Best of Botswana

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wilderness Little Vumbura is situated in the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, and a concession which is leased from nearby rural communities. Ecotourism activities here thus help communities benefit from conservation. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to take in the plains game and predators that inhabit the area in good numbers. Key mammal species may include seasonal herds of elephant and buffalo, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, lechwe, giraffe, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyaena, and occasionally cheetah.

Walking in the wilderness is a wonderful way of being even closer to nature, observing the smaller creatures and flora you miss when travelling by vehicle. Our expert guides welcome the opportunity to share their bushlore adventures ...

* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

There is no better way of viewing wildlife, and exploring the crystal clear channels of the Okavango Delta than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Often providing up close and personal sightings of tiny painted reed frogs and glorious waterlilies.

* Water levels permitting, however, usually possible all year round.

A boat ride along the calm waters of the delta is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing. Sighting pods of hippo and crocodile is common in the waterways.

* Water levels permitting, however, usually possible all year round.

Cast your line, and try your hand at fishing on a catch and release basis. The camp has a limited supply of basic equipment for your use.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

The birding at Wilderness Little Vumbura is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. In the summer many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.

Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the rich wildlife of the area. Both plains game and predators thrive, and exploring the length of the Savuti Channel, and its associated woodlands is thus a highlight here. With its enormous seasonal concentrations of elephant, Wilderness Savuti provides essential support to research projects and conservation initiatives relating to this species, as well as others.

A whole new safari experience begins after dark. Look out for nocturnal animals including lesser bushbabies, spring hares, aardwolf, servals, large spotted genets, and if you are extremely lucky, perhaps even pangolin!

Explore on foot, and observe the many signs of the wild from tracks on the ground, to the sounds of the wilderness around you.

* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

The Savuti Star Bed, overlooking the Savuti Channel and facing the Zibadianja Lagoon, to the west, is the perfect place from which to view and photograph animals, and birds. An authentic and unique way to sleep-out under a crystal-clear African sky, experiencing a thrilling perspective of the African bush at night, surrounded by nature from this elevated platform.

Exploring the waters by boat can be undertaken in the morning, during midday, or as an afternoon activity. Boating is a wonderful way of seeing large numbers of waterbirds, and wildlife, attracted to the river and seasonal pans.

* Water levels permitting.

With the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve being an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), birding is understandably outstanding at Wilderness Savuti, from slaty egret in the water to kori bustard in the dry areas.

Take game drives and night drives in custom built 4x4s to spot the unique desert wildlife that inhabit the pans, like the elusive brown hyena or Kalahari lion. Your experienced safari guide will help you discover a desert landscape, pulsating with life. Complete with bush picnics, morning coffees and chilled drinks.

Get up close and personal with our families of meerkats. Leaving camp as the sun begins to rise you will accompany these inquisitive members of the mongoose family as they set off in search of their breakfast. Walk amongst them (you're not allowed to touch or feed them) and if you take a seat you might be lucky enough to be mistaken for a termite mound, where you'll be used as a look out point for predators.

Discover the secrets of the pans with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a fascinating bush walk. See this ancient desert landscape through their eyes. These skilled hunter gatherers will show you how to survive, using their extraordinary tracking skills to uncover a smorgasbord of culinary delights... from bulbs, to scorpions, to berries. Spending time with them is a very rare privilege.

Saddle up to explore this wild, unspoilt area in the same way many of the earliest explorers, hunters
and missionaries did – on horseback! You’ll embark on an adventurous outride (for all level riders). This is an exhilarating way to spot wildlife, cantering along the crusty salt flats and following the animal
highways that bring life to the Makgadikgadi Pans.

This is an additional cost.

This is pure desert adventure! Take an exhilarating

quad bike across the salt-crusted pans

(all pan activity is weather permitting). You’ll

feel total freedom as you trek across this vast

and ancient landscape, discovering so much

about the remnants of this once super lake. Weather permitting)

A visit to the Fallen Baobab - one of the three largest and oldest trees in Africa and reputedly the campsite of Livingstone and Selous.

Witness the second largest migration in Africa.

A stonking spectacle of black and white stripes

as approximately 30,000 zebra and wildebeest

migrate across the Makgadikgadi Pans, followed

closely by stalking predators, waiting for the rich

pickings of tired hooves. This is a wildlife explosion

and an experience not to be missed!

This really is an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy a helicopter flight over the Makgadikgadi
Pans, doors off (or on), to take in the vastness
of this desert landscape. You’ll go in search of
the zebra and flamingo migrations (if timed
correctly), get dropped on an island of baobabs
for lunch, do a bit of sunset sky surfing as you
follow the palm tree linings and tell all your
friends about it all when you get home.

At an additional cost.

Grab a fat bike and peddle around the Makgadikgadi

Pans. This is a really fun activity for

the whole family, and an ideal way to get some

exercise. These bikes can easily cruise over the

desert terrain, taking you along 4x4 tracks and

around the crusty salt flats. Keep a look out

for sightings of wildlife, while breathing in the

beautiful scenery, alongside the desert silence.