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Mateya Safari Lodge, Madikwe | Timbuktu Travel
Madikwe

Mateya Safari Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Mateya Safari Lodge

Exclusive luxury, rich in culture and renowned for exciting game viewing.
Mateya Safari Lodge is tucked away in the secluded western section of the vast Madikwe Private Game Reserve. Accommodating just ten guests in absolute luxury, this small lodge is beautifully positioned along a dramatic rocky outcrop, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding hills and open plains. Mateya Safari Lodge is perhaps one of the more unusual exclusive getaways, with a strong focus on African art and designed to celebrate this region's rich cultural heritage. This arid part of Madikwe is renowned for excellent game viewing, with several rare species and a diversity of wildlife specially adapted to this unique ecosystem.
Madikwe , South Africa
From $1.8K per person/per night
Safari
5 Rooms
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Property details

The property

On an elevated rocky outcrop, the guest area is an opulent sprawling thatched structure, with expanses of polished stone floors, intricate mosaics and fabulous tribal artefacts from across the continent. The lounge is filled with antique furniture and beautiful original artworks, and the secluded library has a collection of rare Africana and safari memorabilia. Facilities include a gym, spa and safari shop. Meals are served in the glass-walled dining room, or out on the deck around the central fire pit.

The rooms

Five vast private suites radiate out from the main lodge along a rocky ridge, each with original African artworks, hand-crafted mahogany furniture, and lavish en-suite bathrooms with a vast central tub, elegant indoor shower and secluded outdoor shower. Luxury is top notch, with romantic four-poster beds under high thatched ceilings, a beautiful fireplace, airconditioning, and a mini-bar. A natural window sala opens onto the private deck and rim-flow plunge pool, with views over the waterhole and the surrounding wilderness.

Activities

Game drives and guided bush walks offer the chance to encounter lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Cheetah viewing is good, and this is one of the best regions to spot endangered African wild dogs. Rarities, like the pangolin, are sometimes encountered. Nature walks touch on the cultural heritage of tracking and local folklore, with fascinating Stone- and Iron Age sites scattered around the reserve. Back at the lodge, work out in the gym, or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment.
Trips

Madikwe Tours & Trips

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Grapes and game parks in South Africa
South Africa

Grapes and game parks in South Africa

12 nights from $14.2K per person

A family escape in South Africa & Mauritius
South Africa + Mauritius

A family escape in South Africa & Mauritius

12 nights from $4K per person

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How to book Mateya Safari Lodge

How do I book Mateya Safari Lodge?

Mateya Safari Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Mateya Safari Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Mateya Safari Lodge?

Stays at Mateya Safari Lodge start from around $1.8K per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Mateya Safari Lodge

South Africa

Madikwe Game Reserve

It’s easily accessible, malaria-free and you’ll spot the Big Five – what’s not to love?