Mata Mata Restcamp

Mata Mata restcamp is one of three rest camps within the Kgalagadi National Park (formely known as the Kalahari Gemsbok Park). The Kgalagadi is now part of Africa's first transfrontier park - the Trans Kgalagadi - which also includes the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana.

Kgalagadi means "land of thirst" and this hauntingly beautiful region of rolling red sand dunes, solitary trees and scattered grasses has a special appeal all of its own. The 38,000-km² park represents a vast ecosystem relatively free of human influence and facilitates the seasonal migration of wildlife in search of water and the movement of free-roaming predators. The park provides superb opportunities for observation and photography. The Kgalagai  is also one of the finest areas in South Africa for viewing birds of prey. In the heat of the day, black-maned Kalahari lions shelter beneath shady bushes and leopards take refuge in the branches of camelthorn trees.

Mata Mata restcamp lies on the border of Namibia and the road leading to it follows the dry Auob river where most of the game can be found. It is a very simple camp. There are 8 riverfront chalets (with 2 or 4 beds), as well as two-bed chalets with communal ablution facilities in this fantastic, desert environment. You can expect to see mile upon mile of rolling rust-red sand dunes, solitary trees and scattered grasses. Neither Nossob nor Mata Mata restcamp has a restaurant, so you will need to buy food either in Upington or at Twee Rivieren Restcamp as you enter the park.

It takes a full morning of game-viewing and driving to get from Twee Rivieren up to Mata Mata. (117 km, minimum of 3hrs, usually 4-5 hours with game-viewing stops.)