— MASHATU —
OVERVIEW
Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the southeastern part of Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Tuli Block. Known as the "Land of Giants," Mashatu is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including vast savannahs, riverine woodlands, and rugged hills. The reserve is particularly famous for its large populations of elephants, with many herds roaming freely throughout the area.
In addition to elephants, Mashatu is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and an impressive array of antelope species like kudu and impala. The reserve is also known for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 350 species of birds, including rare and migratory species.
What sets Mashatu apart is its exclusive, intimate safari experience. It’s a private reserve, meaning fewer crowds and a more personalized experience. The reserve offers a range of activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and even mountain biking, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes in unique ways. Mashatu’s combination of abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and low-density tourism makes it a special destination for those seeking a more private and immersive African safari.
HIGHLIGHTS
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MASHATU OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
🐾 Known as the Land of Giants, Mashatu is one of Africa’s best places to photograph Elephants.
🐾 A high density of Leopards can be found along the Majale River.
🐾 The landscapes provide for some unique backdrops when photographing wildlife.
🐾 Special species such as Bat-eared Foxes and Aardwolfs can be seen from time to time.
🐾 Mashatu boasts more than 350 species of birds.
CAMP OPTIONS
MalaMala has 3 camps; MalaMala Camp, Sable Camp, and Rattray’s Camp. Click here to learn more about each of the 3 camps and what they have to offer.
UPCOMING SCHEDULED DEPARTURES
There are no upcoming scheduled safaris to MalaMala.
To book a private safari to MalaMala, click on the button below.
Includes:
🐾 Accommodation
🐾 Meals
🐾 Drinks (excluding premium brands)
🐾 Game drives
🐾 Photographic guide & tutoring
🐾 Conservation fees
Excludes:
🐾 Travel costs
🐾 Visas
🐾 Entrance fees
🐾 Gratuities
🐾 Items of personal nature
In collaboration with Legend Safaris
ITINERARY
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Arrive at MalaMala at around midday, at which time you will be checked-in and will be given an orientation of the lodge.
High tea is served before you depart on your first afternoon game drive.
Once you return from the game drive, you will have time to freshen up before heading over to the bar for a drink or straight for dinner.
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Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.
Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.
Photographic tutoring or Lightroom session between the morning safari and afternoon safari. Alternatively, use this as your downtime to relax in the room or at the pool, use the gym or spa facilities.
High tea is served followed by the afternoon safari.
Once you return from the game drive, you will have time to freshen up before heading over to the bar for a drink or straight for dinner.
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Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.
Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.
Checkout at roughly 11am.
ITINERARY
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Arrive at MalaMala before high tea, after which you will depart on your first afternoon game drive.
Dinner.
-
Early morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.
Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.
Photographic tutoring or Lightroom session between the morning safari and afternoon safari. Alternatively, use this as your downtime to relax in the room or at the pool, use the gym or spa facilities.
High tea is served followed by the afternoon safari.
Dinner.
-
arly morning wake up call followed by some morning tea or coffee and a bite to eat before departing on the morning safari.
Brunch is served once you arrive from the morning safari.
Checkout at 11am.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Absolutely not! You may join as a non-photographer, but don’t be surprised if you leave with the intention of becoming one.
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The photographic tutoring is designed to accommodate all levels of photographers, no matter what experience you have. One-on-one sessions for photo editing or general tutoring can be organised during downtime (time between the morning and afternoon safari).
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My recommendations:
A wide angle to capture the stunning scenes along the Sand River and the general landscapes.
A 70-200mm, which is probably the most versatile lens out there. If I had to choose just one lens for MalaMala, this would be it.
For those epic portraits of the big cats, a 300mm or a 400mm.
If you are into birding, a longer focal length such as a 500mm or larger is recommended. Alternatively, using a teleconverter on shorter focal length lenses can also be used for birding when needed.
Lenses with a large aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4.0 is recommended, especially as you will be photographing animals such as lions and leopards at night time. Large aperture lenses are also faster and allows you to shoot with a shallower depth of field. Too confusing? Contact me and I’ll explain further.
A lens which covers a lot of bases and is much more affordable is a 150-600mm (or similar). Third party manufactures such as Sigma and Tamron produce brand specific versions.
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By air:
MalaMala has their own private airstrip which has daily flights coming in with Federal Air from Johannesburg. Alternatively, Skukuza Airport can also be used with Airlink’s daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Other options include Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Eastgate Airport, albeit you having to hire a vehicle and drive to MalaMala or organise a transfer company to shuttle you to MalaMala.
By road:
MalaMala is about a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg, a 2 hour drive from Mbombela (Nelspruit), and a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Hoedspruit. Access to MalaMala is via the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve’s Shaws Gate.
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MalaMala and its surrounds is regarded as a Moderate Risk Malaria Area, and it is advisable for travellers to take antimalarial drugs from September to May.
Please consult with your local travel doctor for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Absolutely not! You may join as a non-photographer, but don’t be surprised if you leave with the intention of becoming one.
-
The photographic tutoring is designed to accommodate all levels of photographers, no matter what experience you have. One-on-one sessions during….
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By air:
By road:
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Item description
COMBINE MASHATU WITH
MalaMala
🐾 Price starting from ZAR 24 000
🐾 4 nights/5 days
🐾 6 people max per departure