South Africa - Glamping Limpopo & the Wild North (Self-Drive): Johannesburg – Waterberg – Mashatu – Mapungubwe – Makuleke Park – Klaserie – Hazyview – Johannesburg

Guests can enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in open 4 x 4 vehicles. The early morning safaris are very rewarding with light for photography. Lions are still lively and on the move at this time, antelope are more energetic and an abundance of birds may also be seen. The afternoon safaris provide an opportunity to see nocturnal animals.

During the winter months the morning safaris depart at 06h30 and the afternoon safaris depart at 15h30. In summer the times change to 05h30 for the morning and 16h15 for the afternoon safaris.

Tea and coffee is served before the morning and afternoon safari departs.

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Experience getting really close to the animals in their natural environment, with no vehicles close by. This 2 hour activity will take you off the road and deep into the bush, on the paths where the animals wander. No need to be an experienced rider to enjoy getting up and close and personal with nature.

Horse back Safaris can be booked at the lodge and there is an additional charge, or alternatively you can swop one of your game drives for a horseback safari.

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The guided bush walks allows one to get close up and have an intimate experience of the local flora and fauna. Walks are available on request, subject to availability and at an additional charge. No children under 14 years are permitted.

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Guests can enjoy an eco-adventure trail on our 4x4 quad bikes in an allocated area within the Reserve. This allows for an alternative guided game viewing experience at the helm of one of our 450 cc quad bikes. There are five quads, one for the guide and four for guests. This activity is for four people but can accommodate up to eight if you want take along a passenger on the back.

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Discover the heart of Mashatu Game Reserve through exhilarating safari game drives. Traverse the 31,000-hectare wilderness, following the well-worn trails of over 1000 elephants that call this haven home. These paths, created by breeding herds and their playful calves, offer a unique vantage point for unforgettable encounters with Africa’s majestic wildlife. Guided by seasoned rangers, embark on open four-wheel drive vehicles and venture off-road to witness the raw beauty of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, alongside the diverse range of giraffes, zebras, and antelope that populate the reserve. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of nocturnal creatures during captivating night drives, guided by powerful spotlights. In the company of expert guides, get up close to over 366 bird species, marvel at the breathtaking scenery, and capture stunning photographic moments. Mashatu Lodge even offers exclusive private vehicle options upon request, allowing you to tailor your adventure. These Tswana guides, steeped in local knowledge, provide invaluable insights into the intricate web of nature, enriching your experience with depth and meaning. Your journey not only connects you with the wild but also supports responsible travel and conservation efforts. Join us in preserving this remarkable ecosystem and creating lasting memories in the heart of Africa.

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WalkMashatu is an intimate look and exploration into the daily lives of Mashatu’s inhabitants and wilderness area. By interacting closely with some of our enigmatic, remarkable and powerful wildlife characters and following paths, WalkMashatu provides the opportunity to peek into the natural world and how the ecosystem of Mashatu thrives, from the smallest of insects to the largest of creatures. WalkMashatu allows you to immerse yourself in nature, become grounded and feel the rhythm and wonder of Africa’s wilderness. WalkMashatu is a life event. WalkMashatu is a not a race, survival or endurance test. Walks are to explore, experience and enjoy the ancient African landscapes. To contribute to your tailored experience, our walking guides are handpicked and have years of experience walking in wilderness areas. They are passionate about walking and exploring smaller and normally overlooked aspects of the African Bushveld, striving to make your experience interactive and informative.

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Horizon Horseback Mashatu is honoured with the reputation of having the finest schooled horses on the African continent.

A horseback safari at Mashatu guarantees unforgettable memories and a deep connection with the African wilderness. Book your adventure in advance to secure your place on this extraordinary journey. Note that children under the age of 12 are not permitted, and those under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an experienced rider. Traverse natural ditches and leap over logs as you explore the perfect riding terrain. Encounter a breathtaking array of wildlife, from iconic elephants and elusive cats to wild dogs, antelopes, and more. Witness the beauty of giraffes and zebras as you canter across the plains. Choose from a morning or afternoon ride at Mashatu Euphorbia Villas, Mashatu Lodge, or Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu. Experience the fast-paced exhilaration of advanced riding. For skilled riders, the ‘camp wild’ journey offers a 7-day horse safari adventure on Mashatu. Safety is paramount. A riding test ensures that riders are experienced and comfortable. Non-riders can explore Mashatu’s wonders through game drives, photographic hides, walking safaris, and cycling adventures while riders tailor their private rides from the stables. Book your adventure in advance to secure your place on this extraordinary journey. For experienced riders only.

