Fly-Camping on a Mashatu Walking Safari

Mashatu is a 31,000-hectare privately owned game reserve that lies within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in the southeastern corner of Botswana. The name Mashatu refers to the endemic nyala berry trees, groves of which are found winding along the banks of the Majale and Limpopo rivers. Mashatu Game Reserve has diverse vegetation and landscapes, from undulating mopane veld and wide-open plains to riverine thickets and craggy sandstone hills.

The reserve is known for some of the best predator viewing in Botswana, with near daily sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as hyena, black-backed jackal and the African wildcat. It’s one of the few places where there’s a chance to see the rare brown hyena. There’s a full range of plains game, including giraffe, eland, zebra, the largest herds of elephant on private land in Africa, and about 350 different species of birds including the kori bustard.

Mashatu Game Reserve is known as the "Land of the Giants" as in addition to the fine Nyala trees, it is home to the African elephant, lion, giraffe, baobab tree,  eland, ostrich and the kori bustard. But it's also a good venue to see little things on foot: to witness the intricacies of the wild animals of Africa, to learn about the hidden secrets of nature, to find the smaller creatures hidden in their bush homes and to see how the eco-system involves the inter-relatedness of species.

WalkMashatu is made for guests who want to spend the maximum time on foot. It is flexible in format, with a choice to spend three nights fly-camping, or combine fly-camping with a night at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu and either Mashatu Lodge or Mashatu Tent Camp. 

Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu is one of the longest established lodges in Botswana. Set in beautiful grounds, the large tent and stone units are fan cooled. It is close to the Limpopo river, and there is good walking direct from camp in an area of eroded sandstone koppies and baobab and shepherd's trees. 

Mashatu Lodge is in the heart of the reserve overlooking a waterhole. The airconditioned rooms have bush views, and warthogs and bushbuck roam in the camp. For a more rustic experience, the Tent Camp is the best option. As at main camp, there is a swimming pool, but the tent accommodation and outdoor showers feel closer to nature. A hide at the waterhole provides close up views on visiting wildlife.

WalkMashatu guests must be 12 or older, and children from 12-18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Mashatu Game Reserve is accessed via Limpopo Valley International Airport. Self-drive visitors can reach the reserve via the quiet Pont Drift border crossing, about six hours drive from Gauteng. Vehicles can be securely parked at the airfield parking for rendezvous with Mashatu guides and game viewing vehicles.  

Walks are tuned to the conditions and guest wishes, and are usually around 3 hours in duration, but full day walks can also be arranged.

The fly-camps are vehicle support, and a game viewing vehicle is available to vary the walk locations, and take afternoon drives to suitable sundowner spots.

• Accommodation
• Mashatu conservation levy, government bed levy and VAT
• All meals & beverages (local wines, spirits, and beers; soft drinks, teas and coffees, and refreshments during walks)
• Tailor made full day walking safaris inclusive of short game drives e.g., to / from sundowners
• Transfers between Mashatu Lodge and the Limpopo Valley Airfield, Pont Drift Border Post or Mathathane Village

• Telecommunication costs
• Laundry
• Adventure activities i.e., cycling safaris, ad hoc walking safaris, horse safaris, photographic hides & tuition
• Community visits & night drives
• Premium imported champagne, cognacs, wines, and spirits
• Serokolo Spa treatments – available at the Spa only
• PhotoMashatu photographic vehicle, lens & body hire
• Road transfers / flights provided by Mashatu Connect
• Limpopo Valley International Airfield, passenger taxes and landing fees
• Curio Shop purchases, all items of a personal nature and gratuities
• Parking fees at Limpopo Valley Airport