Matamba Bush Campsite

Matamba Bush Campsite is a dream spot for Joburgers. 

We dashed out of the city at 2 pm and headed north towards Bela Bela.  Three hours later we had our camp set up and watched the sunset with a drink in hand. The drive is straightforward and on good tar until the last couple of kilometers. Matamba is located in the Waterberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The private game farm has six campsites and one campsite in a different part of the reserve for large groups. This is the closest you get to the feeling of camping north of borders, whilst staying within a few hours of home. Each campsite is private with lots of shade and amazing bathrooms.

Once you enter the reserve you are not allowed to drive around. The emphasis is on enjoying the bush by walking, running or cycling. Ben did a couple of tough runs on the sandy tracks and we also did a couple of hikes. The bush here is wooded and in pristine condition. The shade makes it nice and cool for walking. Strolling through the combretum tree on Saturday afternoon we saw eland, blesbok and impala, as well as a variety of birdlife.

Apart from exploring the reserve we enjoyed lazy hours at camp in our hammock and at the campsite pool. At sunset a couple of zebra walked through camp as we were enjoying a few cold ones around the fire with our new TentoCo safari chairs.

We have heard so many great things about Matamba from friends who have visited. We think it is the best weekend camping experience within easy reach of Joburg. The peace and quiet of the bush and pristine nature of the reserve made us feel a million miles away from the stresses of everyday life.

Sadly this was our final adventure in Jolene the Jimny. She has been absolutely flawless since we got her nearly new in 2014. We logged nearly 90,000 km across South Africa and nearly all of its neighboring countries. She opened up a whole new world for us and ignited a passion for exploring the continent we live on. Some of our fondest memories as a couple are waking up at 3 am to drive from Joburg to Kalahari, coming back to Joburg tired but well rested from the Drakensberg on a Sunday evening or traveling in convoy with friends through the Namibian desert. 

Jolene has done so much for us and we will miss her. But we decided it was time for something bigger that will allow us to go further with a little more comfort. More to follow in our next post on what vehicle we decided on and where we take her on a first trip - COVID-.19 dependent!