An absolute gem in Madikwe Private Reserve, South Africa
Madikwe is a relatively new malaria-free game reserve, established in 1991. Madikwe Game Reserve is home to 66 large mammal species including the Big Five and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species. It is one of South Africa’s largest game reserves.
So why go to Madikwe?
Because it’s malaria-free year-round, so no dealing with malaria meds.
And, if you don’t feel like flying, it is reachable by car from Joburg, a 3.5 to 4 hour drive.
Note: You can also take the 40 min flight from Joburg to the local airstrip.
And if you have already gone to Kruger and Sabi Sands, this is a new and very different looking corner of SA you may want to explore.
Mateya Safari Lodge, named after the legendary African Queen Mateya, offers a graceful fusion of relaxed comfort in a beautiful setting. The lodge accommodates a maximum of ten guests (5 suites in total). You are assured exclusivity, privacy and the very highest standards of personal care and attention.
Nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, Mateya Safari Lodge has dining, lounge, and relaxation areas amidst a high elevation and an uninterrupted view of the Madikwe Game Reserve. A watering hole that attracts plenty of game is easily seen right from the deck.
The suites are arranged around one of the hills, each suite with a private, rim-flow pool deck and natural window sala overlooking the waterhole or surrounding plains. The scene is breathtakingly beautiful, the game is plentiful, and the comfort is unsurpassed.
The suites are huge with enormous bathrooms, with double sinks and vanities, a double indoor shower as well as an outdoor shower and a huge soaking tub and Moulton Brown toiletries. There is plenty of storage and electrical outlets in each suite, and a full complimentary minibar (alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages) as well as coffee and tea set up.
A very unique feature here is an 8,000 bottle wine cellar which can accommodate special private dinners and the ‘Fire Core’ which serves as their boma for outdoor dinners.
I loved all the small details such as locally handmade menu cards at dinner (nice enough to bring home as a souvenir!), the correct adaptor plugs in your room, china service even at breakfast and real milk in your minifridge for tea and coffee, and a safari story (‘Why the leopard has spots”) with a sweet at turndown.
I also appreciated the eclectic African art collection amassed by the owner and spread throughout the property.
Take a look below at my room tour!
The food and drink were wonderful but it was the warm and genuine hospitality of the staff that truly made my stay here so enjoyable. Kudos to Werner and Christine and Michelle at front of house, and our guide Morne for great game viewing (wild dogs!) that all added up to a wonderful stay.
*SPECIAL CLIENT PERK*
Our clients enjoy a complimentary massage for two during their stay here
Questions about a stay at Mateya Safari lodge?
Email me at denise@luxurytraveladventures.com
