About Mateya Safari Lodge:
Located amidst the rugged Gabbro hills in the heart of the Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve, Mateya Safari Lodge promises an exclusive and sophisticated African wilderness experience for the most discerning adventure seeker. With no more than ten guests at the lodge at any one time, the team at this ultra-luxurious lodge prides itself on its attention to detail and warm hospitality.
From the moment they pass through its antique Zanzibari elephant doors, guests at this luxurious thatch and timber lodge are spellbound!
Arranged around a rocky outcrop with its elevated position offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding bushveld, Mateya is fitted with exquisite antique furniture and features beautiful bronze sculptures and original art pieces from across the continent. From the comfortable lounge and elegant, glass-walled dining area with their magnificent views, guests can take a step back in time and adjourn to the well-stocked library which houses a rare collection of African literature dating back to the turn of the 19th century. Or they can spend time browsing in the art gallery with its selection of original oil paintings, sculptures and carvings before spending time at the wellness centre where guests can indulge in a range of relaxing massages and treatments.
Guests are accommodated in five exquisitely-appointed air-conditioned thatched suites that are positioned to afford maximum privacy in a semi-circle around one of the hilltops, and designed to blend in seamlessly with the breathtaking natural surroundings. Each spacious suite features handcrafted mahogany furnishings and authentic African artwork, a beautiful en-suite bathroom with an open-air shower, a fireplace, and an elevated viewing deck with a natural window Sala and rim-flow pool from where guests can enjoy incredible views of the nearby waterhole.
Safari activities at Mateya include early morning and late afternoon game drives in custom- built 4×4 vehicles. These drives are led by experienced guides, and their talented trackers, who willingly share their knowledge of, and passion for, the African flora and fauna with their guests.With a maximum of four guests per drive they can be assured of memorable wildlife encounters that focus on individual interests.(For an even more exclusive safari encounter, Mateya does provide a two-person game drive on request).
Guided bush walks and birding safaris allow guests to enjoy the smaller things the bush has to offer whereby they can step into the fascinating world of birds, plants, insects and reptiles; and try their hand at animal tracking and spoor identification. And- for those who would like to work up a sweat in between safari activities- the well equipped lodge gym offers the ideal spot to exercise with a stunning view.
Delicious brunches and lunches are served on the lodge’s main deck while gourmet evening meals are served in the elegant dining room or on the wooden viewing deck circling the fabulous fire-pit with its spectacular views of the wilderness below. Guests can also choose to sample the lodge’s delicious cuisine in the Mateya wine cellar which offers a private and unique setting for romantic dinners, as well as an 8 000-bottle collection of local, international and French wines. Guests can also treat themselves to a select brandy, cognac or single malt whiskey, and a cigar from the humidor, as they retire after dinner to enjoy the star-filled night skies above.
In addition, delicious bush picnic lunches are served on all guided walking safaris and can be requested for full-day game drives.
Mateya’s bush boardroom which is equipped with full internet and e-mail facilities and is the perfect spot to host a meeting or connect with the outside world, if necessary, and the lodge’s gift boutique is stocked with a selection of handcrafted memorabilia, some of which has been crafted by the same artists whose work adorns the lodge, and is definitely worth a visit.
Every aspect of the lodge is designed to ensure guests enjoy a truly magnificent African safari experience – from the breath-taking location, combined with exclusive accommodation and exceptional hospitality, to the incredible wildlife encounters- Mateya Safari Lodge guarantees a getaway of a lifetime!
Rooms:
Guest accommodation at Mateya Safari Lodge consists of five luxurious, and individually designed, air-conditioned suites. Each of the secluded, thatched suites is designed to blend effortlessly into its natural surroundings and offers breathtaking views of the waterhole and surrounding plains. The spacious suites feature vaulted thatch and timber ceilings, and they are beautifully appointed with hand-crafted mahogany furnishings, and luxurious chairs and ottomans arranged near the fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. African carvings and original African artworks adorn the walls and mantlepieces, while intricately carved wooden doors and shutters add to the elegant decor. A King-size four-poster bed is draped in mosquito netting and looks out over the suite’s private deck to the surrounding bushveld. The opulent bathroom is fitted with marble-clad double vanities, an enormous bath set in marble, and a secluded open-air rock shower.Â
The suite’s private deck features a window sala with comfortable sun loungers alongside the . crystal waters of the rim-flow pool, and the views of the nearby waterhole are stunning- offering the perfect spot to enjoy sundowners while watching the animals come down to drink.
