What are the check in and out times?
You can check in any time from 12:00 but please note the gate gets locked from 19:00 so please ensure you arrive before then. We ask all guests to check out before 10:00 (from the campsites) or 11:00 (from the lodge) on the day they plan to depart.
How do I check into the campsite?
How do I check into the Lodge?
Where can I get supplies?
There is a Spar supermarket and bottle store in Vaalwater as you turn onto the R33, this is about 23km from Matamba’s entrance. You can get most food and drinks here and can also stop off at the cafe and curio store which are across from the parking area.
Where can I get wood?
Please note there is no collection of firewood on Matamba due to the impact this would have on the micro and macro ecology of the area. It disrupts the natural cycle and deprives termites of food which in turn affects animals preying on these insects like aardvark. Hardwood (which we get from an external supplier) can be purchased at the campsite. We advise bringing firelighters along (which can be bought at Spar) to get your fire started.
Can I drink the water on Matamba?
Yes - Matamba’s water all comes from the boreholes on the property and has been tested to ensure it’s fit for human consumption. It is borehole water though so does have a slightly earthy taste.
Can I drive on Matamba?
You can drive to your campsite or the lodge but thereafter there is no driving on the property until you leave. This is to ensure the game is not disturbed and so everyone can walk, hike and cycle freely.
Can I play music?
We ask all guests not to play any music so everyone can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush and wildlife around them.
Will I have hot water?
Yes - all of our bathrooms have gas geysers so will have hot water for all of your showers. Please note you need to turn on the hot tap to ignite a gas geyser and only adjust with the cold water.
Can I bring my pet along?
Unfortunately we can’t allow pets because all of Matamba’s sites are unfenced and our wildlife wander freely between and through the camps.
Do you have mobile signal on Matamba?
Yes, we have MTN coverage over most of Matamba, however this is decreased or sometimes becomes unavailable during load shedding. We also get limited Vodacom signal close to our main gate.
What is your cancellation policy?
We offer a full refund (minus 10% processing fee) for any cancellation made more than 30 days prior to arrival
Can I move my booking?
Yes, provided you give us 30 days notice we’ll move your booking once to your new preferred dates.
Do you have a minimum booking policy for weekends?
Yes, over weekends we have the following policies in place for each site:
Tau - minimum of 2 people for 2 nights over weekends
Mara - minimum of 4 people for 2 nights over weekends
Weaver - no minimum requirements
Do you have a minimum booking policy for public holidays?
Yes, over public holidays/long weekends we have the following policies in place for each site:
Tau - minimum of 2 people for 3 nights or 4 nights over Easter weekend
Mara - minimum of 4 people for 3 nights or 4 nights over Easter weekend
Weaver - no minimum requirements
Do you offer discounts?
We have discounts in place for group and weekday bookings at our campsite.
15% discount offered on weekday bookings (between Sunday evening and Friday morning). Excludes public holidays.
Tau camp: 50% off for each additional camper over 6 adults (or equivalent)
Mara camp: 50% off for each additional camper over 8 adults (or equivalent)
Do you offer a discount to pensioners?
Yes, pensioners get a 15% discount if they book on weekdays (between Sunday evening and Friday morning)
Is it safe to walk around?
Absolutely - we don’t have any dangerous game (like Buffalo or Lions) on Matamba and we have a number of trails set up for walkers and cyclists. The game we do have are all very tame but the are still wild so it’s important that you don’t get too close.
Do I need to worry about Malaria?
No - Matamba is in a malaria free area.
Do I need to worry about biting insects?
We do get mosquitos and ticks in the summer so it’s advisable to bring along some insect repellant.
Are you worried about fires?
During the dry winter months there is a very high fire risk so we ask guests not to leave fires unattended and to extinguish them before going to bed, for a walk or a cycle.