Mashatu Tent Camp
Mashatu Tent Camp is a tented camp in the private and game-rich Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Enclave region of south-east Botswana.
Mashatu Tent Camp is one of the best value for money camps in Africa. The camp itself is very comfortable yet retains an authentic and intimate camp atmosphere, and whilst food is good quality and service is professional, it is not a camp you choose to visit if you are looking for a luxurious, relaxing stay. The beauty of Mashatu Tent Camp is the direct access you have to the exclusive Mashatu Game Reserve and everything it offers – incredible game viewing, varied activities, genuine exclusivity and a beautiful wilderness experience.
Mashatu is often favoured by photographers too as the game viewing is so good and they have a photographic vehicle available to hire and a ground level photo hide that can be booked in advance, along with a photographic host. Mashatu is ideal for enthusiasts looking for an affordable big game and wilderness experience, and makes a great combination with various safari regions in northern South Africa including the northern section of the Kruger National Park, the private game reserves bordering the southern Kruger, Madikwe Game Reserve and the Waterberg Region.
Rooms
Mashatu Tent caters for 16 guests in eight comfortable tents, each raised off the ground on a concrete plinth and accessed through a framed canvas door. The tents are furnished with proper beds, tables, a wardrobe and chairs. To the front of the tent is a small furnished verandah raised on a wooden deck and looking out into the bush. To the rear are plumbed en suite facilities, also raised on a wooden deck, with an open air plumbed shower and thatch covered toilet. The tents are set beneath large trees and overlook a seasonal stream, you definitely feel like you are in the bush here!
Central Areas
The central areas are made up of an open plan lounge, bar and dining area, all raised on wooden decking and covered by thatch. Early morning and brunch are taken here whilst dinner is mostly served in a traditional boma (weather permitting). The central areas and a close by split-level hide look over the stream to a waterhole, which supplies water throughout the year to the resident wildlife. There is also a small camp plunge pool.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
Mashatu is the largest privately owned game reserve in southern Africa, and is located in the ‘wedge’ of south-eastern Botswana known locally as the Tuli Enclave which lies between Shashe (border with Zimbabwe) and Limpopo (South Africa) rivers. Affectionately known as ‘the land of the giants’, the reserve covers an area of some 90,000 acres of varied habitat including riverine forest, open plains dotted with mighty baobab and ‘Mashatu’ nyala berry trees, and savannah woodland.
The area has over 1,000 resident elephant which are regularly seen together with lion, cheetah, leopard, impala, giraffe, kudu, eland, zebra, bushbuck and many other small species. Wild dog are occasional visitors. Neither buffalo nor rhino are found. The birdlife is excellent with over 360 species recorded including the ostrich and the kori bustard (the heaviest flying bird).
The area was originally inhabited by the mystical Maphungubwe tribe in 800AD, and made famous by Frederik Courtney Selous who hunted elephant in the region during the late 1800′s and led the Pioneer Column and Zeederberg Express. Baines also passed through here on his voyages. Archaeological sites abound including the notable Motloutse Ruins and Pitsani Koppie.
Activities
Activities are based around extended morning and afternoon game drives, including spotlight viewing after sunset and nature walks. Mountain biking (cycle safaris either as a daily activity or extended trail), archaeological visits, photographic tuition in the hide with a professional photographer (maximum 8 guests) and a specially adapted photographic vehicle (accommodating maximum four guests and booked exclusively) are available at additional cost.
Seasons
Mashatu Tent Camp is open all year round, but game viewing will be best between May and October.
Whilst Mashatu Tent Camp does not accept children under 12 years of age, families with older children would certainly find this a fantastic and adventurous safari option. With an extensive activity list and exciting game viewing, we feel that families looking for an active safari holiday would certainly enjoy Mashatu.
A newly formed Conservation Trust ensures that the wildlife and their habitat are conserved through protection, research and education.
Predator research is also being undertaken by researchers on the reserve as well as the presence of an anti-poaching team.
Children in the Wilderness Bobirwa (CITW) is a life skills and environmental education programme supported by Mashatu Game Reserve which inspires children living in villages close to the reserve to care for the environment so that they can become the custodians of these areas in the future. The programme includes annual camps which are run at Mashatu Tent Camp in December of each year exposing children to their natural environment and educating them in it.
Mashatu is also a member of Pack For A Purpose where guests may use the empty space in their suitcases for donations of supplies for the CITW programmes in the Bobirwa area.