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With the famous sunken, underground hide, a dedicated photographic vehicle, and knowledgeable photography professionals who guide you in making incredible images, the PhotoMashatu experience is not to be missed by photography enthusiasts or professionals.

The award-winning sunken hide at Mashatu has been designed specifically for photographers who want to get up close and personal to wildlife. The hide’s location is at an exceptionally busy watering hole, that is frequented by a variety of animals and birds. The highlights are the elephants - who come en-masse to the hide. Imagine being 2m away from a herd of elephants, whilst at ground level! In one session you can expect to be thrilled by a variety of antelope, birdlife, elephants and occasionally predators too. Importantly, non-photographers enjoy a visit to the hide just as much - here it is all about the animals coming towards you.

Our PhotoMashatu vehicle was designed with the photographer in mind. It has ample space for your equipment, gimbal arms, soft boxes in which to store your cameras whilst driving around and a special low-level floor from which to get eye level images. The vehicle has been lauded as one of the most comfortable photo vehicles in Africa – giving you that extra advantage of getting the best images possible whilst you are out in the field.

With over 11 years’ experience providing photographic support in Mashatu Game Reserve, the PhotoMashatu team offers you complete photographic support during your visit.

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Embark on a thrilling cycle adventure. For those seeking a new dimension of exploration, guests staying at Mashatu Euphorbia, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, or Mashatu Tent Camp can embark on an exhilarating mountain bike safari. Prepare to witness the bush from an entirely unique perspective as you pedal your way through the untamed wilderness. Accompanied by experienced rangers, venture along ancient elephant paths for an awe-inspiring journey amidst the “Giants of Mashatu.” Cycling through this breathtaking landscape is a rare and unforgettable experience, tailored to the fitness and strength of the riders. Mountain bike safaris take place in the early morning and late afternoon, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings during the most enchanting hours. Discover a world of adventure with mountain bikes, cycling helmets, and water bottles readily available at Mashatu – your gateway to a thrilling exploration of the wild.

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Night under the Stars offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with uniquely designed tents positioned in surprise locations, making you one with the surrounding wildlife of Mashatu. Enjoy fireside chats with fellow nature lovers, hear the laughs of hyena passing by, and gaze up at the twinkly night sky from the comfort of your tent. Romantic, intimate, and indescribable.

This is booked as an additional activity and is offered throughout the year. The rate is for max 6 pax. No children under 12 years permitted. Children aged 12 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Guests will depart the lodge they are booked at after dinner (approximately 9pm), with an overnight bag. They will be taken on a night drive to explore the nocturnal activities happening in the reserve (approximately 2hrs). The night drive will end at the WalkMashatu Fly Camp, where they may participate in night photography, a night walk and/or fireside stories with drinks and snacks, before sleeping under the stars. The next morning, guests will have a light early morning breakfast before departing on morning game drive at around 6am and then back to camp, or back to camp first and then game drive.

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Our beautiful home is a unique 7200 ha game reserve. Our guides would love to show you around, as there is so much to discover, sense, and experience! Mapesu is home to elephants, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, buffalo, hippopotami, and a wide variety of big and small antelope. Come enjoy a Game Drive in the comfort of a game viewer and discover Mapesu’s beauty.

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Buffalo Credit: Federico De Lellis

Sable Antelope Credit: Federico De Lellis

Ostrich Credit: Federico De Lellis

Hippopotamus Credit: Federico De Lellis

Cheetah Credit: Federico De Lellis

Elephant Credit: Byron Grobler

Lion Credit: Byron Grobler

Blue Wildebeest Credit: Federico De Lellis

Sun downers at our Main Dam Credit: Byron Grobler

Zebra Credit: Federico De Lellis

Snack Box Credit: Rowan Poortier

The night brings the animals to life! Being enveloped in the electric sounds and secretive life of the animals under the canvas of stars in the comfort of our game viewer is exciting. The evening brings opportunities to see species you are unlikely to find during the day. Be on the lookout for bush babies (galagos), bushpigs, hyenas, genets, and the tiniest chameleons. Maybe you will get lucky and experience a thrilling encounter with a leopard!

