Marakele National Park is situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, 3.5 hours' drive from Pretoria, and lies within the enthralling Waterberg Biosphere. Meaning ‘place of sanctuary' in the Tswana language, the park lives up to its name. Set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, the park’s position in a transitional zone between the dry western and moist eastern regions of the country ensures great natural diversity. Majestic mountains, grassy hills, deep valleys and stately, often rare, trees create an peaceful natural environment in which elephants, rhino, big cats and a variety of birds thrive. The area is also home to one of the biggest colonies of the endangered Cape Vulture in the world. To be closer to these large birds while enjoying a phenomenal view of the park, follow a narrow tar road to the top of the Waterberg massif.
A hidden gem situated in Botswana, Mashatu is an award-winning game reserve spanning 42,000 hectares (103,000 acres) of privately owned, unfenced land in the conserved wilderness area known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
Nestled in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, where the borders of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe meet - Mashatu boasts a diverse landscape of wide plains, lush riverbeds, mopane woodland, sandstone ridges and ancient trees (especially baobabs).
Known as the “Land of the Giants” - largest population of elephant herds on a private game reserve in Southern Africa, and home to seven of Africa's giants (African elephant, lion, giraffe, baobab tree, eland, ostrich, and kori bustard).
Increasingly known as the "Land of the Leopards" for unrivalled big cat and predator sightings.
Our camps include Euphorbia Mashatu, Kolokolo Safari Home, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, Mashatu Tent Camp and Shalimpo Safari Camp; offer immersive, eco-friendly stays with the warmest Botswana hospitality.
All lodges offer all-inclusive stays with two daily daily game drives and the option to substitute one game drive for a guided safari walk. A pristine destination shaped by the Lansdown family’s enduring commitment to conservation, authenticity and sustainable travel.
As previously described
The Makuleke Contractual Park is a rich and unique ecological region which constitutes the northernmost part of South Africa’s extraordinary Kruger National Park. Makuleke is also known as the Pafuri Triangle due to the wedge-shape of this area of land which is formed by the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers at the tripoint Crook's Corner. This triangular expanse of remote wilderness covers a vast, unspoilt stretch of 26 500 hectares of land which serves as a natural choke point for an extraordinary variety of wildlife including large herds of elephant, over 350 species of bird and, of course, the ever popular and highly sought after Big Five.
Tzaneen, nestled in South Africa’s Limpopo Province at the foot of the lush Magoebaskloof highlands, is a subtropical town surrounded by plantations, forests and mountain mist. Known as one of the country’s greenest regions, it is shaped by warm, humid air, abundant rainfall, and landscapes of banana groves, avocado orchards, and rolling hills. Visitors can explore nearby waterfalls, forest trails and the dramatic Magoebaskloof Pass, or enjoy the calm waters of Tzaneen Dam, where birdlife gathers along the shoreline. Small-town streets and local markets reflect a relaxed agricultural rhythm, with the scent of wet earth after summer rain and birdsong filling the air. Tzaneen offers a gentle, nature-led escape, best suited to travellers seeking scenery, outdoor exploration and a slower pace rather than urban attractions.
Marking the threshold of one of South Africa’s premier safari and adventure regions, Hoedspruit rests at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg in Limpopo Province. Here, the tar road gives way to open bushveld, as the nearby Kruger National Park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and several antelope species. Contributing to the area's wildlife attractions, the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre provides treatment and care for a wide range of species while promoting conservation awareness. Hoedspruit is also well positioned as a gateway to the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, with highlights that include the dramatic viewpoints of the Blyde River Canyon and the waterfalls of Lisbon and Berlin Falls, all set within a striking Lowveld landscape.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area for spotting crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife gathering along the banks. This region, known as the ‘Southern Circle’, is renowned for its excellent game viewing and high concentrations of rhinos and lions, with different prides displaying fascinating hunting techniques and behaviours. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can also discover ancient San rock paintings that offer insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Southern Kruger features magnificent landscapes of African bushveld and open savannah, dotted with acacia trees and seasonal waterholes attracting diverse wildlife. Popular activities include guided game drives, birdwatching and photography, making this one of the park’s most rewarding safari regions.
Situated in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Highlands en route to the scenic Panorama Route, Dullstroom is a small mountain village renowned for its cool climate and relaxed rural charm. Perched at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it is one of the country’s highest settlements and offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the Lowveld below. The village is best known as a premier fly-fishing destination, with crystal-clear dams and streams stocked with trout. Surrounding grasslands and wetlands attract diverse birdlife, including endangered crane species, making the area popular with nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, nearby nature reserves such as Verloren Vallei, and leisurely time in the village’s cafés, whisky bars and art galleries, all set against misty hills and crisp mountain air.