it's not the best base for exploring the park.
Bitterpan Camp
Bitterpan is a basic self-catering camp in the Kgalagadi's central dune-field; it suits experienced self-drivers comfortable with remote travel.
Grootkolk Camp
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp has quirky sand-bag self-catering accommodation and simple amenities, offering a comfortable place to stay while exploring the north western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge mixes guided wildlife safaris with very good community interactions, suiting those who prefer not to drive and cater for themselves.
Ta Shebube Polentswa
Although accessed via South Africa, Ta Shebube Polentswa is situated just across the border, in a private concession on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Urikaruus Camp
Urikaruus is one of the most popular wilderness camps in the Kgalagadi National Park with lovely riverside cabins set high up on stilts overlooking the Auob riverbed.
Kielie Krankie Camp
Perched high atop a huge red sand dune, the small Kielie Krankie wilderness camp it is well positioned for accessing both east and west sides of the Kgalagadi National Park.
Molopo Lodge
Less than an hours' drive from the Kgalagadi, this makes a good base near to the park if you're arriving late in the afternoon.
The Motse at Tswalu
Tswalu Motse is a smart lodge located in the Tswalu Game Reserve, the largest private reserve in South Africa.
