Hides and Waterholes
Matamba has four waterholes, a thatched hide and a viewing deck built 2 metres off the ground. Latte benches are also situated at various vantage points all over the farm.
Rock Waterhole
Rock Waterhole is a short five minute walk from Tau camp, it is a lovely little waterhole built into, and incorperating a rocky outcrop. It is a very busy area and there is always animal activity in the vicinity. The waterhole is allowed to overflow, creating a muddy wallow very popular with Warthog and Bushpig. There is also a resident brown Hyena who visits most nights. A latte bench is situated near the waterhole, an ideal place to sit and watch the world go by.
Kibu Hide
Kibu Hide is built into a huge Wild Syringa tree, it is two meters off the ground and overlooks Zebra plains, and a small waterhole. The game is attracted to the short sweet grass of the plain, which makes Kibu Hide is a lovely spot to spend a few hours. Mara's Camp is 150m from this hide, and Tau Camp an easy twenty minute walk.
Ndege Hide
Ndege Hide is situated on the lower part of the farm, overlooking a beautiful natural spring. It is a thatch building and raised on stilts. Comfortable chairs make this a very worthwhile stop. The mesh on the windows can be raised for better viewing. Eland, Warthog and Kudu are often found around this hide. One of the Sable herds have settled into the woodland around Ndege and are regular visitors. Weaver colonies hang in the trees and their bustling activity is lovely to watch. Kingfishers are also regularly seen bombing into the waterhole in search of prey. A pair of Caracal frequent this area and their spoor is often found at the waters edge.
Matamba Plains
Matamba plains and waterhole is midway between Tau and Mara's camp. It features part of an old runway and a large bush cleared area. The short sweet grass attracts a large variety of animals all year round, and all times of the day. There are magnificent views onto the surrounding mountains. Halfway down the runway another bench is situated, also a perfect place to spend some time enjoying the peace and tranquility that only the bush can offer.
Leopard Rock
Leopard Rock can be found towards the bottom end of Matamba below Mara’s camp. You’ll see it about mid way through the Brown Hyena walk. It’s a lovely seated area overlooking a rocky outcrop. Keep an eye out for leopard spoor - you might be lucky!
Sable Rock
This rocky outcrop is less than a kilomenter from Tau Camp which makes it an easy walk particularly if you have children with you. It’s one of the bigger rocky formations on an otherwise sandy Matamba and it often has a Sable or two wondering around it.
Lone Tree Plain
Lone Tree Plain is half way between Mara’s camp and Ndege Hide so it makes for a lovely stop if you’re planning to walk towards the bottom end of Matamba. Aptly named, it has a majestic tree features in the centre and a bench to relax on. It’s not unusual to see Eland, Zebra and Wildibeest walking past. If you take a careful look up some of the trees you may also spot a resident Leguan who has made this spot his home.
Eland Plain
This is one of the Eland’s faviourte spots - you’ll often see them wondering through here or licking the salt blocks. An easy walk from Mara and also part of both the Brown Hyena and Leguan walking trails, there is a bench for you to quietly relax on while you watch them go by.