(Adventure Mashatu)Adventure, Walking, Cycling and Horse Safaris - Botswana

In addition to the game drives conducted in 4 wheel drive safari vehicles by experienced rangers and trackers, Mashatu Game Reserve is also able to offer activities conducted by research scientists and concessionaires based on Mashatu Game Reserve. The applicable fee assists in the funding of the scientists’ research.

We suggest that these are pre-booked prior to arrival at the camps to ensure availability of the activity. On site reservations may be made on check-in at the camps but no guarantee can be given that activities will be available.

IVORY DRIVES
Mashatu has the largest free roaming, flourishing elephant population on private land in Southern Africa. Join our resident elephant specialist and researcher, Jeanetta Selier, on a morning drive to learn more about these amazing creatures. Learn how to identify, as well as age and sex the different herds, which Jeanetta has come to know so well over the years. Getting right up close and personal with these fascinating pachyderms enables guests to learn more about their behaviour, their complex social structure and their communication skills. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DRIVES
Join us on a visit to the Mmamagwa ruins on the Motloutse River. Here you can explore ancient civilisations long forgotten by modern man and relive this bygone era. These trips will include a visit to Solomon's Wall, exploration of the archaeological site, and a walk to the top of Mmamakwa Hill. Pottery, beads and stonewalls dating back a thousand years are visible at the site. These ruins, only available to guests staying at Mashatu Game Reserve are of the same dynasty as the famous Mapungubwe Ruins, the World Heritage Site in South Africa, where the sacred Golden Rhino was discovered. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

FULL DAY IVORY & ARCHAEOLOGY DRIVE
(a combination of the above two drives)

MOUNTAIN BIKE SAFARIS
For the more adventurous - join a mountain bike safari and see the bush from a completely different perspective. The experienced rangers will accompany you as you pedal your way along ancient elephant paths. The exhilaration of cycling amongst the “Giants of Mashatu’ is awesome and a lifetime experience. Early morning and late afternoon rides are available. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

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 from Fort Jameson's Camp on the Limpopo River.
Note: this is a fast, advanced ride - only experienced riders permitted. (Min 01 pax & Max 08 Pax) (including transfers to and from Fort Jamesons)

PREDATOR DRIVE
Hi, my name is Villiers (a.k.a. Catman) and I study the movement patterns of the reserve’s leopard population. Join me on a Predator Drive as we track down and follow these elusive animals with advanced telemetry equipment, whilst the sun sets over the African bush. Learn more about the study, as well as the ecology and behaviour of all the large predator species that call Mashatu home. This is an opportunity to spend the afternoon and early evening hours with one of the world’s most attractive cats, whilst at the same time funding a project, which is of great importance to leopard conservation. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

WALKING TRAILS
The Land of Giants offers an African experience ranging from the biggest to the smallest, from the obvious to the subtle, when walking with an experienced ranger and trail guide. Paul Grobler worked as a trails guide in the Kruger National Park and is now based at Mashatu and is available to offer guests a fascinating insight into the biology and ecology of the area. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

KGOTHLA EVENING
Enjoy a magical evening under the stars in the “Kgotla”, the log-enclosed, open-air boma (an African tribal court that has been rebuilt on Mashatu). After an afternoon spent exploring the ancient Mmamagwa Ruins (exposing the seat of African civilization of almost 1000 years ago, pre-dating the Great Zimbabwe Ruins), enjoy sundowners under the gigantic baobab tree which stands majestic over the endless African plains beneath. You will return to the Kgotla and feast on a hearty meal prepared over an open fire. This outdoor experience offers an evening at one with the elements but with the comforts of a WC and hot showers. As the day reaches its’ end, reflect on your experience as you drift into slumber amidst the orchestra of sound of our true Africa .
(Must be booked in advance and in conjunction with an activity booked with a concessionaire, and is only available between the months of April and October inclusive and Sunday to Thursday inclusive. Min 4 pax and Max 08 pax)

MAPUNGUBWE DAY TRIP
The flat topped hill of Mapungubwe, proclaimed a National Monument in 1984, is an archaeological heritage site that will tantalise you with tales of royalty, gold and mysterious artefacts discovered near ancient burial sites. Some of the world’s oldest rock art (dating back AD 1050) is on view in this area. Research revealed Mapungubwe to be the predecessor of the illustrious lost civilisation of Great Zimbabwe. There are various walks in Mapungubwe National Park, beautiful views of the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, and interesting archeological diggings. Recently proclaimed a World Heritage Site, Mapungubwe will become part of the Trans Frontier Park, which includes Zimbabwe and Botswana (and Mashatu Game Reserve). Enjoy a guided tour of Mapungubwe including a picnic brunch at one of the magnificent lookout points over the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers. Guests will be transferred from Mashatu to meet their guide at the Pont Drift Border Post at 09h00, returning to Mashatu at approximately 14h30 in time for the afternoon game drive.

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 :-

The Limpopo Valley Horse Safari where one is based at Fort Jamesons and from which different daily rides are conducted. This itinerary is tailormade to suit individual requirements and has no minimum stay restrictions.

The Tuli Horse Safari - nights are spent in wilderness camps set up within the Mashatu Game Reserve. Rides are conducted between these wilderness camps. Duration: 3-10 days (minimum of 4 people/ maximum of 8 people).

Please note that only experienced riders may participate in a Limpopo Valley Horse Safari, Tuli Horse Safari or a day ride from any of the Mashatu Camps.
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 travelling with have reserved the safari exclusively. The children must be accompanied by a parent.

Cycling Safaris

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.

Walking Safaris

The Land of the Giants offers an African experience ranging from the biggest to the smallest, from the most obvious to the most subtle, when walking with your guide, renowned Paul Grobler, a former Kruger National Park wilderness trails ranger from the Sweni Trail.

Come and experience the sounds of the nocturnal creatures of the African bush in rustic wilderness camps. Take part in the story telling around the camp fire at night and share your bush experiences with your fellow hikers on the trip. Enjoy a delicious meal after a day filled with adventure before going to bed to refresh for the next adventurous day.

Witness the walkabouts of the wild animals of Africa, learn about the hidden secrets of nature, the smaller creatures hidden in their bush homes, see how the eco-system involves the inter-relatedness of species, track down an animal after coming across its footprints and much more.

The trip involves 3 nights camping out in the bush. Camping equipment and food is provided. Your kit will be transported by vehicle and you only need to carry a day pack not weighing much.

ADVENTURE MASHATU