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NOTE: The balloons are on the exact location of the trail, or the nearest town (if we don’t have its coordinates).
Mateke 4x4 Trail
Reviewed: DO #29, 2009
             |
Contact:
Theresa Meintjes
Cell phone:
073 703 4636
Telephone:
014 779 0719
Fax number:
086 647 0919
E-mail address:
theresa@mateke.co.za
Web page:
http://www.mateke.co.za
Nearest town:
Thabazimbi (65km) |
-24.265600, 27.647490
|
Route distance:
2 trails: 23km | 4-5 hours
The trail:
The trails vary from a 4x2, softroader-friendly route focusing on natural attractions, to a 4x4 route requiring low range and high ground clearance.The 4x4 trail is a gruelling 23 km of wade-first river crossings, rocky climbs and steep downhills, of which White Knuckle is the king. Mateke's technical trails require that you remove the running boards, deflate the tyres, take recovery equipment (a hi-lift jack and snatch rope) and preferably go with more than one vehicle. A good map is provided for the trail as well as a tree list.
Accommodation:
Accommodation options are very pleasant and vary from Tree Camp with its two cabins on tall stilts and separate ablutions to Bush Camp where each log cabin sleeps 4 people with full private ablutions for each cabin.
Camping:
Camping can be arranged. Bush and Kudu camps also have refrigeration, a stove and are fully equipped with cutlery and utensils.
What else:
Mateke is more than just 4x4 trails and has various hiking trail options from the Kudu Route (9 or 16 km) to the 13 km Njala route. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Mateke 4x4 Trails
Mateke Game Farm is a secluded 2 000-hectare bushveld reserve in the Waterberg biosphere, just 65 km north of Thabazimbi.
Having already proved itself as a popular hiking destination, Mateke has recently established itself as a serious off-road getaway. Without damaging the pristine surroundings, the Mateke trails use the natural flow of the terrain to create a technically challenging course where game can be seen at just about every turn.
There are two trails. The first one is a family route that is suitable for softroaders.
It traces the Mamba River across the length of the farm before heading skywards towards lookout points with panoramic views. The second trail is a far trickier 4x4 route. It traces the folds of the mountains, crisscrossing the Mamba River.
Steep, rocky terrain makes low-range and high ground clearance essential. Among the grade 4 sections, Rocky Horror is an innocent-looking climb over loose rocks that can trap the less attentive driver in a nasty cross-axle. White Knuckle is another – a steep descent that is guaranteed to have you gripping the steering wheel and clenching your teeth.
It’s advisable to walk the section before attempting it because there’s no turning back once you’ve started.
Don’t attempt it alone or without a navigator. The trails are well maintained, clearly signposted and accompanied by a comprehensive map and tree list.
So if you drive carefully and proceed with caution, you shouldn’t lose any vehicle parts or passengers en route. Rather unusually for a game park, quads are welcome, but only with standard exhausts and under strict management control.
Please phone in advance before bringing yours along.
Accommodation:
Mateke’s Bush Camp has three chalets that sleep four each. River Camp has four smaller thatched tree houses, equipped with bunk beds, also sleeping four each. Tree Camp, with its two large cabins on stilts, and Kudu Camp accommodate 10 people each. Kudu Camp has a big waterside thatched lapa and two adjacent chalets. All except Tree Camp have electricity, and camping can be arranged.
What else?
You can fish, swim, mountain bike and hike.
What you need to know
Contact:
Theresa Meintjies
014 779 0719,
073 703 4636;
theresa@mateke.co.za,
www.mateke.co.za
Nearest town: Thabazimbi (65 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distances: The two trails total 23 km.
How long will I be driving? 4-5 hours
GPS: S24.26560 E27.64749
Full Review | June 2007 (DO29) | Peter Levey
Vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, the Waterberg’s ancient lands jealously guard their secrets, Mateke Game Farm is one of them. Geoff Levey recently explored the region (and Mateke).
If you had to Google “Bushveld escapism” with “game viewing” and “challenging yet non-invasive off-roading”, your browser would likely spit out the following answer − Mateke Game Farm.
For this is the special mix that sets apart this secluded 2 000-ha Bushveld game farm in the world renowned Waterberg Biosphere.
Having already established itself as a popular hiking destination, this game farm just 65km north of Thabazimbi and about two and a half hours from Johannesburg has only recently established itself as a serious off-road terminus.
Unlike most game farms, the trails of which are built primarily for game viewing, Mateke’s trails are rather unusually co-ordinated to challenge.
Without sacrificing the pristine surrounds, it cleverly uses the natural flow of the terrain to create a technically challenging course where the environment is king and game can be seen at just about every turn.