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Leopard Credit: Rowan Poortier

Full Moon Credit: Camilla Sala

Brown Hyena Credit: Rowan Poortier

2 Male Lion Brothers Credit: Camilla Sala

Porcupine Credit: Quinten Knipping

Step behind the scenes and discover what it truly takes to protect a wild landscape. At Mapesu, the Conservation Drive goes beyond traditional wildlife viewing, offering a rare and immersive look into the delicate balance between nature, wildlife, and responsible management. Join our dedicated team in the field and gain insight into the vital work that keeps the reserve thriving—from bush clearing and habitat restoration to erosion control, anti-poaching efforts, and fence maintenance.

Along the way, you’ll learn how wildlife populations are carefully managed and protected, the importance of habitat diversity in sustaining a rich ecosystem, and the broader conservation initiatives taking place, including predator monitoring and species reintroduction. As you journey through the bush, a deeper understanding unfolds—revealing the ongoing commitment required to safeguard Mapesu’s remarkable flora and fauna.

This is more than a drive—it’s conservation brought to life.

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Setting up a camera trap Credit: Rowan Poortier

Collard Wild Dog Credit: Federico De Lellis

Gemsbok Credit: Camera Trap

Spotted Hyena Credit: Camera Trap

Collard Cheetah Credit: Federico De Lellis

Baby Rhino Credit: Camilla Sala

This exciting activity is to locate the animals through the use of telemetry, technology, and old-fashioned tracking. It will include both mobile and on-foot tracking while accompanied by an experienced guide. The experience will give you a deeper understanding of what it takes to safeguard, protect, and conserve the endangered species here at Mapesu. Wild dog or cheetah.

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Collard Cheetah Credit: Jason Savage Tracking cheetahs, and endangered wildlife in general, is crucial for their conservation and the health of ecosystems. By monitoring their movement, habitat use, and population dynamics, researchers gain valuable insights that inform management decisions and conservation strategies. This includes understanding their prey preferences, social behavior, and response to human activities like poaching and habitat loss.

Tracking with the telemetry Credit: Rowan Poortier Telemetry in endangered wildlife tracing involves using various devices, like radio, GPS, and satellite collars, to remotely monitor animal movements and behavior. These collars transmit data, including location and sometimes physiological information, allowing researchers and conservationists to track animals and gather crucial data for conservation efforts.

Collard Wild Dog Credit: Rowan Poortier Endangered wildlife tracking, particularly of wild dogs, is crucial for understanding their behavior, habitat, and population dynamics, which informs conservation efforts. This data helps in identifying threats like poaching and snaring, as well as assessing the impact of human activities and potential solutions. Tracking also aids in monitoring pack dynamics, identifying individuals, and predicting future movements, which are essential for proactive conservation strategies.

Collard Wild Dog Credit: Rowan Poortier Endangered wildlife tracking, particularly of wild dogs, is crucial for understanding their behavior, habitat, and population dynamics, which informs conservation efforts. This data helps in identifying threats like poaching and snaring, as well as assessing the impact of human activities and potential solutions. Tracking also aids in monitoring pack dynamics, identifying individuals, and predicting future movements, which are essential for proactive conservation strategies.

Rhino Credit: Camilla Sala Endangered wildlife tracking, particularly for rhino populations, is crucial for conservation efforts because it provides vital data for understanding animal behavior, habitat utilization, and population dynamics, enabling more effective protection measures. This data informs decisions about anti-poaching strategies, habitat management, and even successful reintroduction programs, ultimately contributing to the recovery and survival of these iconic species.

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Put on your walking shoes to embark on a guided tour through the African bush for an all-encompassing experience. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of being in direct contact with nature. Traversing on foot without the confines of a vehicle allows for a greater sense of exploration. You will gain environmental awareness through listening, observing, and interpreting first everything around you. Accompanied by our expert guides, this will be a truly unique and unforgettable journey. Walk in the footsteps of majestic creatures like the African Elephant, tracing their ancient paths alongside us.

