Go, Go, Go!
WHERE IT IS: Mattanu Private Game Reserve is near Barkly West, 45 minutes’ drive from Kimberley airport.
WHAT IT HAS: Accommodation is in luxury safari tents built on raised platforms — with fine views over the bush — and en-suite bathrooms. There is also a log cabin that sleeps four as well as a family chalet. Dining happens in the main lodge (expect lots of hearty bordkos), which looks over the (very important) pool.
WHAT’S ON OFFER: Game drives to see Africa’s finest antelope, including Livingstone’s eland, roan and sable, buffalo, gemsbok (oryx) and kudu. Helicopter flips are also available as are quad biking and hiking. There is a marvellous bush dinner where you fly in to the site, eat by lamplight under the stars before making your way back to camp on foot — one of the few places in the bush you can do this.
GAME CAPTURE: The main attraction is to see the game-capture team in operation as they dart animals and move them to selected bomas. It’s not often one gets to hold a just-darted impala ram’s horns to keep his head off the ground, or administer the “wake-up” dose to an impala ewe and watch her recover — in seconds — before your eyes.
RATES: R1 790 pps in a safari tent, including breakfast and dinner and morning and afternoon game drives. Game viewing by helicopter costs R1 200 pp while a game-capture safari costs R6 500 for one hour (two persons) plus R1 200 pp flying thereafter. CONTACT: Phone 060 988 5555, e-mail info@mattanu.com or see mattanu.com.