Mashatu Lodge – Northern Tuli Game Reserve  – Botswana

Nestled in a quiet corner of Botswana where 3 countries meet is Mashatu Lodge. The lodge is a haven of simple luxury in a dramatic landscape. This is excellent big cat country and sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah are as close to guaranteed as possible. The reserve is equally famous for large herds of elephants that call is home at certain times of year. This is the perfect lodge for those looking for something off the beaten track, amazing scenery and a variety of activities.

The lodge offers 2 cooling pools to escape the summer heat as well as a lounge, dining room and the famous “Gin Trap” Bar all overlooking an active waterhole for hours of entertainment without having to move! Don’t forget the excellent Discovery Room to learn more about the incredible natural world that surrounds you.

Why not combine this great lodge with a stay in the beautiful city of Cape Town? See our Cape Town and Mashatu itinerary. Because of the low rainfall at Mashatu, this is a great option for January – April when you can enjoy the height of Cape Town’s summer and a safari with little chance of rain!

Tranquil haven

The 14 luxury suites at Mashatu Lodge offer a haven from the dramatic landscape outside. The large airy, air-conditioned suites each offer private decks with views out onto the wilderness beyond. Decorated in understated safari style with imposing black and white animal pictures the suites feel perfect for their environment.

Mashatu Lodge Suite

Safaris

Mashatu Lodge has private access to 29,000 ha (72,000 acres) of prime wilderness. The area is famous for big cats and elephants as well as incredible scenery. Twice daily safaris take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles with highly trained guides. For those wanting something a little more active Mashatu Lodge is the perfect choice. Guests can choose from a variety of safari excursions including walking safaris, mountain bike safaris and horseback safaris (note these are at a supplement to the nightly rate).

Mashatu Lion Cub

A little extra…

From May to the end of November keen photographers can add a PhotoMashatu aspect to their stay. The guidance of expert wildlife photographers, hire of specialised photographic equipment, a specially equipped photographic vehicle and a visit to Mashatu’s famous Matebole elephant hide combine to make this an incredible experience for any budding wildlife photographer.

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Mashatu Lodge

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in private suites

  • All meals

  • Twice daily safaris in open 4×4 vehicles with expert guides

  • Return transfers to and from the Pontdrift border if arriving by car (at scheduled pick up times only) or the Limpopo Valley Airfield if arriving by air

  • Conservation fee

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from Mashatu

  • Drinks

  • Items of personal expense – i.e. spa treatments, laundry, telephone calls etc

  • Other safari activities – i.e. walking, horseback, mountain bike or PhotoMashatu

  • Transfers from Pontdrift Border outside of scheduled pick up / drop off times

  • Cable car crossing of the Limpopo River if it is not traversable by safari vehicle.

Wildlife highlights:

  • Big Cats – Lion, Leopard & Cheetah

  • Large herds of elephants at specific times of year

  • Eland – largest antelope in Africa

  • Brown Hyena

  • Bat-eared Fox

When to visit:

  • January – April: Summer months, hot with occasional afternoon showers. January and February carpets of yellow flowers paint the landscape. Large herds of elephant and eland present in the first months of the year.  Long stay special available.

  • May – July: Start of the winter months, sunny skies and warm days but cool nights.

  • August – October: Late dry season, temperatures warming up and hot by October.  Animals congregate around water sources including the lodge’s waterhole and the elephant hide.

  • November – December: Usually marks the arrival of summer rains with higher temperatures and the chance of afternoon thunderstorms. The bush starts turning green, migratory birds return and many animals give birth to their young. Long stay special from 01 November to 15 December 2019

  • Mashatu lies in a low risk malaria area thanks to its generally dry climate, however, we always recommend you consult your doctor about anti-malarial prophylactics.

Weather:

  • January – Average High 34ºC (93ºF) / Average Low 22ºC (72ºF) / Average days with rain 4

  • April – Average High 30ºC (86ºF) / Average Low 17ºC (63ºF) / Average days with rain 1

  • July – Average High 25ºC (77ºF) / Average Low 7ºC (45ºF) / Average days with rain 0

  • October – Average High 31ºC (88ºF) / Average Low 18ºC (64ºF) / Average days with rain 2

Even in the “rainy” season Mashatu enjoys a mostly dry climate with an average 92% days with no rain over a 20 year period.