Mattanu is a Hebrew phrase meaning, “gift from above”.  This is the underlying factor why Mattanu is being marketed and shared to everybody that wants to experience Gods creation.  This 2300 hectare (4856 acres) Game Reserve, owned by the Kriek family, started in 1991 when the owner and veterinarian, Dr JC Kriek, originally from Zimbabwe, imported 95 endangered Roan antelope and 65 rare Sable antelope species into South-Africa from Malawi. It was not the first importing operation undertaken by Dr Kriek, as he has been importing since 1982, but this was regarded by many as the most successful Game capturing and importation operation ever. Dr JC Kriek is also regarded by many as the pioneer for the breeding of endangered specie industry in Southern Africa. 

Ever since then more than 300 Roan, Sable and Disease free Buffalo have been bred and distributed around Southern Africa from Mattanu. Dr JC Kriek in conjunction with Onderstepoort veterinary research institute, also designed and wrote the protocol for the breeding of disease free Buffalo and fittingly was the first private game rancher to receive permission for the breeding of these Buffalo.   

The profit returns from the 1991 Malawi operation was used to purchase Mattanu Private Game Reserve, which was then a cattle farm, in 1991 and to date millions have been spent in the development of the infrastructure and the re-introduction of numerous species.  Currently over 36 different animal species and approximately 700 animals, roam this pristine Kalahari savannah at Mattanu.

The Northern Cape is a very dry province and therefore not many diseases exist in the area.  This along with the proper management of the reserve serves as some of the main reasons why the conservation of all species are so successful. This unique and amazing piece of semi-arid, bushveld region, named Mattanu Private Game Reserve, is not only a Game Ranch or a business, but a dream being realized and a passion of the whole Kriek family.  

Even though the breeding of endangered species is the main industry at Mattanu, Kriek helicopters, managed by Johann Kriek jnr (Commercial helicopter pilot) and Mattanu, as an eco-tourist destination is becoming viable supporting products. Mattanu Private Game Reserve is managed and marketed by the younger son, Jacques Kriek, whom finished his degree in tourism management and marketing. Jacques is also the personal guide to all tourists and visitors to Mattanu and thus insures the uniqueness of the service and hospitality through his personal attention to your every need.

The catering at Mattanu is done by the mother, Daleen Kriek and the distinct flavours of the traditional South-African dishes are prevalent in all of her creative and divine meals.  Mattanu also employed another chef from Zimbabwe to define the service and combine the African aromas to create an experience rather than a meal. Their culinary delights along with the compliment of great wines on the palate contribute to a gastronomic experience. 

Mattanu’s private collection of wines in their underground winecellar has all been handpicked from the best of the Cape winelands. The Kriek family saw the need to diversify and market their existing product to tourists and realised there is no better way to ensure quality service than to keep it a family run business.

Therefore the eco-tourism part of the business developed since 2006 and very soon it became evident that a great need exists for an upmarket lodge, conference facility, wedding venue and luxury accommodation in the Northern Cape area. The Northern Cape with its Kalahari Bushveld savannah has so much to offer if marketed correctly.

Construction on the new developments started in September of 2006 and finished around November of 2007. This patriotic investment into our beautiful province developed to an attraction ensuring more feet to the Northern Cape and an increase in economic contribution and multiplier effect the tourism industry already had. The local community of Barkley-west and Kimberley benefits greatly from this development as only local labour was used and local businesses and establishments are supported.

The new development entailed a new lodge with fully equipped kitchen that can easily cater for up to 150 delegates in a truly traditional way.  The lodge also includes a bar area, an underground wine cellar and state of the art conference facility. In addition to the lodge there is a wooden deck walk way to an island in the centre of the swimming pool area which is overlooked by a natural rock waterfall feature.