Mateya Safari Lodge, South Africa Luxury Safari Tours and Travel Packages

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Drawing inspiration from across the continent, the lodge is a perfect fusion of diverse influences, providing unique insight into Africa’s many varied and beautiful cultures. As a special feature of its African heritage, Mateya exhibits one of the world’s finest collections of African art, with each piece hand-selected for its unique and enduring appeal. The Mateya library comprises important titles of African literature dating back to the turn of the nineteenth century. Added to which, works by some of the world’s most esteemed writers, all of whom have been captivated by the beauty of Africa, provide a wealth of insight into the land, people and wildlife of this sprawling, ancient continent.

The moment you pass through the ancient Zanzibar Elephant Doors you have entered the world of Mateya.

Mateya is designed for the discerning traveler, offering a graceful fusion of relaxed comfort in a beautiful setting. The lodge caters for a maximum of ten guests. As such, you are assured exclusivity, privacy and the very highest standards of personal care and attention at all times.

Nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, the lodge, comprising dining, lounge, and relaxation areas, provides a high elevation, uninterrupted view of the reserve. The suites are arranged in a radial configuration around one of the hills, each with a private, rim-flow pool deck and natural window sala overlooking the waterhole and plains.

Reception

The Reception, beautifully decorated with original artworks, leads out onto a deck with a view of the reserve and surrounding escarpment.

Rare delights of exceptional craftsmanship and skill are to be found among the wide range of gifts and memorabilia on display in the Curio Boutique.

The lodge consists of five individually designed luxury air-conditioned thatched suites. Each suite blends with its natural surroundings and offers uninterrupted views of the waterhole and plains. Guests can enjoy a balance of sophistication and comfort, in total privacy and harmony with nature, savouring the rare pleasure of their very own secluded slice of Africa.

It is at Mateya that the unique fusion of diverse African heritage is drawn together with the utmost finesse and style. Guests with a thirst for an unsurpassed blend of beauty, discerning taste and cultural delights can relax and indulge in inspiration drawn from every corner of the continent. In celebration of a rich history of diversity and the untamed beauty to which the lodge is home, Mateya has acquired one of the world’s finest collections of art from throughout the continent. Each piece purposefully chosen for the way in which its canvas captivates a vibrant feel for Africa. Proudly, Mateya is home to 21 original paintings by Paul Augustinus for whom the vast landscapesand abundance of wildlife have been an emotive inspiration. Nothing quite captivates the vitality and exhilaration of the wild like Robert Glen’s magnificent bronze sculpture of an agile lioness attempting to bring down a leaping impala – “Near Miss”. Adding to the allure of this piece, Mateya also boasts several exquisite bronze sculptures by Dylan Lewis.

Only the finest homegrown ingredients go into each and every meal, prepared to delight the palate with a harmony of flavours and textures true to the African spirit.

You may want to marvel at the canopy of stars on a clear night, whilst dining on the rim-flow pool deck of your suite. For a wilder culinary experience, submerge yourself in the glory of the African night skies as you dine beneath the clear glow of a galaxy of stars while the roar of an open-air fire core ensures your comfort. Mateya will invite you to a royal feast and a demonstration of expert culinary skills. With the freshestproduce offered straight from the earth and the finest cuisine you will find your palate transported on a journey of African fusion and gastronomic delight.

Lingering flavours of the palate may be sampled from the extensive assortment of wines housed in the cool atmosphere of the Mateya Cellar.

An impressive collection of both esteemed local and rare French wines and champagnes make up the cellar’s 8 000 bottles of indulgence that lie chaste, waiting to be hand picked by Mateya guests as an accompaniment to their dining. Our brandy and cigar corner is the perfect conclusion to a pristine Mateya dining experience.

The library is home to an invaluably rare collection of works of African literature dating back to the turn of the 19th century. In quiet seclusion guests are able to immerse themselves in the rich past of this land and relive the splendour unique to Africa through the captivated eyes of superbly talented authors. Should you wish there is also a surround sound plasma screen audiovisual console. Guests may enjoy an afternoon viewing wildlife programs from the DVD collection or television if they so please.

