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Location:
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In
the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo
and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a
diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains
and sandstone outcrops.
It is here that the largest of the Rattray
Reserves is situated - Mashatu Game Reserve. Mashatu Game Reserve gets its
name from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which occur throughout this
immense tract of privately owned land.Mashatu
Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest, single population
of elephant on privately-owned land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of
Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds
that once populated the meandering Limpopo valley. Today, the population
on Mashatu Game Reserve alone, is estimated to number in excess of 700.
The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalized.
Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show
you their world. Radio-linked four-wheel drive vehicles set out at
dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and
flora which abound throughout the reserve. |
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Some 350 species of birds may be seen while out on the plains,
cheetah, zebra, giraffe, eland, impala, steenbok and the breeding
herds of elephant are encountered. Within the denser vegetation,
leopard, lion, kudu, bush buck, baboon and more. Whether you visit Mashatu for the
excitement of the big game viewing, the relaxation of unspoiled Africa or
the quiet luxury of the camps, you will not be disappointed. In an area approximately 4
1/2 hours drive north from Johannesburg between the confluences of the
Motloutse and Shashe Rivers in Botswana lies an area known as the "Land of
the Giants". The 66 000 acre Mashatu Game Reserve is situated in the Tuli
Block so named for its distinction of being an area of Africa that enjoys
the Seven Giants of Africa:
The Elephant - The Earth’s
largest land Mammal
The Lion - Africa’s largest Cat.
The Ostrich - The world’s largest Bird
The Kori Bustard - The world’s heaviest flying bird
The Giraffe - The world’s tallest mammal
The Eland - Africa’s largest antelope
The Baobab - Africa’s largest tree |
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Accommodation:
Mashatu Main Camp
Mashatu Main Camp is the
larger and more luxurious of Mashatu's camps.
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Completely refurbished during
2002/3, the camp offers 14 tastefully and authentically decorated
suites. Each suite is furnished with two three-quarter beds, a day
bed, expansive en suite bathroom with shower, bath, his and hers
basins, and a second W.C.A private lounge area overlooks the
unfenced surrounding bush and 24 hour temperature control completes
the comfort of each suite.
Mashatu Main Camp is elevated around
a waterhole and offers excellent game viewing opportunities from
within the camp itself. The dining area, stunning day lounge and
"Gin Trap" bar provide diverse lookouts from which to enjoy and
appreciate the environment. Facilities within the camp include a
swimming pool, an air-conditioned lounge and dining room and a lala-palm
enclosed African boma, in which sumptuous dinners are savoured under
the magnificent African night sky and around a blazing fire. A well
appointed curio shop complements the facilities. |
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The "piece de resistance" at Main
Camp is the Discovery Room: base for the scientific research
conducted at Mashatu and a magnifying glass though which the animals
and history of Mashatu can be examined. A fascinating insight into
the world that is Mashatu - the Land of the Giants.Mashatu Main Camp
offers a fully air-conditioned conference room, with seating for up
to 48 delegates “Boardroom Style” and includes: VCR and TV monitors,
overhead projectors, slide projectors, screens, flip charts and
white boards. No additional charge is levied for the use of the
conference room.
Children’s Policy And Rates - Age restrictions do exist and are
applied in the interests of personal safety as well as the comfort
of other guests. At Mashatu Main Camp, children of all ages are
welcome but those aged five and under are not permitted to dine in
the boma or to be taken on game drives, unless their parents have
reserved sole-use of their safari vehicle.
Special dining arrangements can be
made and baby sitting services are provided on request at a nominal
charge. Family rooms and triple rooms are available upon request.
Children under 12 years of age, sharing with full paying adults, pay
50% of the quoted adult tariff. |
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- Capacity = 28 guests.
- 14 Luxury double/twin suites.
- En-suite luxury bathroom per
suite.
- Purified water.
- Lala-Palm enclosed boma where
dinner is held under the stars.
- Facsimile, telephone and e-mail
facilities available at the border post.
- 24 - hour electricity (with
standby generator).
- Safari Boutique.
- Maximum number of guests per game
viewing vehicle is 7.
- 24-hour temperature control.
- Insect proof screening on all
windows and sliding doors.
- Separate tour guides accommodation
(B grade).
- Insect repellent supplied in all
bedrooms and on all vehicles.
- Laundry service.
- Safari Bar featuring an
international selection of beverages.
- Discovery/Educational Centre.
- Full range of guest amenities.
- A limited number of mountain
bicycles for participation in cycling safaris.
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Mashatu Tent Camp
Nestled in the remote northern area
of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp. With never more than sixteen
guests, this idyllic getaway provides accommodation in the form of
eight twin tents. Although rustic in character every facility is
provided. The 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 and a traditional boma for
intimate campfire dinners. This camp also contains a very welcome
plunge pool. Your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While
on game drives, you will be taken care of by your ranger and on your
return, the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need.
Suites - No suites are available at Mashatu Tent Camp.
Children’s Policy And Rates - Age restrictions do exist and are
applied in the interests of personal safety as well as the comfort
of other guests. We regret to advise that no children under the age
of 12 years are allowed at Mashatu Tent Camp. There are no family
rooms available at Mashatu Tent Camp. |
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Power Supply
- 220V A.C. current is available 24 hours a day
Capacity = 16 guests.
