Activities
South African Fly-In Safaris & Private Runway at Mattanu Private Game Reserve
Discover the ultimate adventure for pilots and safari enthusiasts with Mattanu Private Game Reserve’s private runway, now open for fly-in safaris, gliding expeditions, and helicopter fly-ins. Situated near Kimberley in South Africa’s Northern Cape, Mattanu is ideally located for travellers exploring the country’s fly-in safari circuit, with easy access to popular aviation and gliding hubs such as Gariep Dam and Big Water Aero.
Combining luxury safari accommodation with true aviation convenience, Mattanu is one of South Africa’s leading fly-in game lodge destinations — perfect for self-fly safaris, aviation club fly-ins, and glider pilots seeking new horizons.
The New Runway
Our dedicated airstrip at Mattanu provides safe and convenient access for light aircraft, helicopters, and self-launch gliders. Designed to accommodate a range of general aviation aircraft, it’s ideal for:
- Fly-in safaris and aviation weekends in the Northern Cape
- Gliding and soaring adventures across wide-open bushveld skies
- Helicopter charters and direct lodge transfers
- Private aircraft landings and group fly-in events
Whether you’re flying from Gariep Dam, Big Water Aero, Tempe, or other South African airfields, our on-site runway ensures smooth arrivals and departures — no long drives, just panoramic views and seamless access to the wild.
Gliding & Soaring Destinations in South Africa
For glider pilots, South Africa offers some of the best conditions in the world, and Mattanu Private Game Reserve is perfectly positioned between premier gliding destinations such as Gariep Dam, Big Water Aero, and Tempe Airfield.
With strong thermals, low traffic airspace, and vast open terrain, the region is ideal for self-launch gliding, soaring safaris, and cross-country flights. Mattanu’s airstrip serves as an excellent stopover or base for glider pilots seeking scenic routes across the Northern Cape and Free State.
Experience the magic of silent flight over wildlife, gliding above herds of antelope and giraffe, and ending your day with sundowners in luxury accommodation — a truly unique aviation safari experience.
A Unique Aviation Safari Destination
As one of South Africa’s few private game reserves with its own runway, Mattanu blends aviation adventure with wildlife luxury. After landing, guests can enjoy:
- Luxury lodge accommodation and fine dining
- Big game drives and guided bush safaris
- Helicopter flips and aerial photography opportunities
- Relaxation and spa experiences in tranquil surroundings
Mattanu is also a top fly-in destination for pilots’ clubs, aviation events, and gliding groups exploring South Africa’s renowned fly-in safari routes.
Why Choose us for Your Fly-In Safari
- Convenient private runway for light aircraft and helicopters
- Excellent gliding and soaring conditions near Gariep Dam and Big Water Aero
- Direct access to luxury lodge accommodation and wildlife safaris
- Centrally located near Kimberley, Northern Cape — easy to reach from major South African cities
- Ideal for self-fly holidays, aviation retreats, and glider expeditions
- Perfect stopover for cross-country flights between Gariep Dam and Kalahari routes
Mattanu game lodge in the Kimberley & Bloemfontein area
Mattanu Private Game Reserve & Game Lodge is ideally located in the green Kalahari region of central South Africa, within convenient driving distance from major destinations. Situated near Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Kathu, Kuruman, Postmasburg, and Hartswater, Mattanu is also accessible from Welkom, just 493 km from Johannesburg, and close to Barkly West, Warrenton, Jan Kempdorp, and Taung in the Northern Cape near the Free State border. As one of South Africa’s best value-for-money luxury game lodges & nature reserves, Mattanu offers unique wildlife tours that allow guests to experience our dedicated conservation efforts firsthand.