Mashatu Game Reserve is located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, in an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops.
Mashatu Game Reserve offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, unspoilt African Landscapes from the comfort of an open vehicle, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers.
It is home to large herds of elephants, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat-eared fox, African wildcat and the magnificent leopard search for prey.
Some 350 species of bird may be seen.
Mashatu Game Reserve proudly offers refuge for the largest single population of elephant on privately owned land in Africa.
Mashatu Lodge
Situated in the heart of Mashatu Game Reserve, in close proximity to the Majale River, Mashatu Lodge is an oasis in this arid landscape.
This is the ideal camp for families travelling together, where all suites are designed to comfortably accommodate children, with the option of interleading suites.
Meals at Mashatu are a celebration of traditional southern African fare - flavoursome and homely. Guests enjoy meals overlooking the waterhole. Dinner is in the open air ‘boma’ around a crackling fire, complemented by a symphony of African sounds. Dine under the star-studded sky of constellations, as stories are shared about the thrills and adrenaline from another action and adventure packed day at Mashatu.
The Discovery Room is a mini museum within the camp, offering an insight into this region rich in flora, fauna and archeological artefacts.
Complimentary W-Fi in designated areas.
Children of all ages accepted (certain restrictions apply to children under the age of five).
Accommodation at the Mashatu Lodge:
14 luxury suites featuring three beds and an en suite bathroom with two WC’s.
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu is located between the time-sculpted kopjes of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and the legendary Limpopo River. Tuli Safari Lodge was once a farm, originally registered in 1957. The history is a little sketchy, though we know attempts were made at farming cash crops (including peanuts) under irrigation. In 1964, just as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve was founded, a Johannesburg businessman Monty Fuhr purchased the property and started transforming the farm into a safari Lodge. Monty set a precedent that has stayed with Tuli to this day by warmly welcoming children of all ages, and by establishing the idyllic gardens which make the Lodge such a relaxing retreat over and above the safari experience.
Tuli Safari Lodges extensive grounds always a few degrees cooler than the surrounding reserve - make the Lodge a really relaxing retreat in its own right. There is plenty to do within the Lodge, with a large swimming pool, waterhole, hide, walking trail and lots of lovely vantage points overlooking the Limpopo River and game reserve.
The heart of the Lodge is little changed from Montys day, retaining the charm and character of the era. The bar is built around the base of a 500 year old Nyala berry tree one local lady recalls being lifted up into the branches of this tree by her grandfather to protect her from Lions!
Tuli Safari Lodge is a hidden gem. Tucked in the eastern most corner of Botswana, it is a unique, timeless part of Africa with spectacular wildlife, breath-taking landscapes and fascinating history. A verdant oasis, in a ruggedly beautiful wilderness the yin to Tulis yang. Time spent in this relaxing retreat perfectly complements the varied safari adventures in the reserve beyond the Lodge gates. Such is the magical soul of Tuli Safari Lodge.
Accommodation at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu:
Just 10 elegant suites nestle in Tuli Safari Lodge`s peaceful, spacious gardens. 8 Tented Suites are under draped canvas and elevated. Large wrap-around decks are designed to provide a relaxing outdoor space with views over the Tuli grounds and surrounding bush. The interiors are a modern take on classic `out of Africa` decor, with a flowing open plan design.
All suites feature an island bed, lounge area, freestanding bath, separate wet room shower, double basin vanity area, toilet and lots of all-important hanging and drawer space plus tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer and safe. The tented suites are 72m2 plus 60m2 decking.
2 Classic Suites are thatched with solid walls and air conditioning. Both have very similar internal layouts and features to the tented suites, with a shaded veranda area.
All the suites can be made up as doubles or twins and are large enough to accommodate two children under 12 on single beds sharing with their parents if required. We can pair suites for families or friends who would like some separation without being too far apart!
Mashatu Tent Camp:
Mashatu Tent Camp is located in the remote northern part of Mashatu Game Reserve near the Tuli Circle, which demarcates the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
It offers an intimate experience of Africa where only canvas separates you from the sights and sounds of the wildlife.
Whilst this camp lends itself to the true African wildlife experience, luxury and comfort are not compromised and guests feel a sense of comfort in this intimate tented camp.
The camp is a delicate balance between the subtle comforts, such as outdoor bathrooms, two fans per tent, a plunge pool, electricity, scrumptious cuisine, and the experience of being in such close proximity to the African bush.
Game viewing hide overlooking a waterhole.
Complimentary Wi-Fi designated areas.
No children under twelve years of age.
Accommodation at Mashatu Tent Camp:
Eight twin tents with private en suite facilities.