8 twin bedded tents.
En-suite shower facilities.
Full range of guest amenities.
Insect proof screening in the tents.
Insect repellent supplied in all tents and on all vehicles.
Purified water.
Filtered plunge pool.
Lala-Palm enclosed boma where dinner is held under the stars.
Facsimile, telephone and e-mail facilities available at the border
post.
Safari Bar featuring a selection of beverages.
Safari Boutique.
Fans in the tents.
Hide overlooking a floodlit waterhole.
A limited number of mountain bicycles for participation in cycling
safaris.
Maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle is 8. |
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Game Viewing / Activities:
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Game drives are conducted in
open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles in the 90 000 acre Mashatu Game
Reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another
and to keep each other informed about the location of the game. Headsets
are used for this purpose so as not to disturb the sounds of the African
bush.
Beside elephant, lion, cheetah,
leopard and Hyaena, general game like giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland
and a variety of antelope, the nocturnal species like spring hares, bat
eared fox, civet cat, genet cat, honey badger and mongoose etc occur
throughout the reserve. The bird life is prolific with Mashatu Game
Reserve recording over 350 different species.
The 4-wheel drive safari
vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with up
close game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives,
with the aid of powerful spotlights brings the bush to life at nights.
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Sole use vehicles
Sole use of vehicles can be
arranged upon request, subject to availability at Mashatu Main Camp only.
Sole use of these vehicles is charged per empty seat per day out of six,
up to a maximum of 5 empty seats.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
IN THE LAND OF THE GIANTS!
Whilst Mashatu does have
mountain bicycles available for hire, it is recommended that visitors
bring their own bikes with them. The cycling safari is completely flexible
and whilst a program is recommended, this can be amended according to the
preferences and fitness of the respective cyclists. Participants may
choose the cycling safari but this will not exclude them enjoying a
vehicle drive if fatigue or injury dictates. Similarly night drives in
vehicles after dark are included.
A CYCLIST’S ACCOUNT
"Among the Giants on your
Giant"
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The Matriarch trumpeted
furiously as she detected our presence 100 yards away. By now the entire
herd of approximately 50 elephant had passed us by without detecting our
clearly visible group on the river bank. The herd comprised a social
structure of bulls, cows and calves, some of which were a mere month old.
The ranger removed his high
caliber rifle from his shoulder where it had been slung for the duration
of the ride. The Matriarch is the single most aggressive member of the
herd and will charge without the slightest hesitation. The surge of
adrenaline in our bodies was instantaneous as she faced us with her ears
flapping and trunk extended and there was no way to know how committed her
charge would be on our group of seven cyclists. A certain fear crept into
the group as the urgency of the situation became ever more obvious from
the ranger’s actions. And then it was over, the last of the herd had
passed behind her, the cows urging the young calves on their way. She
shook her head one more time as a passing ‘shot’ to these intruders and
followed the herd down river. The cyclists joined up and nervously
whispered about the most exciting biking occurrence they had ever
witnessed.
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Bring your mountain bike and your stress
and ride among the giants.
You owe yourself the opportunity just once in your life!
Cycle-Mashatu enjoys the
cycling concession on Mashatu Game Reserve. Many would argue that you have
not lived until you have cycled in the Land of the Giants - an
intoxicating experience indeed!
Every Friday through to Monday, from the beginning of March to the end of
October Cycle-Mashatu offers 3 nights of guided mountain biking adventure.
Catering for no more than 8 bikers, cycle well-worn game paths, sleep
under the starlit skies and explore the ancient Lands of the Giants.
Cycle-Mashatu tailors the distances to suit the groups fitness and
strengths, provide vehicle support, meals, and camp amenities.
HORESBACK
SAFARIS!
Limpopo Valley Horse
Safaris offer the experience of a lifetime. Surrounded by a multitude of
Africa’s flora and fauna, come and explore this breathtaking terrain
from horseback, in the company of your experienced African equine host
who has extensive knowledge and experience of the bush.
There are two rides from which one
can choose :-
Tuli Safari - a 7 night wilderness safari. Based
entirely on Mashatu Game Reserve, the 7 night wilderness safarI
combines a night at the Fort Jameson camp, 4 nights in luxurious
domed tents at various wilderness camps, and 2 nights under the
stars at the Kgotla (old tribal court – log enclosed boma). The Tuli
Safari begins and ends on Sundays
Big 5
Safari - a combination 8 night safari. Including 4
nights at the Horizons Dinaka or Jembisa lodges in South Africa and
4 nights at Mashatu Game Reserve provide opportunities for viewing
the Big 5 on horse back. Accommodation at Mashatu is in various
wilderness camps or a semi permanent luxurious tented camp. The Big
5 Safari begins on Saturdays and ends on Sundays.
Please note that only experienced riders may participate . Children
under 16 years are not permitted on any horse safaris or day ride,
unless they are experienced and competent riders, and the party they
are traveling with have reserved the safari exclusively. The
children must be accompanied by a parent. |
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Rates:
Please contact us for a suggested
itinerary and quote
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