Things to Do - Activities in Matatiele

Featured Outdoor

Scenic Drives

Route 56 scenic drive, drives to Lesotho border posts, and circuits through Cedarville Flats. Self-drive or guided tours with stops at viewpoints.

Year-round

Featured Outdoor

Rock Art Exploration

Discover ancient San rock art sites throughout the region. Guided tours explain the history and significance of these world-heritage paintings.

2-3 hours

Easy

R120 - R250

Year-round

4.9 / 5

Featured Outdoor

Horse Riding Trails

Guided horseback riding through mountain foothills and grasslands. Half-day and full-day rides available. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

2-4 hours

Moderate

R250 - R450

Year-round

4.6 / 5

Featured Cultural

Local Craft Markets

Browse handmade crafts, beadwork, pottery, and traditional art at community markets. Support local artisans and take home unique souvenirs.

Weekends & special events

Seasonal

Matatiele Music Festival

Annual outdoor music festival showcasing Eastern Cape music, arts, and culture. National and local artists perform. Theme changes yearly. December event.

December (Annual)

Seasonal

Spring Wildflower Viewing

Drakensberg grasslands burst into color with wildflowers including proteas. Photography tours and botanical walks available.

2-3 hours

Easy

R100 - R200

Spring & Summer

4.8 / 5

Seasonal

Winter Snow Experiences

Witness snow-covered Drakensberg peaks (June-August). Snow hunting trips, photography, and winter hiking. Warm clothing essential.

June-August

Cultural

Mariazell Mission Tours

Guided tours of the historic Catholic mission founded in 1894. Explore beautiful stone buildings, the 1916 church, and learn about its role in liberation history.

Year-round

Outdoor

Bird Watching Tours

Guided birding expeditions to see rare species like Rudd's Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Drakensberg Rockjumper, and over 200 other species. Binoculars and field guides provided.

3-4 hours

Easy

R180 - R300

Spring & Summer

4.8 / 5

Outdoor

4x4 Off-Road Trails

Challenging 4x4 routes including Mike's Pass to Matatiele Mountain summit, routes to Lesotho border posts, and trails through Ongeluksnek Reserve. Suitable for experienced drivers.

4-8 hours

Challenging

R400 - R800

Dry season (May-September)

4.7 / 5

Outdoor

Hiking Adventures

Multiple hiking trails including the award-winning Mehloding Trail (60km), Mountain Lake trails, and routes through Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve. Guided and self-guided options available year-round.

3-8 hours

Moderate

R150 - R500

Year-round

4.8 / 5

Family

Family Picnics

Designated picnic areas at Wilfred Bauer Reserve and Mountain Lake with braai facilities, playgrounds, and safe swimming spots for children.

Easy

Year-round

Outdoor

Mountain Biking

Scenic mountain bike trails on Route 56 and through nature reserves. Various difficulty levels from beginner to advanced. Bike rentals available in town.

Year-round

Sports

Golf at Matatiele Golf Club

9-hole mountain golf course with spectacular views. Well-manicured greens, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors welcome. Club hire available.

Moderate

Year-round

Outdoor

Trout Fishing Expeditions

Fly-fishing in well-stocked farm dams, Mountain Lake, and pristine mountain streams. Water-rich region with excellent trout populations. Equipment hire and guides available.

4-6 hours

Easy

R200 - R400

September - April

4.6 / 5

Outdoor

Camping & Picnicking

Campsites at Wilfred Bauer Nature Reserve with braai facilities, picnic spots at Mountain Lake, and various farm camping options. Stargazing opportunities in clear mountain air.

1-3 nights

Easy

R80 - R200 per night

Year-round

4.7 / 5

Outdoor

Wildlife Photography

Capture red hartebeest, mountain reedbuck, the unique zedonk, and diverse birdlife. Photography hides and guided safaris available in nature reserves.

Best: Early morning/late afternoon

Cultural

Cultural Village Tours

Immersive experiences in traditional African villages. Meet local communities, learn about Xhosa and Sotho cultures, enjoy authentic cuisine, and experience traditional hospitality.

2-3 hours

Easy

R120 - R250

Year-round

4.9 / 5

Cultural

Museum Visits

Explore Matatiele Museum with dinosaur fossils, San rock art exhibits, missionary history, and town heritage from gun-running days to modern times.

Year-round

Cultural

Organic Farm Visits

Tour local organic red meat farms. Learn about sustainable farming practices, meet farmers, and purchase premium 100% organic meat products.

By arrangement

Sports

Community Sports Events

Local rugby, soccer, and athletics competitions. Watch or participate in community sports days. Matatiele Rugby Fields hosts regular matches.

3-4 hours

Easy

R150 - R280

Year-round

4.9 / 5

Sports

Trail Running

Mountain trails perfect for trail running. Various distances and difficulty levels. Annual trail running events organized by community groups.

Moderate

Year-round

Family

Educational Nature Walks

Child-friendly guided walks teaching about local flora, fauna, and ecology. Junior ranger programs during school holidays.

Easy

Year-round

Family

Farm Animal Encounters

Visit local farms to meet animals including the famous zedonk (zebra-donkey cross), sheep, cattle, and chickens. Educational and fun for children.

Easy

Year-round

Family

Stargazing Nights

Clear mountain skies perfect for stargazing. Guided astronomy sessions available. Learn about constellations and southern hemisphere stars.

1-3 nights

Easy

R80 - R200 per night

Year-round

4.7 / 5

Activities & Adventures in Matatiele

Scenic Drives

Rock Art Exploration

Horse Riding Trails

Local Craft Markets

Matatiele Music Festival

Spring Wildflower Viewing

Winter Snow Experiences

Mariazell Mission Tours

Bird Watching Tours

4x4 Off-Road Trails

Hiking Adventures

Family Picnics

Mountain Biking

Golf at Matatiele Golf Club

Trout Fishing Expeditions

Camping & Picnicking

Wildlife Photography

Cultural Village Tours

Museum Visits

Organic Farm Visits

Community Sports Events

Trail Running

Educational Nature Walks

Farm Animal Encounters

Stargazing Nights