Activities available at Mashatu Game Lodge:
GAME DRIVES - These are conducted on open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another to keep each other informed of the location of the game. The vehicles used enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with fantastic photo opportunities.
MOUNTAIN BIKE SAFARIS* - The more adventurous may join
a mountain bike safari in the company of an armed and highly experienced
guide. On a bike, the cyclist is, in
effect, conducting his/her own safari and gets to enjoy the reserve and its
inhabitants from a completely different perspective. The groups of cyclists
meander along ancient elephant paths. The exhilaration of cycling amongst the ‘giants
of Mashatu’ is awesome, and should be enjoyed at least once on a safari for anyone
with a little interest in cycling. Rides are generally enjoyed early morning and
are tailored to the riding capabilities of the group.
Min 02 pax & Max 8 Pax
Tent Camp 2021: Min 04 pax, Max 08 pax
Note: children
under 12 are not permitted.
WALKING SAFARIS* – The perfect opportunity to get
some exercise, while focusing on the smaller, and often most fascinating,
creatures of Mashatu. Although many opportunities arise to view big game, the
focus is on the little, often overlooked aspects of the bush - tracks, plants,
insects, etc. A person on foot is part of the environment and not merely a
spectator. There is no better place to enjoy a walking safari than at Mashatu, ‘Land
of the Giants,’ exploring diverse landscapes and unique habitats. This diverse
and mammoth piece of Africa is the perfect place 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.
Min 02 pax & Max 8 Pax
Note: children 8-12 must be
accompanied by a parent. No children under 8 years of age.
HORSE SAFARIS* - Horizon Horseback Mashatu is recognized as having the best schooled horses of all the horse safari operators in Africa. The experiences may differ from Mashatu to the Okavango Delta, to the deserts of Namibia to the migrations of Tanzania and Kenya, but one thing agreed on by all visitors and horse operators alike, is that the Horizon Horseback Mashatu horses are the most well-trained of the other operators.
Note: This is an advanced ride
for experienced equestrians only and children under 12 are not permitted. Participation
will be at the sole discretion of the Horizon Horseback Mashatu concessionaire
after careful consideration. A riding “test” will be conducted prior to the
horse safari and anyone not deemed to be experienced enough will not be allowed
to continue on the horse ride. There is no charge for guests staying at Mashatu
Lodge, Mashatu Tent Camp and Mashatu Euphorbia Villas who do not pass the riding
test. They will be taken on a game drive. The test involves catering towards a
tree away from the group, increasing the speed of the canter to the next tree and
then returning to a collected canter back to the stationary group.
Ad-hoc afternoon horse rides
are not available on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Min 01 pax & Max 04 Pax
Tent Camp 2021 onwards: Not offered.
NIGHT DRIVES* – Available at
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu. Night drives can be arranged after dinner in the
evenings, if you are keen to try spot some true nocturnal species.
Min 2 pax.
COMMUNITY VISITS* – Available at
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu. A community visit to the local village of Mothlabaneng
includes a visit to the school, a lala-palm wine-tasting and a chance to see
traditional basket-weaving, as well as the opportunity to see some of our
community projects in action. Community visits are normally in the afternoon
and last approx. 2 hours. 50% of all community visit activity fees are donated
to our community fund to assist with the funding of various community projects.
Min 2 pax
PHOTOGRAPHIC UNDERGROUND HIDE* - PhotoMashatu’s oldest and most famous hide, this hide has been producing excellent sightings since 2011, with many award winning and published images being taken from inside it. Photographers from around the world come to Mashatu just to visit this hide. At a waterhole, a modified shipping container hide has been sunk into the ground in prime elephant habitat. Inside, you are seated so that your head is at ground level. Everything you see is from the perspective of lying on your stomach looking upwards. The hide is a strong metal structure and totally elephant proof, so you can watch and photograph in total ease as the animals go about their business. No children under the age of 12 permitted in the hides.
*Available at an additional cost.
Please note that any reservations made for morning or afternoon adventure activities will automatically replace a vehicle safari.
Dress code is safari casual. Be sure to bring a sweater which may be needed at any time of year. During the winter months (May to September) very warm clothes, including a windbreaker or anorak, are essential.
The climate is temperate. Hot, humid conditions are usually encountered in the Tuli region. Heavy summer thunderstorms of short duration in the late afternoon or evening may be expected. Rainfall occurs mostly between October and March. Malaria is endemic to the Tuli area and anti-malarial precautions should be taken.
Mashatu Lodge is an oasis among the undulating and seemingly endless plains of the wild. Burning torches at the camp’s entrance lure safari-goers home where they experience the embodiment of sublime hospitality. 14 luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and a communion with the bush and its inhabitants.
