Magical Mashatu Photo Safari - June 2026
OVERVIEW
Our "Magical Mashatu" photo safari starts in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an overnight stop for our group to assemble.
After a plane journey and road transfer, we begin an unforgettable 8-night adventure in Mashatu Private Game Reserve. You'll stay at two lodges, each offering its unique charm.
Guided by a seasoned Mashatu ranger and benefiting from Stu Porter's expert photo advice, you'll capture stunning wildlife from a private safari vehicle.
Enjoy exclusive accommodations, including a night in the new Limpopo overnight hide and three exclusive use sessions at the renowned "Matebole" Elephant hide.
This curated blend ensures our group experiences the true magic of Mashatu.
MASHATU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Nestled at the confluence of the mighty Limpopo and Shashe Rivers lies Mashatu, an untouched wilderness of pristine beauty. Spanning 42,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of privately owned land within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Mashatu is renowned for its abundant sightings of big cats and boasts the largest population of elephants on private land. This extraordinary region of southern Africa offers an unmatched safari adventure.
Rich in diverse ecosystems, from rolling mopane veld to vast plains, rugged sandstone formations, and boundless African skies, Mashatu's landscape is as breathtaking as it is unique.
With minimal vehicle presence during wildlife encounters and expert guides adept at positioning you for unobtrusive and intimate viewing, Mashatu ensures an exclusive safari experience like no other.
THE LIMPOPO OVERNIGHT HIDE (currently under construction)
We've arranged one night at the hide, dropping off at 16:00 and picking up the next morning at 09:00.
Imagine relaxing in a snug suite with ground-level windows, just two meters from a waterhole. Witness antelope, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and predators gathering to drink.
Positioned beside one of Mashatu's busiest waterholes, the Limpopo hide grants exclusive wildlife viewing.
After sunset, adjustable lights enable creative nighttime photography. If you fancy a rest, four comfy beds offer private relaxation. An infrared motion sensor alerts you to nocturnal visitors, ensuring you don't miss a moment.
A separate dining area ensures peaceful dining without disturbing drinking animals. Full washroom facilities, including a toilet and changing area, are provided.
The Limpopo sleep-out hide innovatively offers a ground-level safari suite, providing unparalleled views of the bustling waterhole outside your window.
THE MATEBOLE ELEPHANT HIDE
We have secured one full day and one morning visit on an exclusive basis for our group only.
Here's what you can expect:
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ELEPHANTS - Witnessing elephants up close is the highlight of this experience. Watch them engage in various behaviors like drinking, bathing, and socializing, and maybe even playful interactions.
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OTHER WILDLIFE - While elephants take center stage, the hide provides glimpses of diverse wildlife like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, kudus, and various bird species. Keep your camera ready for unexpected encounters.
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UNIQUE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES - Capture intimate moments and behaviors of wildlife from a unique low-angle vantage point without disturbing their natural activities. Enjoy stunning photographs in different lighting conditions throughout the day.
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SCENIC SURROUNDINGS - Set in a picturesque location within Mashatu, the Matebole Elephant Hide offers breathtaking views of the African bush, providing a serene backdrop while you await wildlife sightings.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANCE - Spend a full day at the hide for an educational opportunity to improve your photography skills. Stu will be available to offer guidance and assistance.
DETAILS
Led by Stu Porter, this photo safari offers personalized photographic guidance, catering to all skill levels.
With a focus on beginners and flexibility for intermediate to advanced photographers, our professional guide will expertly position the safari vehicle for optimal photography.
Along with an impressive portfolio of birds, you will also have an excellent chance to see and photograph the following:
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Spotted Hyaena, Jackal, Crocodile, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala, Zebra, Wildebeest, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, & Warthog.
DAY 1
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overnight.
Your safari commences with a meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by an escort to an airport hotel conveniently located within walking distance of the arrivals hall.
Stu and the other members of the group will gather to welcome you for dinner at the hotel.
You will stay for 1 night in Johannesburg at CITY LODGE O.R. TAMBO
(Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 2
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Polokwane (PTG). Road transfer to Mashatu - Tuli Safari Lodge
Following breakfast, fly on a domestic flight to Polokwane.
Upon arrival, our group will be greeted at the airport, and a 2.5-hour road transfer will take us to the Botswana border. We cross over and head straight to Mashatu where we will arrive at Tuli Safari Lodge for lunch.
You will stay for 4 nights at Tuli Safari Lodge in luxury en-suite rooms. One of the nights will be spent in the special overnight hide)
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 3
Morning and afternoon game drives in a private safari vehicle - Tuli Safari Lodge
We'll depart early to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness, followed by a midday rest at the lodge before our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 4
Limpopo overnight hide
Today begins with an early morning game drive to capitalize on optimal light. After a midday break at the lodge, we journey to the Limpopo overnight hide. Here, we'll photograph animals visiting to drink throughout the afternoon and into the night. Equipped with beds, a kitchen, and washroom facilities, this experience promises to be a highlight of your Mashatu stay.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 5
Morning at the hide, return to the lodge and then afternoon game drive - Tuli Safari Lodge
We'll dedicate the prime morning light to the hide, eagerly awaiting wildlife visitors. Then, a midday break at the lodge precedes our final afternoon drive exploring the area around Tuli Safari Lodge.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 6
Final morning drive before we depart for Mashatu Lodge where we will stay another 4 nights - Mashatu Lodge
We will have a final morning drive exploring the area around Tuli Safari lodge, before relocating to Mashatu Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon and sunset drive in our new surroundings
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 7
Morning & afternoon game drives - Mashatu Lodge
We will have a final morning drive exploring the area around Tuli Safari lodge, before relocating to Mashatu Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon and sunset drive in our new surroundings
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
Day 8
Morning & afternoon game drives - Mashatu Lodge
Depart early to explore the area, return for a midday break, then enjoy an afternoon and sunset drive.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
Day 9
Full day at the Matebole Elephant Hide
We've secured exclusive use of the Matebole Hide for a full day, ensuring a tranquil experience as we patiently await wildlife sightings. Positioned at eye level, it offers unique photo opportunities as animals come to drink. With our provisions on hand, we'll enjoy the serenity of the wilderness, eagerly anticipating the next wildlife encounter amidst the soothing sounds of nature.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
Day 10
Morning & afternoon game drives - Mashatu Lodge
Depart early to explore the area, return for a midday break, then enjoy an afternoon and sunset drive.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
Day 11
Enjoy the Matebole Hide on our final morning at Mashatu. Depart for Polokwane then fly to Johannesburg.
We will have exclusive use of the Matebole Hide (our group only) for our final morning at Mashatu. We will then depart at around midday on the same 2.5 hour road transfer to Polokwane before flying back to Johannesburg. The flight will arrive in JHB at around 18:40. This should be enough time to connect with your international flight home, or we can arrange an overnight stay for you at the City Lodge.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE PAYMENT
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.