Best Getaways 
Matat Gardens Guest House
Matat Gardens Guest House, located in Matatiele, offers a highly convenient accommodation option, especially for business and government employees, largely due to its strategic proximity to the Lesotho border. Matatiele itself serves as a crucial hub at the intersection of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and southern Lesotho, making the guest house an ideal base for those with cross-border engagements. For business and government employees, Matat Gardens Guest House provides amenities designed to support a productive and comfortable stay. Guests can benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi, essential for maintaining connectivity, remote work, and communication. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, offering a conducive environment for relaxation after a busy day. Each room includes a private shower-only bathroom, air conditioning and a desk as well as a TV with DStv and bathroom amenities. The provision of free private parking is a significant advantage for those travelling by car, guaranteeing security and convenience. While Matat Gardens Guest House does offer all meals, the establishment also has self-catering apartments complete with kitchenette facilities, including a stove. These self-catering options can be a considerable advantage for longer stays, allowing guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals. Its placement on Main Street offers easy access to local shops and dining options, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals on business trips.
Area Info
Nestled in the beautiful, less-explored southern Drakensberg, Matatiele is a charming town just 70 kilometres from Kokstad. It's uniquely positioned at the junction of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and southern Lesotho, offering a truly distinctive experience. The village lies beneath Matatiele Mountain, a historical 'no man's land' once known for horse thieves and smugglers – an African Wild West.
The name Matatiele, meaning "the ducks have flown," reflects its past as a haven for waterfowl, lions, and elephants. While the larger animals are gone, birdwatchers can still spot 40 to 60 species, particularly high-altitude birds on Matatiele Mountain. Today, it’s a friendly farming community with a museum that was once a garage, church, and telephone exchange, now a national monument.
Local communities are developing tourism, offering cultural village tours and hiking trails. Just south of town, the Matatiele Nature Reserve is a rare sanctuary for Rudd's lark. Adventure abounds with the Mehloding Hiking Trail, off-road motorbiking on Route 56, mountain biking, and 4x4 trails. Fly-fishing enthusiasts will love Matatiele's abundant, well-stocked dams and lakes. Explore Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve, Mountain Lake Nature Reserve, and Wilfred Bauer Nature Reserve, where you might even spot a "zedonk" (zebra-donkey cross). For a unique culinary treat, Matatiele is one of the few places offering 100% organic red meat from local farms..
Units and Rooms
Standard Queen Room
Guests: 2
This air-conditioned room features a queen bed and a shower-only bathroom with bathroom amenities. It includes a TV and Wi-Fi for entertainment as well as a desk, bar fridge and microwave for convenience.
Standard Twin Room
Guests: 2
This air-conditioned room features two twin beds and a shower-only bathroom with bathroom amenities. It includes a TV and Wi-Fi for entertainment as well as a desk, bar fridge and microwave for convenience.
Standard Triple Room
Guests: 3
This air-conditioned triple room features three single beds and a shower-only bathroom with bathroom amenities. It includes a TV and Wi-Fi for entertainment as well as a desk, bar fridge and microwave for convenience.
Luxury Family Room
Guests: 4
Max Adults: 3
This air-conditioned unit features a queen bed, a single bed and a sofa bed with 2 shower-only bathrooms including bathroom amenities. It includes a TV and Wi-Fi for entertainment as well as a desk, bar fridge and microwave for convenience.
Luxury Self-Catering Apartment
Guests: 2
This air-conditioned self-catering apartment features an open-plan space with a queen and single bed and a shower-only bathroom. It includes a well-equipped kitchenette as well as a living area with a desk, a TV and Wi-Fi for entertainment.
