Why Mashatu really should be on your safari radar /

Tucked away in the easternmost reaches of Botswana, nestled between the great rivers Limpopo and Shashe, lies the ruggedly beautiful Mashatu Game Reserve. Some 31,000 hectares (76,600 acres) of private safari area par excellence, within the greater Northern Tuli Game Reserve. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve covers more than 71,000 hectares and is itself included in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, intended to cover 4,782 km² of free-roaming wilderness.

Mashatu’s remote location, hidden in the shadows of Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta and South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, means that this area is relatively unknown to most safari enthusiasts. But as so often in life, the path less traveled can yield some of life’s greatest rewards. This particular “path less traveled” is no exception.

Despite being in Botswana, Mashatu is more easily accessible from South Africa. There is a daily light aircraft service from Johannesburg Lanseria Airport direct to the reserve. These are in addition to regular scheduled services from Johannesburg OR Tambo to Polokwane, from where a 2-hour road transfer takes you to Mashatu. Or explore the roads less traveled a little deeper and enjoy a self-driving road trip. The direct drive from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport takes approximately 6 hours.

Upon arrival at the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, prepare to experience an ancient landscape that has been home to some of the subcontinent’s oldest civilizations. Beautiful petroglyphs hidden in the towering rock outcrops of the reserve pay homage to these early settlements. From the vantage point of these “koppies” you feel like you can forever watch as vast expanses of grass stretch to the horizon. The plains are marked by rows of river scrub and peppered with majestic Nyala trees.

With a height of no less than 30 meters, these Nyala trees, locally reach a Mshatu tree, are so identical to this land that Mashatu Game Reserve is named after them. The area has come to be known as the “Land of the Giants”, and the Mshatu trees are proudly part of the pantheon of giants. Perhaps appropriately, the name Mshatu is derived from the local word for python, which seek shelter and hunting opportunities in the trees, and are the undisputed giants of the African snakes.

The tree’s berries are a favorite of yet another giant of these regions, the world’s largest land mammal, the African elephant. Mashatu is home to the largest free-roaming elephant herds on private property. It is arguably, however, that it is the giants of African cats that make Mashatu so attractive to safari enthusiasts. Lions, leopards and cheetahs seem almost common in Mashatu. So much so that the “elusive” leopard is spotted almost every day.

Not to be outdone on the gigantic front, the world’s largest antelope, the eland, the world’s tallest animal, the giraffe and the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, all make the plains of Mashatu their home.

Although Mashatu does not have the Big Five, as there are no buffaloes or rhinoceroses in the reserve, this is offset by the abundance of big game you are likely to see while visiting the reserve.

Being a semi-arid area, the vegetation is less dense than in many other areas around the subcontinent, the grass never gets too high, and the lack of rain makes the waterholes and rivers particularly active. All this ensures that the area is home to some of the best game viewers you could ask for. It also makes it a fantastic destination all year round.

Over the past 24 years, Mashatu has recorded an enviable 93% rain-free days. This means that when much of southern Africa is prone to frequent heavy rains in the middle of the wet season, Mashatu remains much drier. This makes the reserve a very attractive safari destination to combine with Cape Town during the peak months of January – March/April.

There are two 4* luxury lodges on the reserve. The lovely Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu offers 8 beautiful tented suites in a beautiful setting along the banks of the great Limpopo River, on the southern border of the park. Each suite is designed in the classic ‘Out of Africa’ safari style, think muted canvas, crisp white linens, billowing mosquito nets and wraparound decks that let you drink in the verdant nature that surrounds you.

Dining is very serious business at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, where their famous “moving tables” concept means you eat in a different location for each meal. This means you can enjoy a private brunch on your own terrace one day and eat out in the bush under the African night sky the next. And speaking of night skies, the lodge has its own star deck that takes maximum advantage of very frequent clear skies.

Children of all ages are welcome at the lodge and special children’s programs have been designed with them in mind, as well as a beautiful swimming pool and even a private hide to watch the animals from the comfort of the camp.

