Best of Mashatu Photographic Safari

Best of Mashatu Photographic Safari

Duration: 6 Days | 5 Nights

Days: 1-6 Mashatu Game Reserve (TULI)

Countries: Botswana      

Camps: Tuli Safari Lodge: Lala Limpopo Sleep-out Hide: Mashatu Lodge

Type of Safari

Classic: Fully Inclusive Custom Itinerary for group size (2-8)

Departure Date: All year round

Summary:

Known as the “Land of the Giants,” Mashatu is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering an incredible opportunity to capture some of the most incredible scenes nature has to offer. Mashatu’s 90,000-acre wilderness is home to the largest elephant population on private land in Botswana, with over 1,000 elephants roaming freely across the reserve.

Alongside these giants, you will find leopards, lions, cheetahs and hyenas, as well as a vibrant variety of bird species making it one of the most photogenic locations in Africa. With over 360 bird species and some of the highest photographic success rates in the region, Mashatu is the ultimate playground for wildlife photographers.

We are excited to enhance guests’ experience with exclusive access to the new Lala Limpopo Sleep-Out Hide, alongside the legendary Matebole Underground Hide. These innovative photographic hides offer a chance to capture wildlife in ways that were previously unimaginable.

This safari offers unrivalled photographic moments, from intimate encounters with Mashatu’s relaxed elephants to dramatic predator action featuring lions, cheetahs, and leopards in stunning golden light. The Matebole underground photographic hide allows for breathtaking low-angle shots of wildlife, while the Lala Limpopo sleep-out hide provides the ultimate opportunity for nocturnal photography under the African stars.

Highlights of this safari:

• Close-quarter photography of predators such as lion, cheetah, and leopard.
• 2 sessions in the Matebole underground photographic hide at Mashatu Lodge.
• An unforgettable overnight experience in the newly built Lala Limpopo Sleep-Out Hide.
• Excellent, open sightings and photography of elephants.
• General game is relaxed and easy to photograph, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife shots.
• Varied landscapes, including plains areas, rocky outcrops, forested regions, and open riverbeds.
• Beautiful accommodation at both Tuli Safari Lodge and Mashatu Lodge, and the Lala Limpopo Hide.

Safari Itinerary

Days: 1-3

MASHATU

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to Pont Drift Border Post. After crossing the border, enjoy a leisurely game drive to Tuli Safari Lodge, arriving in time for high tea. Following this, head out on your first game drive, exploring the surrounding wilderness. Over the next two days, you’ll experience exciting morning and afternoon game drives in the reserve, returning to the lodge for delicious meals and some leisure time to unwind.

Overnight at Tuli Safari Lodge (2 Nights) – Fully inclusive

Days: 3-4

MASHATU

Enjoy a morning game drive followed by brunch and relaxation before heading to the Lala Limpopo Sleep-Out Hide for an incredible overnight photography experience.

Overnight at Lala Limpopo Sleep-out Hide (1 Night)- Fully Inclusive

Days: 4-6

MASHATU

After your final moments at the Lala Limpopo Sleep-Out Hide, guests will be taken back to Tuli Safari Lodge for brunch before packing up. A short transfer (45 minutes) will take guests to Mashatu Lodge, where they will enjoy the next two days immersing themselves in the wilderness. At Mashatu Lodge, guests will have the chance to participate in morning and afternoon game drives, as well as two exciting hide sessions at the famous Matebole Hide, offering great photographic opportunities.

Overnight at Mashatu Lodge (2 Nights)- Fully Inclusive

Day 6: End of Safari

ROAD TRANSFER BACK TO JOHANNESBURG

Enjoy the final morning activity, followed by breakfast. After packing their luggage, guests will check out and take a leisurely game drive back to Pont Drift Border Post. A road transfer will then take guests back to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, marking the end of their safari.

We Love it here!

Included

• All Accommodation: As per itinerary Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• All meals and beverages (including local wines, spirits, and beers; soft drinks, teas, coffees, and refreshments on game drives/walks).
• Wi-Fi and laundry services.
• Choice of a guided game walk and game drive or two guided game drives per night’s stay.
• Transfers within Mashatu Game Reserve, including to and from, Pont Drift Border Post and Platjan Border Post.
• Cable car transfers across the Limpopo River at Pont Drift Border Post.
• Mashatu conservation levy, government bed levy, and VAT.
• Return road transfers from Johannesburg.
• Two hide sessions at the Matebole Hide.
• One night at the Lala Limpopo Sleep-Out Hide. 

Excluded

• Flights (other than specified in the detailed safari itinerary)

• Visas 
• Compulsory comprehensive insurance 
• All relevant entry and departure Government taxes 
• Travel, medical and personal accident insurance
• Gratuities 
• All personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.) 
• Optional extra activities 
• Pre and post safari tours 
• All other travel arrangements pre or post the safari and any new Government taxes 
• Levies 
• Fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
• Excursions not detailed in the itinerary
• Private charters/transfers or specialized guides
• Premium brand drinks
• Porterage

Transport

Light aircraft ,4 x 4 safari vehicle, mini bus

Luggage: Soft sided duffel bag / 20kg maximum inclusive of hand luggage