Matatiele

Matatiele is a small town situated in a dramatic setting in the East Griqualand region of KwaZulu-Natal. The southern Drakensberg Mountains form a backdrop to the town and the Matatiele Mountain towers above it.

The town has been the main hub serving the surrounding farming community but a number of initiatives have been taken by the local government to promote tourism in the area taking advantage of the beautiful landscape and the history of the area. Two nature reserves are close by – the Wilfred Bauer Nature Reserve where the Zedonk, a cross between a zebra and a donkey, can be seen and the Mountain Lake Nature Reserve, where the lake covers some 30ha.

The name Matatiele comes from the local Sotho language and means “where the ducks have flown”, an apt name because before the area was populated by humans, the wildlife and birdlife in the pans, marshes and vleis was prolific. Today, bird watchers visit the area to spot high altitude birds such as Rudd’s Lark, Yellow Breasted Pipit, Short-tailed Pipit, African Rock Pipit, Mountain Pipit, Cape Eagle-Owl, Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Rock-jumper and Gurney’s Sugarbird.

The area has an interesting history – it was called “nomansland” in the 19th century because it was a haven for smugglers, gun-runners and horse thieves. The history can be appreciated in the Matatiele Museum. Visitors can be accommodated in traditional African guest houses and tours are arranged by the local community.