Matatane Camp invites guests to embrace a rustic yet comfortable “back to basics” bush experience that captures the essence of the African wilderness. Spread across 130 hectares of stunning, malaria-free wilderness, the camp is safely enclosed, ensuring a risk-free encounter with dangerous game. Guests can immerse themselves in a range of activities, including exhilarating walking trails, obstacle courses, and the not-to-be-missed multi-platform zipline, offering awe-inspiring views of the majestic White Umfolozi River and its diverse wildlife, from graceful zebras and wildebeests to elegant impalas and kudus, accompanied by a chorus of vibrant bird species.
Whether gathering under a starlit canopy around the campfire in the traditional boma for a memorable South African braai or venturing through the pristine wilderness, discovering the abundant flora and fauna along the way, Matatane Camp promises an authentic bush experience like no other.
At Matatane Camp, prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience filled with thrilling highlights. Take to the skies and zip through the air on the exhilarating multi-platform Zipline, where you can soak in awe-inspiring views while enjoying an adrenaline rush like no other. For nature lovers, the camp offers an extensive network of walking and hiking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness and encounter the captivating wildlife that calls the area home. If you’re up for a challenge, put your physical abilities to the test on the exciting obstacle courses, designed to push your fitness and agility to new heights. Moreover, Matatane Camp’s strategic location near historical and battlefield sites invites you to uncover the intriguing stories and heritage of the region, providing a unique cultural perspective to your stay. To top it off, venture to the White Umfolozi River and witness some of the oldest rock formations in the world, a geological marvel that is sure to leave you in awe. When it’s time to rest, the camp offers comfortable self-catering accommodation options that cater to your individual preferences, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay throughout your adventure.
With its seven chalets, a communal braai area, and wonderful communal facilities, Matatane’s main camp is where families, friends and loved ones come together to enjoy a simple and authentic African wilderness experience. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a landmark birthday or anniversary and is also ideal corporate, team building events and large functions, as well as weddings.
The seven chalets, which include standard, family and river-view options each accommodates two adults, with the family chalets sleeping two adults and two children under 12.
There are also two self-contained tented satellite camps some 350m away from the main camp with their own facilities that can be combined with the main camp or used separately. The tented accommodation provides a more traditional bush-camping experience.
The first, Ukusa, has 14 Meru-style canvas tents in total: two glamping tents that each sleep two adults, and twelve standard tents that can each sleep up to six adults or a family on army-style single beds or roll-up mattresses. The second camp, Nhlebela, offers a smaller version of the same setup, with two glamping tents and eight standard tents. Exclusive-use bookings can accommodate up to 76 guests at Ukusa and 52 at Nhlebela. All of the tents have their own en-suite bathrooms with two showers and two toilets.
Each camp has its own kitchen, undercover dining area, boma with braai/fire pit and ablution block.
All rooms are serviced daily.
Self-cater, or enjoy full board with hearty, home-cooked breakfasts, light lunches and wonderful dinners featuring family favourites such as home-made lasagna, bobotie, traditional South African braai vleis, oxtail stews and potjiekos.
Private game drives are available as an optional extra experience and are not included in Matatane Camp accommodation rates. Guests wishing to explore the wider Babanango Game Reserve can book a private game drive through Reservations, subject to availability.
Your safari adventure begins with a walk across the reserve’s iconic suspension bridge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. On the other side, guests board a dedicated game-viewing vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide before setting off to explore areas of the reserve that are home to the Big Five and other wildlife.
From lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino to a variety of antelope species and abundant birdlife, every game drive offers a unique opportunity to discover the diverse ecosystems and wildlife that make Babanango Game Reserve so remarkable.
Game Drive Information
Hidden Zululand gem
Excellent service from staff that go the extra mile to create a memorable stay. Last minute reservation changes were dealt with professionally. The bird life and hikes are top notch. We were fortunate enough to go on a game drive in the adjacent Babanango Game Reserve, organized by the professional Matatane staff. A highly recommended stay
What a great place to visit and stay. To experience a new wilderness area being opened up and being co-owned by local community is a real privelage. The camp has excellent facilities and really good staff. We recommend taking the full catering package, it was a pleasure. Bring some good red wine a relax around the campfire in the evneings.
