Matola Game Reserve, a Hidden Gem in the Eastern Cape

Matola Private Game Reserve is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the Kambusi Valley, just 20 minutes from Komga in the Eastern Cape. This hidden spot offers amazing views of rolling hills and quiet surroundings. It’s home to all kinds of wildlife like giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and more, making it a perfect getaway for those who want a calm, close-to-nature experience. You’ll find there’s plenty to do here, though – from hiking and bird watching to mountain biking and relaxing picnics by the dam. In this post, I’ll share all about my stay, the fun activities, the animals I saw, and the delicious breakfast that made it even more special.

Accommodation at Matola Game Reserve

When it comes to accommodation, Matola provides two main options: The Sleep Shed and The Lodge. Both offer unique experiences, with wildlife often roaming close to the camps, and stunning views of the valley or grasslands. The Sleep Shed has 10 private en-suite bedrooms, while The Lodge offers six thatched roof chalets, a bridal suite, and glamping sites for a more rustic experience. The two camps are seperated by approximately 4km. No matter which camp you choose though, they both have their perks and the hosts take excellent care of you, ensuring that you have everything you need for your stay.

Day 1 at Matola Game Reserve

While we were in Matola, we stayed at the Sleep Shed, and it was a great choice. Our room was simple, but it had everything we needed. We loved the small private balcony leading out from the room, with gorgeous views of the valley and hills in the distance.

Each of the 10 rooms sleeps 2, but can be booked as a group for exclusive use of the venue. During our stay we happened to be the only two, so we had the communal kitchen, dining area and braai room all to ourselves.

The pool area at the sleep shed is a big plus, surrounded by grasslands with amazing sunset views. The best part? You can relax by the pool with a drink and watch animals grazing nearby. It’s really something magical!

A picnic by the dam

Kaila, who handles reservations at Matola, recommended we pack a picnic and spend some time at the dam, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Sleep Shed. Matola doesn’t have the ‘Big Five,’ but that’s actually a good thing – it means you can explore freely without worrying about dangerous animals. We brought our camping chairs, found a peaceful spot by the water, and enjoyed our snacks while listening to the sounds of nature. I loved that we had the place to ourselves with no one else around.

Hiking at Matola Game Reserve

After spending some time at the dam, we made our way back to the Sleep Shed to drop off our stuff before heading out for a walk to explore the reserve. One of the things I love about Matola is that they really encourage guests to roam the reserve on their own, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. So, we kind of just wandered from the Sleep Shed up the hill. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot about five giraffes, lots of wildebeest, and a whole herd of Blesbok. I was honestly surprised by how many Blesbok we saw! Watching them dash across the grasslands was really incredible.

The Water Buffalo

As we made our way back to the Sleep Shed, we bumped in to Kaila again, who kindly took us to visit the water buffalo she was hand-rearing at the time of our visit. We got to see and touch these adorable animals, which was very special for us.

As evening approached, the sky transformed in to soft hues of purple and pink as we prepared a braai for supper. It was a really beautiful sunset to witness and a perfect ending to a day well spent.

With so much beauty and wonderful memories on our first day, we couldn’t wait to wake up and see what the next day had in store for us.

Day 2 at Matola Game Reserve

If you stay at Matola, be sure to wake up for the sunrises. They are absolutely phenomenal. The colours in the sky were worth the early wake up, especially hearing and seeing all the animals beginning their day, too.

A game drive and hearty breakfast at Matola

One of the great things about Matola is the option to either self-cater or let the in-house chef handle it. While we had enjoyed a braai the night before, we decided to treat ourselves to one of Matola’s delicious breakfasts the next morning. Around 9 a.m., a safari vehicle arrived to take us to the Main Lodge about 4km away, where breakfast was served. As a bonus, our ride turned into a mini game drive, with the guide stopping patiently whenever we spotted wildlife – and trust me, there’s so much to see at Matola that we were stopping every couple of hundred meters. On our short drive, we saw birds of prey, blesbok, zebra, an ostrich and plenty of giraffe. But the most exciting moment for us was when we came across a two-week-old baby giraffe beside its mother. It was incredibly cute with its tiny fluffy ears, curiously watching us as we got closer.

The breakfast at Matola is exceptional. At only R105 per person, it’s a steal. The breakfast includes muesli, yogurt, bacon, eggs, coffee, toast, and sausage. The staff were brilliant and treated us like 5-star guests! Plus, just look at the views you get while enjoying your meal!

Like the saying goes, good things eventually come to an end. After breakfast, we sadly had to say goodbye to Matola. I feel fortunate to be able to visit such places. The Eastern Cape is often overlooked, but there are treasures like Matola waiting to be discovered all over the province.

Helpful Information to plan your visit to Matola Game Reserve

• Link to website here.
• To make a reservation, contact them via email at info@matola.africa or contact them through WhatsApp on +27 (0)72 607 2797 (Theon) or +27 (0)71 534 0057 (Kaila)