Note: Matamanene Camp closed to visitors in April 2017 following the opening of Norman Carr's King Lewanika Lodge. It now serves as a researchers' camp. For information on King Lewanika, which is currently the only permanent camp in Liuwa Plain, please see our Lower Zambezi and Liuwa Plain safari itinerary.
Matamanene is the only permanent safari camp in the entirety of Liuwa Plain National Park – and it’s tiny! Previously a rangers’ camp, this remote bush camp has just four tents and accommodates no more than 8 guests at a time, making it among the most exclusive camps in Africa.
Matamanene is set in a small copse of trees right in the heart of Liuwa Plain NP. This unique setting, in one of Africa’s wildest safari parks, is its main appeal, for the camp itself is comfortable but fairly basic, with simple canvas tents and few facilities beyond a mess area, campfire and “bush bar”.
Matamanene was recently acquired by Norman Carr Safaris and given something of a face lift, replacing the old dining tent with a thatch-and-canvas structure. Whilst not luxurious, Matamanene offers comfortable en-suite accommodation in an absolutely fantastic wilderness area.
The remoteness and the cost of accessing Liuwa Plain National Park means that Matamanene is only really suitable for longer stays of 4-7 nights. See here for an example 10-day itinerary we’ve prepared combining Liuwa with the Lower Zambezi.
Accommodation
Guests are accommodated in raised canvas tents, complete with en-suite bathrooms (with hot and cold running water). The tents are spacious and widely spaced apart, offering a good level of privacy.
Though the main attraction is the surrounding wilderness, Matamanene’s small size makes it a pleasant camp in which to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. When you’re not out on safari or lounging on your tent porch, there’s a sizeable central mess area with a thatched bar and dining area as well as a small library, while the campfire is the perfect spot to unwind with your fellow guests after an exciting day in the bush!
Facilities
Campfire
Bar and dining area under thatch
Dining
Matamanene is booked on a full-board basis, with all meals and most drinks included (house wines and soft drinks, but not imported spirits).
Meals are typically served in the newly-build dining area under thatch, and preceded by evening drinks around the campfire. Dinner is a three course affair. Lunch may be taken in camp or while out on game drives.
Child Policy
Matamanene accommodates children aged 12 and over only.