When business calls guests have the facility to host meetings in the unique Mateya Bush Boardroom. A business ‘pow wow’ in the heart of the African bush with the magnificent scenery of Mateya Safari Lodge all around is sure to inspire creative and lateral thought. The Bush Boardroom is complete with personal computer and ISDN data facilities.

Our curio shop is full of delightful items created by skilled craftsmen. Many of the items are hand crafted by the very same artisans whose works adorn the lodge. Unique items of memorabilia are also on sale with the Mateya Safari Lodge logo emblazoned on them as a reminder of one’s African adventure in one of Africa’s most exclusive game lodges. Guests can purchase all necessary safari regalia from the boutique, as well as any conventional items that may have been forgotten, for example, film or batteries.

To bring home the renewing ambience of Mateya and the majesty of the setting, guests can be treated to a full range of pleasurable and rejuvenating body treatments by a dedicated health therapist. Relish a relaxing moment in the warm bubbles of our luxurious Jacuzzi or give way to the energetic call of the wilderness by making use of our personalised gym. Feel the freedom to take a healthy breath of Mateya magic, restoring your mind, body and soul.

Our wellness centre facilities include a well equipped cardiovascular gym, a Jacuzzi, body and facial treatments. Our therapist is of an international standard with extensive training and experience in the field.

It was Simonides who said, "Painting is silent poetry.” Today, taking a stroll through the lodge, guests can marvel at one of the world’s finest collections of African art, embodying the spirit of the continent and reflecting a plethora of cultures and artistic traditions.

Exhibiting a range of techniques, from majestic oils to life-size bronze sculptures, each piece in the Mateya collection has been individually selected for its unique and enduring appeal.

An artist experiences the world through emotions and thoughts that once rendered inspire others to feel and think in new ways. Sitting in the plush comfort of the lounge, recounting the day’s wildlife excursion, glinting in the corner of your eye the sculpture of a lioness taking a leaping impala might hint at tomorrow’s promise, and suddenly a twinkle of excitement dances in your smile.

Our concept of hospitality centres on personable and meticulous service. We believe that for you to truly benefit from your Mateya experience, your time spend in our company must elevate you to a new level of comfort and relaxation. Our staff will be available at all times to attend to your every need, there to ensure your ultimate enjoyment and satisfaction.

Wildlife and Birdlife

Guests to the lodge are assured the thrill of encountering the Super 7 – Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Rhino (Black and White) and Wild Dog, in addition to which, the Madikwe Reserve boasts among the best array of plains game on the continent and over 350 species of birds.

Game Drive

Tackling the African bush in custom-built 4x4 game drive vehicles offers guests the thrill of getting close to game and tracking over vast distances. With a maximum of four guests per drive each guest is assured the personal care and attention of our rangers who will introduce you to the intricate and wonderful features of the reserve.

Mateya’s vehicles are equipped with the following unique features:

• Day and night vision binoculars, offering excellent viewing at all times.
• Spacious pouches for books and photographic equipment.
• Shade cover and side flaps offering protection against wind and rain.
• Comfy warm blankets in case of cold weather.
• Flasks for hot coffee on those early morning excursions.
• Easy wheelchair access

Bush Walks

The Xoi San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari were considered to be masters in the art of tracking. Specialist rangers and trackers at Mateya offer you a similar experience, opening the door onto a unique wildlife encounter. You will have the pleasure and thrill of viewing animals close up, as well as have a better understanding of how nature works in perfect harmony to sustain the delicate ecosystem that continues to thrive at Mateya. Coupled with the physical journey, our rangers will also enlighten you with the cultural heritage of tracking, as passed down over the centuries through the rich aural tradition of African Folk Lore.

VH

These hotels are Virtuoso members and offer special amenities and upgrades that are ONLY available when you book with us. Our Virtuoso travel consultants will assure you incredible value and recognition on your luxury vacation.