Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Rest Camps
Mata-Mata Rest Camp
The camp is situated on the banks of the Auob River on the western boundary of the Park. The camp borders Namibia and is surrounded by thorny Kalahari dune bushveld. Giraffe, typically adapted to these arid conditions are a favourite sight around Mata-Mata. The camp has a reception, swimming pool, shop and fuel facilities. A generator provides electricity for 18 hrs per day. Phone lines are provided from Namibia. Mata-Mata is 2,5 hrs drive from Twee Rivieren.
Accommodation
Family chalets - 6 bed
- Two bed bedrooms, two beds in lounge, ceiling fans, shower, toilet, fully equipped kitchen, barbeque and patio
Chalets - 2 bed
- ceiling fan, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, barbeque and patio
Park homes/chalavans 3 & 5 Bed
Camping sites
- Barbeque facilities
- Communal ablution.
Facilities
- Laundry tubs and ironing facilities (no iron) in camping area of Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata-Mata.
- Twee Rivieren, the largest rest camp and administrative base, has a swimming pool, information centre, shop and public telephone and cell phone reception.
- Restaurant - serves breakfast and dinner (A-la-Carte)
- Predator centre at Nossob.
- Hides at water hole at Nossob and Mata Mata.
- The camps have limited freezing facilities and cannot provide a freezing service to tourists.
- Shops in Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob sell commodities that you would find in your local supermarket, including fresh meat, milk, cheese, eggs, bread, wine and beer.
- Petrol (premium and unleaded) and diesel at Twee Rivieren, Mata-Mata and Nossob.
- Five picnic sites throughout the Park with barbeque facilities and communal ablutions (no water available).
- Swimming pool in Twee Rivieren and Kalahari Tent Camp, Mata Mata and Nossob.
Extra Information
Day travellers
There are communal ablution facilities at Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata rest camps and picnic sites at Melkvlei, 50 km (north of Twee Rivieren), Dikbaardskolk, 56 km (South of Nossob) and at Kamqua between Twee Rivieren and Mata-Mata.
Handy Hints
- Binoculars and cameras should be easily accessible at all times
- Stopping for little things often produces interesting things that were not apparent.
- Sun cream is advisable
- Drinking water available in all shops
Official hours
Office Hours - 07:30 to sundown
Gate Hours
| Gate Times | Jan - Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun-Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov-Dec |
| Gates Open | 05:30 | 06:30 | 07:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:30 | 06:00 | 05:30 |
| Gates Close | 19:30 | 19:00 | 18:30 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 18:30 | 19:00 | 19:30 |
Take note
- Pets are not allowed in a National Park.
- Firearms must be declared at the gate where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
- Shoes are essential on summer evenings for protection against the possibility of scorpion stings.
- Keep an emergency supply of 10 litres water in your vehicle.
- In the event of a breakdown, remain in your vehicle – it is the safest place.
- This is a low risk malaria area. Consult your chemist.
- Roads in the park have gravel surfaces.
- Light aircraft may land on a tarred runway at Twee Rivieren. Prior permission must be obtained from the Park.
- Hired cars may be collected at Twee Rivieren provided that an advance booking was made.
- The travelling time from the entrance gate at Twee Rivieren to Nossob Rest Camp is 3.5 hours and to Mata Mata is 2.5 hours. When driving from one rest camp to the other, travellers should depart with travelling times in mind to ensure arrival before sunset as no travelling is allowed in the park after dark.
Visitors to Botswana
Until such time as the entrance gate into Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is completed (the amalgamation of Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, South Africa and Gemsbok National Park, Botswana) the following procedure still has to be followed. Visitors visiting the Park have no need for a passport unless the park is exited via a different gate than entry. A passport is essential when entrance from one country and departure to another will be undertaken. For this purpose, a border post is situated at Twee Rivieren on the South African side and at Two Rivers on the Botswana side of the Park. (Twee Rivieren border post office hours: 07:30 – 16:00).
Guests utilising Botswana trails and campsites must be in possession of the correct permits obtained through Botswana Central Reservations.
Climate
Mild highveld summers with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and cold winters with occasional snow transforming the park into a white wonderland.
