Beyond the Obvious in Botswana

Johannesburg - Mashatu Game Reserve

After arriving into Johannesburg, you’ll then depart on your scheduled light aircraft flight to Mashatu Airstrip. Mashatu Game Reserve is situated at Botswana’s easternmost point, on the borders with Zimbabwe and South Africa and at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. Wild and remote, the reserve’s 29,000 hectares are composed of an exceptionally diverse collection of landscapes, including plains, grasslands, marshlands, forests, rocky hills and sandstone ridges. There are also eight perennial and non-perennial rivers on the property. With over 350 bird species, a healthy big cat population and the most relaxed elephant population in all of Africa, Mashatu is known for having one of the highest “hit rates” for wildlife photographers on the continent. After arriving at your tented camp, take the rest of the day to settle in, absorb the ambience and prepare for the beginning of your safari tomorrow morning.

Overnight: Mashatu Tented Camp (L, D)

Mashatu Game Reserve

Today you’ll embark on two game drives through the reserve, and visit the waterhole where Mashatu’s management have built an exclusive photographic hide for the use of dedicated wildlife photographers. Before heading into the waterside Matebole Hide tomorrow, you’ll now have the opportunity to scope out potential locations, angles and lighting, and formulate a plan on how best to use the site to achieve the best photographic results. You’ll also be able to learn from Mashatu’s resident wildlife photographer, with tutoring sessions back at camp allowing you to discuss techniques, settings and positionings ready for your session in the hide.

Overnight: Mashatu Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Mashatu Game Reserve

Your session in the hide will take place in the morning, so make sure to reach the waterhole early to take advantage of the light conditions. Sunk into the ground right next to the water, you’ll be granted some unique angles of the approaching wildlife. This is prime elephant habitat, but there are plenty of other species that approach to take a drink, including kudu, impala, baboons and even big cats. After your session has ended, you’ll have time to return to camp for lunch and further tutoring, before setting off on a shared afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Mashatu Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Mashatu Game Reserve

Over the next three days you’ll be able to enjoy exclusive use of the PhotoMashatu vehicle, a fully customised 4x4 designed to help wildlife photographers achieve the perfect shot. Sliding 270° gimble heads and beanbag arches provide excellent support and manoeuvrability for your camera, while the cushioned dustproof and waterproof storage compartments will keep your equipment in pristine condition. A specialised photographic guide will accompany you on your journey through the reserve in the PhotoMashatu vehicle. Keep your lens poised for storks, herons and other waterbirds flocking to drying pools filled with fish; lions, leopards, giraffes, ostriches and elands moving across open plains; and herds of elephants framed against huge baobab trees. You’ll also be able to enjoy one exclusive afternoon session using the Matebole Hide and a mobile hide, as well as daily tutoring back at camp.

Overnight: Mashatu Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Depart Mashatu Game Reserve

Your time at Mashatu is now at an end, but you will no doubt leave laden with your own personal collection of unique images to remember your time by. Remember to return your rented photographic equipment (if you didn't bring your own) before heading to the airstrip to catch your outward flight.