Discover the Hidden Luxury of the Northern Cape & Free State Game Lodges
- Johnny K
- Nov 25
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Mattanu Private Game Reserve
Tucked away in the green Kalahari of central South Africa lies a gem of tranquility and conservation: Mattanu Private Game Reserve. Although not exactly in Bloemfontein city or Kathu, it’s within driving distance of Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Postmasburg, Kathu, and even Upington, making it a fantastic base to explore this often-overlooked region.
Location & Setting
Mattanu is located about 50 km north-west of Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.
It lies in a camelthorn-tree savannah environment — very Kalahari-bushveld in feel, but malaria-free.
Because of its location, it can appeal to guests from Kimberley, Bloemfontein, and the Free State / Northern Cape border.
Accommodation: Rustic Luxury Meets Eco-Conscious Design
Mattanu offers a variety of high-end yet eco-sensitive accommodation styles:
These tents are fully inclusive, with luxury wood furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, a jet-spa bath, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, and more.
Rate: ~R 2,575 per person per night sharing (for the fully inclusive option).
You get both a morning and an afternoon game drive as part of this package.
For something more private and luxurious: a two-storey thatched house with a loft bedroom, a fire-place lounge, kitchenette, two bathrooms, and a viewing deck.
Fully inclusive version: includes a welcome drink, cold drinks, champagne, chocolate, and game drives.
Self-catering option: R 2,900 for the first two people + R 800 per extra person (max 6), with activities priced separately (game drives, quad bikes, meals)
A 3-bedroom log cabin is available for self-catering. It has two en-suite main rooms plus a kids’ room, a fully equipped kitchen, a fire-place lounge, and a deck overlooking a waterhole.
There’s even a KolKol wood-fired hot tub available for cabin guests — very nice for relaxing under the stars.
For more budget-conscious visitors, Mattanu offers a Camelthorn-tree campsite with waterhole views.
Rates: ~R 745 per stand (for a tent + caravan, up to 4 people) + additional cost per person.
There’s electricity, a communal kitchen, and a braai area.
Activities & Experiences
Mattanu is more than just a place to sleep — it’s an immersive nature and wildlife experience, with something for many types of travelers.
Self-Drive Eco Safaris (Golf Cart)
One of the coolest features: guests can self-drive around in golf carts (eco-friendly) to explore and observe wildlife at their own pace.
This gives a very personal, low-impact way to see the reserve.
Standard guided drives are included in the fully inclusive stays.
There are also special options like game capture safaris (wildlife capture tours), where you can observe or participate in conservation efforts.
Helicopter Tours & Fly-In Safaris
Mattanu has its own runway and accommodates private or small aircraft.
Helicopter game-viewing flights can be arranged — a very unique aerial view of the Kalahari savannah.
For more adventure, there are quad bike game trails.
The self-catering rate sheet mentions quad biking at R 550 per person.
Massage spa treatments are offered at the main lodge.
There’s a luxury, relaxing feel throughout, with spa-level touches in the tents and suites.
Bush Dinners / Boma Evenings
Guests can enjoy bushveld dinners under the stars in a boma.
There’s a Camelthorn Boma venue, which is perfect for special events like weddings.
As part of their mission, Mattanu runs conservation programs: they breed rare antelope species (roan, sable, black impala, etc.) on the reserve.
Their wildlife-capture safari packages help support and fund these conservation efforts.
Events: Weddings & Conferences
Mattanu’s Camelthorn Tree Boma is a romantic outdoor venue under the shade of camelthorn trees — ideal for a bush wedding.
The lodge creates a very intimate and rustic-luxury feel, perfect for couples wanting a “wild yet elegant” ceremony.
They can host external conferences for 120–1000 people (depending on set-up) at their conference venue.
Accommodation for event delegates: for instance, 5 luxury tents, a log cabin, and a suite can together host up to 18 people, including game drives and meals.
For large events, they require external caterers and event planners, meaning flexibility for customizing your event.
Why Choose Mattanu When Exploring the Northern Cape & Free State Region
Conservation-Focused Luxury
Mattanu balances sustainable eco-tourism with high-end hospitality. Their conservation work with rare antelope species is a core part of their mission.
As guests, you’re contributing to real conservation through your stay.
Accessibility
While remote, Mattanu is within reach of Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Kathu, Postmasburg, and more.
For those traveling by air, their private runway offers a unique fly-in safari experience.
Unique Activities
The combination of guided drives, self-drive golf carts, quad bikes, and even helicopter flights caters to many tastes.
The game-capture safari offers something more educational and meaningful than just “look at animals.”
Event Versatility
Whether it's a romantic wedding under the camelthorn trees or a large conference, Mattanu has the spaces and infrastructure.
Their boma is especially dramatic for evening dinners or ceremonies.
Relaxation & Wellness
The spa, massage treatments, and the luxurious accommodation (jet spas, hot tubs) make it a relaxing escape.
The remote, quiet setting under large camelthorn forests adds a sense of calm, far from city bustle.
Considerations & Tips
Book in Advance: Given the range of accommodation (tents, suite, cabins), and the popularity of activities like helicopter tours or quad biking, it’s wise to book well ahead, especially for weddings or conferences.
Costs Vary: Depending on whether you go fully inclusive or self-cater, prices change a lot. Fully inclusive tents are very different in cost from the self-catering rates.
Children Policy: Children under 12 staying with parents are charged at 50% of adult rate, and children under 6 may stay free in some accommodations.
Event Planning: For very large events (conference > 100 people), you’ll need outside caterers/event planners; Mattanu’s team will likely help coordinate but won’t necessarily provide everything.
Transport: If you want to fly in, check availability for their private runway. For ground travel, make sure transport is arranged — especially if coming from Bloemfontein or Kathu.
Final Thoughts
Mattanu Private Game Reserve is a standout for anyone looking for luxury, conservation, and authenticity in the Northern Cape / Kalahari bush landscape. While it doesn’t sit exactly inside Bloemfontein or Kathu, its proximity and rich offerings make it a must-consider luxury game lodge when exploring that region.
Whether you’re dreaming of a wedding under camelthorn trees, a conference in the bush, or just a restorative getaway with game drives, helicopter tours, camping, quad bikes, massages, and bush dinners — Mattanu has a lot to offer. Book at Mattanu today, a proud member of the Kriek Wildlife Group. Fly to Mattanu with Kriek Helicopters or Heli Buyers.
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