Is Matatiele in the Eastern Cape?

Yes, it is located in the Eastern Cape province.

No, the nearest airport is in Durban.

It is a public road, but drive carefully.

What is the best way to travel?

Driving is the most convenient.

Bus Driving

Nkowankowa to Matatiele

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Nkowankowa to Matatiele is a long-distance trek of approximately 950 kilometers. You will head south through the Limpopo, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces before entering the Eastern Cape. The route involves the N1, N3, and R56. Matatiele is nestled near the Drakensberg mountains, offering stunning scenery. Expect a travel time of 14 hours by road.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 950 km; straight-line air distance is 670 km.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking 14 hours.

Cheapest Way

Bus travel to Kokstad followed by a local taxi.

Compare Nkowankowa to Matatiele Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	20 hours	14 hours
Avg Price	R1100 - R1600	R1800 - R2300
Operator	Intercape	Personal Vehicle
Route	Tzaneen to Kokstad, then local taxi to Matatiele.	R71, N1, N3, R56.
Tip	Local taxis are the only way to reach Matatiele from Kokstad.	The R56 is scenic but requires careful driving.

Travel Tips

Roads
The R56 can be narrow; drive with caution.
Weather
Mountain weather is unpredictable; bring layers.
Fuel
Fill up in Kokstad before heading to Matatiele.
Resting
Take breaks in larger towns along the way.
Booking
Book bus tickets well in advance.

Safety Tips

Night Driving
Avoid the R56 at night due to poor visibility.
Vehicle
Check your brakes and tires before the trip.
Emergency
Keep a map or offline GPS downloaded.
Security
Stay in well-lit areas when stopping.