A 30 minute vehicle transfer from Mashatu Lodge is a refuge that is very different. The Mashatu Tent Camp is almost one with the environment; blink and you might miss it! This tented camp is the leisure choice for the guest who seeks the ultimate one-on-one bush experience and who prefers a more intimate environment (and no children under the age of 12).
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu has 8 luxury tented suites and 2 classic suites.
High Season:
16
December 2021 to 9 January 2022, 16 December 2022 to 8 January 2023 and 16 December
2023 to January 2024.
1 May to 31 October each year.
Mashatu reserves the right to charge the
following cancellation fees should a confirmed reservation be cancelled within
the following period:
- 5% cancellation
fee if cancelled more than 90 days prior to arrival.
- 25% cancellation
fee if cancelled less than 90 days prior to arrival.
- 100% cancellation fee if cancelled less than 60 days prior to arrival.
Low Season:
All
times of the year not deemed high season as described in clause 5 above.
Mashatu
reserves the right to charge the following cancellation fees should a confirmed
reservation be cancelled within the following period:
- 5% cancellation fee if cancelled more than 60 days prior to arrival.
- 25% cancellation fee if
cancelled less than 60 days prior to arrival.
- 50% cancellation
fee if cancelled less than 45 days prior to arrival.
- 100% cancellation fee if cancelled less than 30
days prior to arrival.
F.I.T. Policy:
No reservation is secure or confirmed until a 50% deposit
is received to secure the booking. Mashatu reserves the right to automatically
release accommodation being held unless a deposit is received within the stated
period for each reservation. All guests shall settle their extras accounts in full
prior to departure from the camps.
Group
Policy:
Any party
reserving 50% or more of the rooms at one camp is considered a group.
No reservation is secure/
confirmed until a 10% non-refundable
deposit is received to secure the booking. Two further deposits of 25% each are
required at intervals prior to the date of arrival, as notified on the
confirmation voucher and the full balance of all services and accommodation is
required no later than one month prior to the date of arrival. Mashatu reserves
the right to automatically release accommodation being held unless the required
deposits are received as specified.
Mashatu reserves the right
to charge the following cancellation fees should a confirmed reservation be
cancelled within the following period:
- 10% cancellation fee if cancelled
more than 180 days prior to arrival.
- 25% cancellation fee if cancelled less than
180 days prior to arrival.
- 100% cancellation fee if cancelled
less than 60 days prior to arrival, or no show.
Final numbers for groups
must be confirmed 60 days prior to arrival after which time any reduction in
numbers will incur cancellation fees in accordance with the group policy.
All net accommodation and
transfer costs must be pre-paid no less than 30 days prior to arrival. All
extras must be settled direct at the camp by the guests, prior to their
departure.
Mashatu reserves the right
to limit the number of single room rates at each camp.
High Season Policy:
Confirmation of groups over the high season period is strictly at the discretion
of Mashatu management.
Cancellations:
Cancellation fees are
calculated on the nett rate per person.
Should cancelled
accommodation be resold, cancellation fees will be refunded less a 10% handling
charge.
Please ensure that all guests are covered by a travel insurance policy to protect against unforeseen cancellation, delays, injury, loss or any other prejudice of whatsoever cause.
All reservation amendments or cancellations are valid only if advised and accepted by Mashatu, in writing, by facsimile or e-mail.
https://mashatu.com/terms-and-conditions/
Mashatu Game Reserve is a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg. Guest are met by Mashatu rangers at 13h00 at the Pont Drift Border Post (Botswana’s side). Variation of this time can be made by special arrangement. Guests travelling from South Africa must clear South African immigration. Transfer of guests and their luggage to open 4-wheel drive vehicles is made at this point and all guest vehicles are safely left within the precinct of the South African border post.
Mashatu Euphorbia (Opening 1 June 2021): Children under 16 years are
not permitted.
Mashatu Lodge: All children are welcome at Mashatu Lodge under strict adult supervision. Children under 12 years, sharing accommodation with full paying adults, pay the quoted child tariff. Children of all ages are welcome but those under five years of age are not permitted to be taken on game drives, unless their parents have reserved sole-use of their vehicle for which there may be a charge.
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu: All children are welcome at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu under strict adult supervision. Children under 12 years, sharing accommodation with full paying adults, pay the quoted child tariff. Children of all ages are welcome but those under five years of age are not permitted to be taken on game drives, unless their parents have reserved sole-use of their vehicle for which there may be a charge.
Mashatu Tent Camp: Children under 12 years are not permitted.
All children qualifying for the reduced rate will need to show proof of age on check-in.
