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OVERVIEW ON MASHATU TENT CAMP IN TULI MASHATU
Just 15 minutes from Mashatu Main Camp is a refuge very different. The Mashatu Tent Camp is almost one with the environment – just blink and you might miss it! This is the leisure choice for the guest who seeks the ultimate one-on-one bush experience, or who prefers a more intimate environment with never more than 14 companions (and no children under 12 years of age). 8 completely private comfortable tents are tucked under the branches of enormous trees, accessible via meandering pathways. The tents are themselves spacious and comfortable (enabling adults to stand upright). Each unit is mounted on a concrete platform, and has its own private outdoor en-suite facilities (including W.C and shower). Have you ever showered under the stars? Instant camaraderie is a by-product of this characteristic camp. Meal-times are shared without pomp and ceremony, either in the open-air thatched gazebo, or in the boma overlooking a floodlit and popular waterhole. A plunge pool provides a refreshing break from the unrelenting sunshine typical of the summer months. Guests may remove themselves further by visiting the hide, also overlooking the waterhole. The sturdy and shaded structure enables bush enthusiasts to sit quietly and to obverse animal species going about their day. And the best part – the animals are completely unaware that they are not alone. It is humbling indeed to be an observer, standing where the world is perfec
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Location Of Mashatu Tent Camp
Mashatu Tent 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 Tent 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 Tent 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 Tent Camp
- 8 twin tents.
- No children under the age of 12.
- Tucked away in the remote northern area of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp. Small & intimate, the well appointed tents are insect-proofed, have comfortable beds and each has an en-suite shower and W.C. facility. There is an open-sided thatch deck where meals are served, as well as a traditional boma for intimate campfire dinners. This camp also has a plunge pool & bird hide over looking a water hole.
- 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.
