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OVERVIEW ON MASHATU MAIN CAMP IN TULI MASHATU
Mashatu Main Camp is an oasis among the undulating and seemingly endless plains of the wild. Burning torches at the camp’s entrance beckon safari-goers home to the embodiment of sublime hospitality. For the visitor who is accustomed to the creature comforts, this camp will meet every expectation. 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. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole; listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher in a branch overhead; smell the grassy scent of the veldt; touch the bark of an ancient tree and taste a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating. Each of the air-conditioned suites at Mashatu Main Camp is tastefully decorated and includes impressive black and white prints of Africa’s most beautiful animals. A double bed and an extra large single bed together with a seating area comprising a day bed allows the suites to provide more than enough space to comfortably accommodate families with younger children. The ample en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower facilities and a separate W.C complete the well appointed suites. This is the ideal camp for the family traveler. A large swimming pool is the most popular spot in the camp to wile away the hours on the hot days between game activities. The Discovery Room is the portal through which curious visitors get a glimpse of another world that was here long before man was – animal specimens and relics will fascinate and educate visitors of all ages as will the resident crocodiles (both large and small). Meals are a sumptuous celebration of traditional African cuisine – flavorsome but not ostentatious. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home made breads and pies, succulent meat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal to a visitor who appreciates home-cooking at its best. For a touch of retail therapy, the fully-stocked curio shop showcases a variety of African crafts, clothing and jewellery. And fear not – if you run out of battery or sunscreen, you can find this too!
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Location Of Mashatu Main Camp
Mashatu Main Camp is located in Mashatu Game Reserve which is a wholly preserved and untainted Northern Tuli wilderness in eastern Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. The ample plains range from savannah, to riverine forests, marshland, and sandstone outcrops
Safari Experience At Mashatu Main Camp
Mashatu, ‘Land of Giants’ takes its name from the locally-sacrosanct Mashatu tree and the giants that roam the terrain. As one of the largest private game reserve in southern Africa, Mashatu is, at 25 000 ha (75 000 acres), a fitting setting for the world’s largest land mammal (the elephant) – with the largest herds on privately owned land on earth. Mashatu also provides sanctuary to the world’s tallest mammal (the giraffe); the world’s largest antelope (the eland); the world’s largest bird (the ostrich) and of course, the world’s heaviest flying bird (the kori bustard). Add the lion, the king of the beasts and the iconic baobab … and you have Africa’s Big Seven. This extraordinary place possesses an ecological diversity uncommon in other reserves. Complementing three members of the Big Five – leopard, lion and elephant – are some of the more surprising species, including the aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wild cat, honey badger and black-backed jackal. Recently introduced to Mashatu (as part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve) is the endangered wild dog. Mashatu is also an ornithological paradise, and plays host to more than 350 bird species, including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller, whose plumage features no fewer than seven different shades of blue.
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Activities At Mashatu Main Camp
Two guided game activities i.e. (game drives and walks) per day are included in your stay but subject to availability, the camp can arrange the below extra activities at an additional cost.
Specialist predator drive: The predator drive offers thrilling insights into the ferocious lives of Mashatu’s big cats. Andrei Snyman, who is based on Mashatu Game Reserve, is the predator researcher of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. His study specializes in the lions and leopards of this area. Andrei has extensive experience working with large carnivores, covering aspects such as capture, radio tracking, monitoring and censusing. For the last few years Andrei has been studying the lion population dynamics in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Andrei is currently running the Northern Tuli Predator Project and conducting a lion and leopard research project. In order to subsidise his research, Andrei conducts interpretive drives where a more detailed insight into the predators of Mashatu is offered. For a contribution to his research endeavours, join Andrei on an afternoon predator research drive where he will share with you the extraordinary life of leopards and lions from a researcher’s perspective, as you search for these charismatic large predators. Come and experience for yourself a few hours in the life of a predator researcher and learn how Andrei aims to better understand the King-of-Beasts and the Prince-of-Stealth.
Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris: “Take a ride on the wild side.” A horse safari in the Land of Giants will arouse the explorer in you. Allow the spirit of your horse to carry you in rhythm with the African beat, to return you to an age-old Africa. Join Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris for a morning or afternoon ride. Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris operates as a concessionaire on Mashatu Game Reserve. The area is perfect for riding; good going with natural ditches and logs to jump gives an exhilarating ride. Regular game sightings not only of the elephants and cats but also of antelopes, wild dogs, jackals, bat eared foxes, giraffe and the occasional canter with zebras and wildebeest across the plains leaves you with unforgettable holiday memories. Guests accommodated at Mashatu Main or Tent Camp have the opportunity to participate in a morning horse safari. This is a fast advanced ride for experienced riders only. 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 morning ride. A very early transfer from the camp to rendezvous with Limpopo Valley Horse Safari’s will be arranged. It is advisable to pre-book this activity prior to arrival at Mashatu to ensure it is available.
Mountain Bike Safaris: For the more adventurous – join a mountain bike safari and see the bush from a completely different perspective. The experienced ranger (or guide) will accompany you as you pedal your way along ancient elephant paths. The exhilaration of cycling amongst the “Giants of Mashatu’ is an awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mountain bike safaris are tailored to suit the fitness and strength of the riders. Mountain bikes, cycling helmuts and water bottles are available for use. Early morning and late afternoon rides are available.
Summary For Mashatu Main Camp
- 14 luxury suites.
- Children of all ages welcome.
- Accommodation at Mashatu Main Camp includes insect-proofed luxury suites, each with an ample and fully equipped en-suite bathroom. Sliding doors open onto the African bush, two large beds complete well-appointed rooms. Mashatu Main Camp offers a stunning viewing deck directly off the bar, together with an elevated lounge overlooking the waterhole.
- 75,000 acres of open un-spoilt wilderness, with diverse landscapes and eco systems.
- Largest herds of free roaming elephants on private land in Southern Africa.
- Diverse wilderness offering excellent game viewing, adventure activities as well as traditional game drives, specialist safaris, & a variety of accommodation.
- South East Botswana directly on the border with South Africa, & Zimbabwe in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