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Guests admiring a giraffe Credit: Rowan Poortier

Track & Sign Credit: Rowan Poortier

Sun downers and snack box Credit: Rowan Poortier

Black-backed jackal Credit: Danielle Carstens

Giraffe Track Credit: Rowan Poortier

Leopard Track Credit: Camilla Sala

The rock art shelter is known worldwide as one of the most impressive collections of San rock art and one of the top 10 in South Africa. This tour will leave you amazed and in awe of the ancient, unique, and stunning paintings encrypted on sandstone thousands of years ago. Our guide will help you understand and learn about the San people, their belief system surrounding these rare and unique works of art, their culture, and their ways of life.

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Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Grab your binoculars and join us for a guided tour to see some of the most remarkable bird life Limpopo has to offer! This tour is completely tailored to your wishes. Depending on what you would like to see, we have various locations and different habitats to look for that one feathered friend you would like to target. Our birding excursions are possible at the following locations; Mapungubwe National Park (both the Western and Eastern sections), Mapesu Private Game Reserve, Scroda Dam, and San Maria Wetlands. Mapungubwe National Park has 383 recorded Bird species and over 433 in our region, including the elusive Pel’s fishing owl and the visiting broad-billed rollers.

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Grey heron Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The grey heron is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn.

Ceimson-breasted shrike Credit: Federico De Lellis The crimson-breasted shrike or the crimson-breasted gonolek, or the crimson-breasted boubou, is a southern African bird. It has black upper parts with a white flash on the wing, and bright scarlet underparts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it as a "least-concern species".

Woodland kingfisher Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The woodland kingfisher is a tree kingfisher that is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara.

Lilac-breasted roller Credit: Federico De Lellis The lilac-breasted roller is an African bird of the roller family, Coraciidae. It is widely distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa, and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It prefers open woodland and savanna, and it is for the most part absent from treeless places.

Crestec barbet Credit: Federico De Lellis The crested barbet is a sub-Saharan bird in the Lybiidae family. Its specific name commemorates François Levaillant, a famed French naturalist.

Knob-billed Ducks Credit: Rowan Poortier The knob-billed duck or African comb duck is a type of duck found along the tropical/sub-tropical wetlands and waterways of Sub-Saharan Africa and the island of Madagascar, as well as most of South Asia and mainland Indochina. Most taxonomic authorities classify the knob-billed duck and the comb duck separately.

Woodland kingfisher Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The woodland kingfisher is a tree kingfisher that is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara.

Kori bustard Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The kori bustard is the largest flying bird native to Africa. It is a member of the bustard family, which all belong to the order Otidiformes and are restricted in distribution to the Old World. It is one of the four species in the large-bodied genus Ardeotis.

Squacco heron Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The squacco heron is a small heron, 44–47 cm long, of which the body is 20–23 cm, with 80–92 cm wingspan. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Europe and the Greater Middle East.

Grey-headed bushshrike Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The grey-headed bushshrike, colloquially known as the ghostbird, is a species of passerine bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, although relatively absent in Central Africa and the interior of southern Africa.

Grey heron Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The grey heron is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn.

Join us on a drive in the comfort of a game viewer in South Africa’s youngest and most northern national park. Covering roughly 28,000 ha the park plays an essential role in conserving the stunning and unique Limpopo Valley’s ecology.

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Confluence look out point Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Warthog Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Road to Mapungubwe Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Mapungubwe Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Sun downers at the Confluence point Credit: Byron Grobler

Giraffe Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Schroda Dam look out point Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Snack box & drinks Credit: Byron Grobler

Baobab tree Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

You will join us in the western section of Mapungubwe National park for this game drive. Here we have the opportunity to spend some quality time at Maloutswa hide overlooking the waterhole and the animal activities surrounding it. The hide offers a great way to experience wildlife - big and small without interrupting their daily activities and natural behaviour.

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Elephants Credit: Federico De Ellis

Giraffes Credit: Federico De Ellis

Warthog Credit: Federico De Ellis

Zebras Credit: Federico De Ellis

Baobab tree Credit: Federico De Ellis

Elephant Credit: Federico De Ellis

Steenbok Credit: Federico De Ellis

Mongoose Credit: Federico De Ellis

Elephants Credit: Camilla Sala

Walk the steps to the summit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe Hill, the location of

the first South African Bantu Kingdom. Guides will regale you with tales of gold artefacts and ancient

civilizations. After touring the Heritage site, you’ll visit the award-winning Mapungubwe Museum and view history and the treasures on display.

