Exclusive safari accommodation at Mateya Safari Lodge in the magnificent Madikwe Game Reserve, snug in the Gabbo Hills, is named after a courageous and kind queen. Today, staff at Mateya are just as courageous and kind, promising all guests the best safari experiences within this Northwest region of South Africa.
The Queen’s bronze statue stands silently and graciously in the lodge, for all to admire. Years before any of us were born, Queen Mateya set off to find help for the drought from the rain queen, Modjadji, and she never returned. But her special base camp on this mission to find the rain queen was the present Madikwe Game Reserve. And today, it offers no more than 10 guests the chance to find the Big 5 in a lavish setting.
Now, tourists want to see the wildlife and experience the unique pristine bushveld here, in 75 000 ha of premium game viewing habitat, close to the Botswana border. Only 10 guests can stay comfortably at Mateya Safari Lodge in 5 luxury suites all showcasing a different view and a diverse decor that reflects the African culture of that region.
Bold statues, ceramics, pots, mats, grass baskets and paintings seem earthy and rugged, adding a cultural value to the holiday of your dreams. All doors open out onto the deck with splash pool and undulating bushveld vistas and bathrooms have been designed for a queen with the lavish fittings, glass and mirrors all round.
The main lodge promises world class standards of service, facilities and décor, all in the ethnic style radiating an aura of that Stone age and that mythical queen who went to find the rain. It is like an art museum, Dylan Lewis sculptures everywhere and the original paintings by Paul Augustinus who recorded wild animals in utter perfection.
The library is like a museum of ancient books, collectables, depicting the stories of Africa and South Africa as well as excellent African literature from the turn of the 19th century.
From feeding the intelligence and visual creativity to feeding the physical requirements of the soul – head to the wellness centre for a cardio gym workout and a facial or skin treatment plus deep tissue massage. Reflexology therapy and health check-ups complete the holistic rewards at the spa.
This top notch Madikwe Game Reserve Lodge supersedes any expectations guests may have en route to their dream safari. It takes the breath away and adds immense value to your game drives, bush walks and all the other activities you choose in nature.
It is about a pampering serenity and an immersion in an African culture that was here way before any environmental changes that made Madikwe what it is today. So, Madkiwe has chosen to reflect and celebrate this Africanism in its accommodation, décor and accessories.
Here is a lodge that does not disappoint any guest and it is in a malaria free zone. Mateya Safari Lodge is a very unique, intimate, special safari destination in South Africa and all visitors feel as if they are part of the family. No one needs to go far from private plunge pools to see rhino, elephant, baboon, zebra, and other wildlife!
On game drives, it is rare to even come across other vehicles and one advantage of going out at 5.15 am for a morning game drive and getting back about 8.30 is that guests have plenty of time to relax and enjoy their suite facilities before going out again after 4 pm.
Mateya is definitely up there with the best of them. Originally built as a personal residence, for a woman who later decided to open it up as a lodge, all of the personal touches you’d expect in someone’s home are still there. It’s unique, bold and the main sitting area has an incredible collection of art that could keep you busy all day!
The food is excellent, decadent buffet brunches and dinners in different locations every day – one of which is the romantic wine cellar. This is by far the most engaging and enjoyable safari experience in this part of Africa!
PER PERSON SHARING PER NIGHT