Mata Mata Rest Camp, set in south-western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, benefits from not only a super location, but also the park's spectacular wilderness which it shares with their northern neighbours, Botswana. There is a trust set up between the two countries, making Kgalagadi Africa's first transfrontier safari park.
(Originally this Kgalagadi park was made up of two separate national parks: the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa.)
Due in part to its location, the park gets relatively few visitors, which is surprising considering it is such a great spot for game viewing. The park is renowned for its cheetah population and it is the best place in the world to see the adorable meerkats thriving amongst their native Kalahari dunes. The Kgalagadi also has strong populations of lion, wildebeest and gemsbok in the huge area that it covers (38,000km²).
Mata Mata Rest Camp, like others, is fairly basic, but this is all part of the experience. While many visitors just camp here, there are four fairly different types of chalets available with the sizes and number of beds in each different. All provide little more than the basics, and all are only available on a self-catering basis. However, this allows you lots of freedom.
With each chalet comes access to the communal cooking facilities, with all cooking and eating utensils supplied, making the whole experience lots of fun for the more adventurous!
Mata Mata Restcamp is located on the western border of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; see our Map of the Kgalagadi
Mata Mata Restcamp, while simple, is a great base from which to explore the whole of Kgalagadi park. It is perfect for small families who are adventurous with their travels and who want to spend their time game viewing and experiencing the wilderness, rather than in luxury safari camps.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
Season: Open Year Round
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.
Notes: Although the restcamp is relaxed, remember that you are on safari, and there is dangerous big game that wanders around this park – hence children should be supervised at all times
We want you to understand more about Mata Mata Rest Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Mata Mata Restcamp For the official website for South Africa's National Parks, follow this link.
