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Camp Matyholweni

About Camp Matyholweni

Camp Matyholweni, which means ‘in the bush’ in Xhosa, can be found in the Colchester section of South Africa’s ...

... Addo Elephant Park, approximately 45-minutes’ drive south of Addo Main Camp. It is close to the beach at the Sunday's River Mouth. Shops, a restaurant and a fuel station are nearby in the coastal town of Colchester. Camp Matyholweni makes a good stop-over for visitors as they come to and from the main wildlife area of Addo National Park in their own vehicles.

Although we haven’t stayed at Camp Matyholweni yet, we are confident that it’s a decent restcamp at which to sleep, and we’ve had very positive reviews about it from our travellers. Most visitors will use it as a base from where to explore Addo Elephant Park’s main wildlife section, rather than staying in the area directly around the camp, as there is more game further north.

Our view

Although we haven’t stayed at Camp Matyholweni yet, we are confident that it’s a decent restcamp at which to sleep, and we’ve had very positive reviews about it from our travellers. Most visitors will use it as a base from where to explore Addo Elephant Park’s main wildlife section, rather than staying in the area directly around the camp, as there is more game further north.

Tracy Lederer

Tracy Lederer

Country manager: South Africa

Accommodation

12 cottages

Children

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Camp Matyholweni

1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
1 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
1
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs BfromBeds

Arrived 20 Nov 2009, 2 nights

"Little thatched cottage in Addo"

"The accomodation was lovely with veranda to sit outdoors on but view was spoiled …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Camp Matyholweni reviews

Camp Matyholweni: Our full report

Camp Matyholweni, which means ‘in the bush’ in Xhosa, can be found in the Colchester section of South Africa’s ...

... Addo Elephant Park, approximately 45-minutes’ drive south of Addo Main Camp. It is close to the beach at the Sunday's River Mouth. Shops, a restaurant and a fuel station are nearby in the coastal town of Colchester. Camp Matyholweni makes a good stop-over for visitors as they come to and from the main wildlife area of Addo National Park in their own vehicles.

Until now, nobody of the Expert Africa team has stayed overnight at Camp Matyholweni, but we drove past to get at least an impression of the camp and have had very positive reviews by several of our travellers. That said, here is what we know about Matyholweni Camp:

The camp opened in 2004 and consists of nine standard cottages and three family cottages. Each of the cottages has a kitchenette with bar-fridge, 2-plate stove, microwave oven, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. There are no air-conditions but fans.

Each of the nine standard cottages can accommodate a maximum of two persons. Each has two single beds, a bathroom with shower, toilet and hand basin. Two of these cottages have been designed to be accessible for disabled travellers.

Each of the three family cottages sleeps up to two adults, each on a single bed, plus one child on a sleeper couch – all in the cottage’s main dining/living/sleeping area (ie: there’s no separate bedroom). There is a separate shower, toilet and hand basin.

Activities around Camp Matyholweni are entirely up to the visitor; there are no guided activities organised by the rangers at this small restcamp. Most travellers will use this as a stopover, or a base for a self-drive safaris in Addo Park.

For a relaxed day on the beach, head to the Sundays River Mouth. Or consider river cruises or canoe trail offered by private operators in Colchester.


Note that this area close to Camp Matyholweni – the Colchester section of the park – is separated from the areas of the park further north. It hasn’t had many elephants for some years, but their reintroduction to this park section, along with buffalo, eland and red hartebeest, has started in 2009. Animals that have long had populations here include kudu, bushbuck, bush pig, the flightless dung beetle and duiker. Bird enthusiasts might appreciate occasional sightings of the Stanley's bustard.

Geographics

Location
Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
Directions
Just 3km off the N2 highway, Camp Matyholweni is easily accessible by self-drive. It's about a 45-minute drive from Addo Main Camp. It has got its own entrance near Colchester or can alternatively be accessed through Addo Park’s game area.

The main wildlife viewing area of Addo Elephant Park can be accessed via the 39km road linking Addo Main Camp with Camp Matyholweni. Please note that the gate between these two sections closes at 5:30pm. Furthermore, since busses and caravans aren’t allowed to use this road, they will have to drive on public roads directly to Addo Main Camp.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Room Only
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
There is an open air braai area at the camp.
Food can be bought in Colchester Town, which is only a couple of kilometres from the camp. You will also find some restaurants there.

Children

Attitude towards children

Communications

Power supply notes
Like most accommodation options in Addo National Park, Camp Matyholweni possesses plug points at a 220V electricity supply. Note that international adaptors cannot be provided by the camp.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Fire safety

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    Laundry facilities
    A full laundry service is available at an extra cost at Matyholweni Camp.
    Money
    The nearest ATM machines are located in the nearby town of Colchester.

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    Camp Matyholweni's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Camp Matyholweni.


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    When to go to Addo Elephant National Park

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Camp Matyholweni in Addo Elephant National Park


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    South Africa in January

    January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

    As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

    • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
    • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
    • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
    • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
    • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in January

    South Africa in February

    In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

    The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

    For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

    • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
    • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
    • Slightly less busy than December & January
    • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in February

    South Africa in March

    March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

    The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

    Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

    Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

    • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
    • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
    • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
    • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
    • Accommodation can get busy during major events

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in March

    South Africa in April

    April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

    In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

    The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

    • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
    • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
    • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
    • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in April

    South Africa in May

    May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

    Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

    With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

    • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
    • Day time temperatures drop significantly
    • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
    • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
    • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in May

    South Africa in June

    Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

    The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

    June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

    In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

    Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

    • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
    • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Whales start arriving to have their calves
    • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
    • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in June

    South Africa in July

    The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

    Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

    By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

    At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

    • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
    • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Oyster festival in Knysna
    • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
    • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in July

    South Africa in August

    While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

    The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

    Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

    Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

    • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
    • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
    • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Whales continue to attract visitors
    • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in August

    South Africa in September

    Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

    The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
    Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

    Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

    • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
    • Whale festival in Hermanus
    • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
    • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
    • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in September

    South Africa in October

    The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

    October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

    The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

    • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
    • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
    • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
    • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
    • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    South Africa in November

    By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

    The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

    This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

    • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
    • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
    • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
    • Last month for regular whale sightings
    • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in November

    South Africa in December

    December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

    The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

    The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

    Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

    • Long, hot sunny days
    • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
    • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
    • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
    • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in December

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