That said, Mateke’s trails are not just about challenging the driver. One of the two trails, a softroader- and 4x2-friendly alternative to the challenging 4x4 trail, is dedicated to the pursuit of sensory pleasure.
Leisurely spanning the farm, it lazily traces a river before heading skywards towards the most panoramic lookout points.
The perennial Mamba River only feeds this indulgence. Running the entire length of the farm, it fuels a hive of activity.
In winter and early spring it provides rich game spotting opportunities, while in summer and autumn it supports prolific birdlife and is the source of a magical floral display.
Rocky Horror and White Knuckle
The 4x4 trail is a challenging outride that makes a good day’s outing. The trail traces the folds of the mountains, criss-crossing the Mamba River.
The steep, rocky terrain makes low range and high ground clearance essential.
Among the deceptive grade 4 sections, Rocky Horror is an innocent-looking climb over loose rocks that can trap the less attentive drivers in a nasty cross-axle.
White Knuckle is another – a steep descent that is guaranteed to have you gripping the steering wheel and clenching your teeth in concentration.
That’s why you have to walk the section before attempting it – because there’s no turning back once you’ve started. Don’t attempt it alone or without a navigator.
The trail is well maintained, clearly signposted and accompanied by a comprehensive map and tree list. So if you drive carefully and proceed with caution you shouldn’t loose any vehicle parts en route.
The trail stops intermittently at picnic stops alongside the river as if by way of apology or as respite from the adrenalin-inducing ride. Encased in Cape box trees and scattered along the length of the river, these stops offer great game viewing opportunities.
Unusually for a game park, quads are welcome, but only with standard exhausts and under strict management control.
Starry starry night
An exceptionally well run destination, Mateke holds its own among the self-catering bush camp fraternity. Equipped for large and small groups, it offers a diverse selection of accommodation alternatives.
Bush Camp has three chalets, sleeping four each. River Camp has four smaller, thatched treehouses, equipped with bunk beds. It also sleeps four each. Each has a private boma and a mini kitchen area.
For larger parties, Tree Camp has two large cabins on stilts and features separate ablutions facilities. Likewise, Kudu Camp with its big waterside thatched lapa is also ideally suited for bigger groups. Its two adjacent chalets accommodate 10 persons each.
All cabins have a boma where fires can be made with the supplied wood. All camps, except Tree Camp, have electricity. Bush and Kudu camps also have refrigeration, and are fully equipped with cutlery and utensils. Camping can also be arranged at Tree Camp.
Drive Out says: Any visitor to Mateke cannot fail to be impressed with the unspoilt nature, the challenges offered by the 4x4 trail and the opportunities to relax and enjoy the Bushveld.
* WHY SHOULD I GO?
It’s a well-rounded, value-for-money package that offers a challenging 4x4 trail in beautiful surroundings, with fantastic game-viewing and bird-watching opportunities.
* EN ROUTE
How long are the trails?
The two trails total 23 km.
How long will I be driving? 4-5 hours
Maximum number of vehicles: 8
Do I get a map? Yes
Will my car get scratched?
Not if you drive carefully.
Should I remove the running boards?
It depends on your ground clearance
Should I take a compressor? Yes
Can I turn around halfway? No
Can we have a braai en route?
No – picnicking only
* THE SURROUNDS
Best time to go?
All year round
Can I take my family along? Yes, definitely
Just for the day or the weekend? Both
Are there ablution facilities for day visitors? Yes
Can I see game?
Guaranteed − it’s a great game and birding destination.
The nearest town? Thabazimbi (65 km)
The nearest fuel? Thabazimbi (65 km)
How do I get there?
From Thabazimbi take the R510 towards Ellisras and follow the Mateke signboards.
* WHERE CAN I STAY?
Mateke offers a diverse selection of accommodation alternatives for individuals and large groups. For a comprehensive review of options visit the website at www.mateke.co.za
* WHAT ELSE?
What else can I do there?
You can fish, swim, mountain-bike, hike, hike and hike.
Should I take anything special?
Binoculars and bird books are essential. Bicycles are necessary if you plan on doing the mountain-bike trails. Also take swimming gear, sunscreen, hats and hiking shoes.
* COST?
Trails:
R150 per vehicle for the weekend
Accommodation:
Camping: R50 pppn
Bush Camp: R180 pppn
River Camp: R100 pppn
Tree Camp: R75 pppn
CONTACT?
Theresa Meintjies *014 779 0719; *073 703 4636; *086 689 6886 (fax); *theresa@mateke.co.za; *www.mateke.co.za
Download:
I so want to do something like that. It look amazing! I love travel. I wonder, do you trucks have running boards? I have week knees but have dreamed of doing something like this since I was little.