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Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Step quietly into the wild heart of Pafuri, where every footfall draws you deeper into a landscape alive with story. A walking safari here is not about distance covered, but about immersion, slowing down to notice the rustle of leaves, the spoor pressed into soft sand, the alarm call of a hornbill overhead. Guided by seasoned guides, you move through fever tree forests, riverine groves, and open floodplains, learning to read the bush as a living text.

On foot, the scale of the wilderness shifts. The towering baobabs feel more ancient, the scent of wild sage more vivid, the silence more profound. Encounters with wildlife, whether a herd of nyala melting into the thickets or elephants moving with quiet authority, become intimate, grounded in respect and awareness.

Walking safaris in Pafuri are as much about connection as they are about adventure. They invite you to tune into the rhythms of nature, to feel the pulse of the land beneath your feet, and to carry away not just sightings, but a deeper sense of belonging to this remarkable corner of the Greater Kruger. This activity is offered by prior arrangement only, ensuring a tailored and respectful experience.

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Walking Safari Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safari Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safari Credit: RETURN Africa

Scenic game drives take you to various points of interest within the concession, such as Lanner Gorge, the Limpopo Flood Plain, the Fever Tree Forest, the Nyala Berry Forest, seasonal wetlands, and Mangala.

Bush walks are the best way to experience the forests, floodplains, gorges, and koppies between the two rivers. Walking through this remote and pristine landscape provides a more intimate experience and is ideal for bird watchers looking for species like Pel’s Fishing Owl, as well as others seeking solitude and wilderness in one of Africa’s great landscapes. We offer walking safaris from April to October (Pafuri Walking Safaris) for nature lovers to explore this vast and varied area.

Guests at Pafuri Tented Camp can prearrange to swap a morning game drive for a bush walk to explore the concession on foot.

Immerse yourself in early human history with a visit to the Royal Citadel of Thulamela. This site, which arose in the 13th century and lasted for about five centuries, is located on a rugged hilltop overlooking the Luvuvhu River. It was part of the sophisticated Great Zimbabwe culture, known for its mining, crafting, and global trade via the Swahili Coast.

A community visit to our partners in the Makuleke villages offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Makuleke people's past and present way of life. The visit includes a traditional meal and a memorable performance by a cultural group.

Experience magical moments with bush dinners along the Luvuvhu River, bush breakfasts among the giant Nyala Berry trees, or boma evenings filled with storytelling by the Makuleke people. Full-day excursions with a picnic lunch, which allow you to venture further afield, can be prearranged with the reservation office.

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Drive thorugh Baobabs Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking in Wetlands Credit: RETURN Africa

Sundowner Drinks Credit: RETURN Africa

Coffee Stops Credit: RETURN Africa

Sundowner Drinks Credit: RETURN Africa

Sundowner Drinks Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safaris Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safaris Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safaris Credit: RETURN Africa

Africa on Foot offers professional Big 5 walking safaris led by highly-qualified and trained field guides.

Walking safaris are done in the morning and take roughly 3 hours. The walks are not strenuous and take place on flat ground. Guests will learn how to track wildlife, read the signs of the bush and learn about the various plant species.

Walks depart at roughly 06h00 and it is always weather dependent. If it proves too risky then rangers will simply take guests out on a game drive instead.

There is nothing better than crouching down behind the shrubbery watching rhino and elephant enjoying their natural habitat.

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Game drives are conducted every afternoon at Africa on Foot. All game drives take place in open 4 x 4 vehicles, which allows for 360 degree panoramic views, perfect for wonderful photographic and video opportunities.

The afternoon game drives generally leave at 16h00 (times vary according to seasons) and stop for sundowners at sunset before continuing into the night for a bit of nocturnal wildlife viewing and, finally, back to camp.

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On the outskirts of camp we have a treehouse which is available upon request. You pay extra to stay in the treehouse, but it's well-worth the adventurous experience.

It sleeps a maximum of two guests. Guests can request a romantic dinner setup for two in the treehouse if they are spending the night there.

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We have constructed a Bush Bar in the middle of a clearing, complete with a small boma area. The Bush Bar is often used for special events, celebratory sundowners and marked occasions. From gin tastings to Christmas canapés and proposals, the Bush Bar is the perfect place for proper bushveld sundowner session.

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The team at Africa on Foot can tailor-make a special occasion for guests, provided it's pre-arranged. The Honeymoon Sundowner Experience is R500 for couples, but complimentary for honeymooners.

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