Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Mata-Mata Rest Camp
Mata-Mata perches on the Namibian side of the transfrontier park where the red Kalahari meets scattered camel thorn trees along the dry Nossob riverbed. This is raw Africa camping—unfenced sites where gemsbok, springbok, and the occasional leopard wander through camp at night. Each site has a basic braai stand and ablution block nearby. The camp store stocks limited basics and fuel, but serious provisioning happens in Upington, 240km south.
Access requires 4WD and desert driving experience—the final 50km is deep sand and rocky calcrete. Best visited May through September when daytime temps drop below 30°C and wildlife congregates at waterholes. Book well ahead; this camp stays full during peak season as overlanders use it to access the remote northern reaches of the park.
Kalahari frontier camp in big game country
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Le Roux Street, Upington, Northern Cape 8815, South Africa Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Upington, Northern Cape |
| Miles from pavement | 50 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD |
| Access road surface | Sand |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 24 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $45.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes |
| Stay limit (nights) | 7 nights |
| Best season | May-September |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | Yes — Permit info |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |