About Mata Mata Rest Camp
Immediately beside the Namibian border, in South Africa's section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mata ...
... Mata Rest Camp is one of this park's three original restcamps. Like the others, it offers fairly simple self-catering accommodation – with all the kit for cooking provided and a shop on site – and hence affordable access to this spectacular wilderness.
Mata Mata Restcamp stands at the edge of a massive wildlife reserve which is under-rated and under-visited. However, like most of the places in the Kgalagadi, it is best suited to slightly more adventurous safari-goers who know, from experience, that they enjoy pure self-drive trips. It's a good (although never luxurious) base from which to explore the park – best combined with at least two of the Kgalagadi's other camps. Note that accommodation here, like most places in the park, is often booked up well in advance – so book early if you possibly can.
Our view
Mata Mata Restcamp stands at the edge of a massive wildlife reserve which is under-rated and under-visited. However, like most of the places in the Kgalagadi, it is best suited to slightly more adventurous safari-goers who know, from experience, that they enjoy pure self-drive trips. It's a good (although never luxurious) base from which to explore the park – best combined with at least two of the Kgalagadi's other camps. Note that accommodation here, like most places in the park, is often booked up well in advance – so book early if you possibly can.
Country manager: South Africa
Accommodation
13 chalets
Children
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Traveller reviews of Mata Mata Rest Camp
15 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 8 pictures of Mata Mata Rest Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryMata Mata Rest Camp: Our full report
Immediately beside the Namibian border, in South Africa's section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mata ...
... Mata Rest Camp is one of this park's three original restcamps. Like the others, it offers fairly simple self-catering accommodation – with all the kit for cooking provided and a shop on site – and hence affordable access to this spectacular wilderness.
Originally the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was made up of two separate national parks: Botswana's Gemsbok National Park, and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa – which never had any fences between them. In 2000 these two countries, facilitated by the Peace Parks Foundation, combined the management of the park to create Africa's first transfrontier park: the Kgalagadi.
This 38,000km² park is set up for self-drive visitors; this is by far the easiest way to visit. One Expert Africa team member visited it as early as 1989, and the park's essential character has remained fairly unchanged since then. Due to its relatively remote location, distant from most major towns, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park gets relatively few visitors – making the place all the more of a pleasure from those who do come here. Amongst its other game, the park has a thriving cheetah population, strong populations of lion, wildebeest and gemsbok, and is probably the best place in the world to see meerkats thriving amongst their native Kalahari dunes.
The original Mata Mata Rest Camp has always been fairly basic, and whilst it was given a facelift in 2009, it remains fairly simple by the standards of most modern safari lodges. (This is generally viewed as hugely positive for many of its visitors, of course.) While many visitors choose to camp here, there are 13 chalets, which differ in size and amenities. All are self-catering.
- Each of the original chalets now comes with an en-suite bathroom with separate toilet and shower, one or two bedrooms, a kitchenette kitted out with fridge/freezer and all cooking and eating utensils; and outside barbecue facilities. Towels and bed linen are provided.
- Ten brand new thatched chalets overlooking the dry riverbed are more modern in style, and include air conditioning, satellite television, a fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, a lounge and a patio with barbecue facilities.
The restcamp also incorporates a small shop selling basic food items, a game hide overlooking the dry Auob river, a swimming pool and a very useful fuel station.
Note that there is a border crossing between Namibia and South Africa, beside the camp. This was closed for many years from around the 1990s, but opened again in 2007. The Kgaladai's authorities are at pains to point out that this crossing is for tourist use only. This can mean day-drips into the park from the Namibian side, but more usually means visitors crossing into the park in order to stay in it. Thus the rules expect tourists who wish to use this crossing post to have confirmed accommodation for a minimum two nights within the park. Note that Kgalagadi Park's only full passport control post on the South African side is Twee Rivieren.
Geographics
- Location
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
- 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.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The fenced, simple Mata Mata is one of the few camps in the Kgalagadi without any age restrictions. Whilst self-catering here will appeal to those on a tight budget on their family safari holidays in South Africa, others might miss a restaurant.
- See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
- Birdwatching safaris
- As part of a birding trip to South Africa the Kglagadi Transfrontier Park offers the chance to see 264 species of bird. Both resident and migrant species can be found here, and it is also great for raptors.
- See ideas for Birdwatching safaris in South Africa
- Wildlife safaris
- These days the number of visitors to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is increasing, especially from South Africa. However, they are still relatively low, especially in comparison to places like Kruger – making it a fantastic place for game viewing without the crowds.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Mata Mata Camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Although the restcamp is relaxed and fenced, remember that you are on safari, and that dangerous big game wanders around this park – hence children should be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mata Mata Rest Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mata Mata Rest Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
67% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There are no telephones or cellphone reception at Mata Mata.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The closest hospital is in Upington.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
- Each chalet is equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Activities
4WD Safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry tubs and ironing facilities (no iron) are available.
- Money
- There are no electronic safes in the chalets and no currency exchange is possible.
- Accepted payment on location
- There are no debit/credit card facilities at the shop or fuel station.
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Mata Mata Rest Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mata Mata Rest Camp.
Other lodges in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Twee Rivieren
The Kgalagadi's largest restcamp, Twee Rivieren is the centre for the park's administration, and an obvious stop for food and fuel for self-driving visitors.
Kalahari Tented Camp
Kalahari Tented Camp, with self-catering accommodation, is an unusual and well positioned base for exploration of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Ta Shebube Rooiputs
One of just three private lodges in the Kgalagadi, Ta Shebube Rooiputs offers a well-appointed base from where you can explore this delightful National Park.
Nossob Rest Camp
A basic but very well positioned rest camp within the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Simple self-catering accommodation is available as well as camping options
Gharagab Camp
Gharagab Wilderness Camp is located in a remote corner of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is wonderful if you like wilderness areas. However, access takes time - so it's not the best base for exploring the park.
Bitterpan Camp
Bitterpan is a basic self-catering camp in the Kgalagadi's central dune-field; it suits experienced self-drivers comfortable with remote travel.
Grootkolk Camp
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp has quirky sand-bag self-catering accommodation and simple amenities, offering a comfortable place to stay while exploring the north western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge mixes guided wildlife safaris with very good community interactions, suiting those who prefer not to drive and cater for themselves.
Ta Shebube Polentswa
Although accessed via South Africa, Ta Shebube Polentswa is situated just across the border, in a private concession on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Urikaruus Camp
Urikaruus is one of the most popular wilderness camps in the Kgalagadi National Park with lovely riverside cabins set high up on stilts overlooking the Auob riverbed.
Kielie Krankie Camp
Perched high atop a huge red sand dune, the small Kielie Krankie wilderness camp it is well positioned for accessing both east and west sides of the Kgalagadi National Park.
Molopo Lodge
Less than an hours' drive from the Kgalagadi, this makes a good base near to the park if you're arriving late in the afternoon.
The Motse at Tswalu
Tswalu Motse is a smart lodge located in the Tswalu Game Reserve, the largest private reserve in South Africa.
When to go to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mata Mata Rest Camp in Kgalagadi Transfrontier 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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