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Matyholweni Rest Camp

Matyholweni, which means “in the bush” in isiXhosa is located near the coastal town of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth.

A mere 3km off the N2 highway, Matyholweni is easily accessible and is the quickest gateway into the Park from Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth). Amenities such as shops, restaurants, ATM’s and a fuel station are available Colchester.

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Activities

See the Park’s Activities for a comprehensive list.

Facilities

  • Each unit has its own braai stand
  • Public toilets

A supermarket, fuel station and restaurants are available in the nearby town (about 3km away) of Colchester/Cannonville.

See the Park’s Facilities for a comprehensive list.

Useful Information

  • Matyholweni Reception is open from 07:00 to 16:00 daily.
  • Matyholweni gate is open from 07:00 to 18:30. A security guard is stationed at the gate 24 hours to allow access to overnight guests to enjoy a dinner or visit the shop in Colchester.
  • Check in time for accommodation is from 13:00 onwards. Check-out time is 10:00 on the day of departure.

Travel Information

The distance from Camp Matyholweni to Addo Main Camp through the Park is 39km. The southern access road is not accessible to buses and caravans.

Directions from Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth)

Take the N2 towards Grahamstown. Just before the town of Colchester and after crossing the bridge over Sundays River, take the sign posted road left to Camp Matyholweni. Follow the signs for about 3km to enter Matyholweni Gate and Camp Matyholweni.

Fauna and Flora

The Colchester/Matyholweni area of the Park has recently been consolidated and developed. The area is home to wildlife such as kudu, bushbuck, caracal, bushpig and warthog as well as smaller mammal species and birds. During 2009, the introduction of larger wildlife species such as Burchell’s zebra, red hartebeest and buffalo commenced. Elephant, lion and ostrich will be introduced in the future and eventually, the area will be joined with the main game area to allow natural movement of wildlife.

Vegetation in the area consists mainly of Albany Thicket. Areas of grassland are remnants of cleared pastures before the land was incorporated into the Park.

See the Fauna & Flora pages of the Park for more information.

5 Things To Seek

  1. Bushpig
  2. Bushbuck
  3. Elephant
  4. Lion
  5. Buffalo

Contact

See the Contact page of the Park for more information.

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