Across the open plains and on the north side of the ephemeral Majale River is the original Mashatu Lodge. Here you will find 14 luxury suites along the perimeter of the lodge, each with a private terrace that looks straight out at the African bush. Don’t be surprised if you look up from your bed and find game right in front of your unit.

The air-conditioned units all beautifully combine classic safari tones with oversized black and white photographs of the surrounding landscape. The sleek design gives the suites a modern look without losing the comfort of a traditional safari lodge.

Children of all ages are welcome at Mashatu Lodge, which also offers a special children’s programme. While you won’t be exploring the wonders of the bush with a guide, the fascinating Discovery Room will keep kids (and adults) enthralled. When all the safari activities get a bit too much, simply retire to the beautiful pool.

Or maybe just sit back and relax in the lodge’s famous “Gin Trap” overlooking the watering hole below, you may not even want to drag yourself out on a safari. Although the smells emanating from the traditional “Boma” will surely pull you out of your lounge chair for a sumptuous meal under the stars.

For those seeking the ultimate in Mashatu luxury, head to the newly opened Mashatu Euphorbia Villas. Perched atop a towering cliff with breathtaking views down the Majale River below and beyond across endless miles of unspoiled Africa.

Mashatu Euphorbia Villas has only 8 beautiful villas, inspired in design by the pods of the Mopane tree. Each air-conditioned villa features beautifully appointed bedrooms, stylish bathrooms complete with indoor and outdoor showers, and even a second “toilet with a view” (with that view, why not?). All this is topped off with expansive decks and a private heated pool, creating your own secluded safari paradise.

Expansive public spaces are punctuated by hidden nooks and crannies allowing guests to be as social or private as they wish. During the day the views are spectacular everywhere. At night, the illuminated majestic candelabra Euphorbias draw your attention skyward to the diamond-studded sky show above.

In keeping with the exclusivity of Mashatu Euphorbia Villas, game drives from the villas are limited to only 4 people per vehicle. At the other 2 lodges, a maximum of 6 guests are taken per vehicle, so everyone sits at the window, although the open vehicles have unobstructed views all around.

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Game drives from all lodges take place in the early mornings and late afternoons when the animals are most active and the chances of spotting game are greatest. This is the classic open vehicle safari, but Mashatu guests have access to so much more than just the open vehicle safaris. There are options to replace your vehicle safaris with walking safaris, really giving you a better feel for the bush and the chance to stop and see all the little details you miss while driving.

Another way to get close to the action is to visit the PhotoMashatu Hut (operating March-November) – a purpose-built shelter located at eye level of a busy watering hole. This allows guests to get amazingly close to a variety of game, from lions and leopards to moose and elephants, as they come to drink.

Not only does PhotoMashatu manage the hide, but they also have a professional wildlife photographer on the reserve who can be engaged by guests on a private basis for private lessons or even to accompany guests on game drives to learn the art of photography (please note private vehicle hire may be required are). Want to learn more, but don’t have the right equipment? Do not worry. PhotoMashatu also offers a selection of camera bodies and lenses for rental (please note these are not available if you are staying at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu due to distance)

If you want to get closer to the action in a different way, Mashatu offers two exciting alternatives. Cycle Mashatu offers guests the chance to get out of the 4×4 and into the saddle of a mountain bike and set out with a armed and specially trained safari guide for a unique experience in the bush.

For an adventure on a different kind of saddle, enjoy the exhilarating experience of a horseback safari. The horseback safaris are run by Horizon Horseback, arguably the most renowned safari horseback riding company in southern Africa. This is the ultimate thrill for experienced riders only as you are truly in the wilderness.

Now let’s see, spectacular scenery, luxury accommodation, wonderful climate all year round, phenomenal game viewing with abundant predator sightings and a range of ways to experience your safari…why on earth shouldn’t Mashatu be on your safari radar?

Warwick Blow owns Safari In Style. Safari In Style uses over 50 years of personal experience to create unique, tailor-made itineraries through Africa’s most beautiful safari destinations.

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