Mashatu Photo Safari, Botswana | Land of Giants • Big Cats, Elephants & Ancient Baobabs | World Photo Travels | Photo Workshops, Guided Tours, Safaris & Expeditions
- Mike Reyfman
• The Land of Giants • June 2027
Start: June 16, 2027 | Johannesburg, SA
End: June 26, 2027 | Johannesburg, SA
Guests: 3
2 SPOTS REMAINING
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Mashatu, Botswana — The Land of Giants. Remote, Raw, Unforgettable.
Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana is a stunning corner of southern Africa — everything you imagine when you picture true African wilderness. This hidden gem spans 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres) of privately owned land within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, a vast and largely unfenced conservation area where wildlife moves freely and vehicles are few. Known as the "Land of Giants" for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and sweeping open landscapes, Mashatu is drier, more rugged, and often bathed in golden light that seems made for photography.
We'll experience this extraordinary reserve from two distinct vantage points, staying in camps set in opposite corners of Mashatu: Tuli Safari Lodge, perched on the banks of the Limpopo River, and Mashatu Tent Camp, tucked deep in the heart of the bush. Each camp opens onto its own terrain — Mashatu's landscape is remarkably varied, with wide open plains, dry riverbeds, towering mashatu trees, scattered baobabs, rocky hills, and sandstone formations. The combination creates real depth and variety for photography, with clean, uncluttered backgrounds in some areas and dramatic rocky terrain in others.
The reserve is also home to a famously dense leopard population. Add resident lions and cheetahs hunting the open ground between the two camps, and this two-camp structure doubles not just the scenery, but the chances at Mashatu's full cast of predators.
Here we'll focus on dramatic action — elephants kicking up dust, cheetahs on the hunt, leopards resting high in the mashatu trees — but there's also time to slow down and work the scenes: graphic silhouettes of baobabs in layered landscapes, and clean, striking portraits.
The hides here are a highlight. We'll have the chance to shoot from ground level, eye to eye with elephants, birds, and more — something every wildlife photographer should experience at least once.
What Makes Mashatu Different
❱ Off-road, on private land— Mashatu sits on private concession land, so our guides can leave the roads entirely to work a sighting properly — no fixed tracks, no waiting for a better angle.
❱ Giants and big cats— Massive elephant herds and ancient baobabs give the landscape its scale and namesake — while lions, cheetahs, and a notably high density of leopards keep the reserve equally strong for predator photography.
❱ Ground-level, after dark— The underground Lala Limpopo hide puts you eye-to-eye with elephants and nocturnal wildlife from a vantage point no vehicle can offer — one of the most distinctive photographic experiences in southern Africa.
❱ Two camps, two corners— Tuli Safari Lodge and Mashatu Tent Camp sit in opposite corners of the reserve, giving this trip a wider range of terrain, light, and wildlife than a single-camp safari can offer.
Itinerary
Day 1 | June 16, 2027
- Arrival in Johannesburg: Arrive in the afternoon and prepare for the start of your safari adventure.
- Convenient airport hotel: Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at our included hotel, located just steps from the terminal — perfect for a restful start.
- Evening at leisure: Join the group for an optional welcome dinner, or simply relax and recover after your long flight.
Arrive in Johannesburg
Day 2 | June 17, 2027
- Scenic transfer to Mashatu: Early breakfast followed by a picturesque journey, with changing landscapes as we cross into Botswana.
- Luxury lodging at Tuli Safari Lodge: Set on the banks of the Limpopo River, this 4-star camp features spacious, elevated tented suites with wrap-around decks and open-plan interiors — blending classic safari charm with modern comfort. Relax by the pool tucked among giant rocks or stargaze from the lodge's elevated deck.
- Evening game drive: Our first opportunity to explore the wildlife-rich landscapes of Mashatu in golden light. ________________
Johannesburg » Mashatu, Tuli Safari Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Days 3-5 | June 18-20, 2027
- Three full days based at Tuli Safari Lodge: Time dedicated to exploring the eastern corner of Mashatu, with a rich blend of game drives, hide sessions, and downtime.
- Morning and evening game drives: Each day begins and ends with golden light and active wildlife — ideal for photographing big cats, elephants, and more in their natural habitat.
- Lala Limpopo underground hide: One night during our stay is dedicated to this specialized night hide, designed for close-up, low-angle photography with studio-quality lighting.
- Matabole hide session: One session at this waterhole hide in open terrain, offering excellent golden hour photography of elephants, birds, and antelope in beautiful, warm natural light.
- Off-road access for exclusive sightings: Mashatu's private status allows guides to go off-road for key sightings, enhancing both proximity and photographic potential.
- Flexible midday hours: Time to rest, review images, or explore the lodge grounds along the Limpopo River. ________________
Mashatu — Tuli Safari Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Day 6 | June 21, 2027
- Transfer across the reserve: After a final morning game drive, we transfer across Mashatu to the opposite corner of the reserve, opening up new terrain, light, and wildlife.
- Mashatu Tent Camp: A classic, intimate tented camp offering an authentic bush experience deep within the reserve.
- Evening game drive: Our first exploration of this side of Mashatu, in golden afternoon light. ________________
Tuli Safari Lodge » Mashatu Tent Camp
Meals: Full Board
Days 7-10 | June 22-25, 2027
- Four full days at Mashatu Tent Camp: All days are dedicated to exploring this side of the reserve, offering a rich blend of game drives, hide sessions, and downtime to immerse yourself in the landscape.
- Morning and evening game drives: Each day begins and ends with golden light and active wildlife — ideal for photographing big cats, elephants, hyenas, and more in their natural habitat.
- Lala Limpopo underground hide: One night during our stay is dedicated to this specialized night hide, where eye-level views and studio-quality lighting offer rare, intimate perspectives — especially for nocturnal species and waterhole scenes.
- Matabole hide session: One session at this waterhole hide in open terrain, providing excellent golden hour photography of elephants, birds, and antelope in beautiful, warm natural light.
- Flexible midday hours: Time to rest, review images, or explore the camp surroundings — with occasional surprise sightings around camp.
- Varied habitats, diverse opportunities: From open plains to riverine forests, Mashatu's landscapes support a wide range of species and moments — from cheetah chases to birdlife in flight. ________________
Mashatu Tent Camp — The Land of Giants
Meals: Full Board
Day 11 | June 26, 2027
- Sunrise game drive in Mashatu: Start your day early with a memorable morning safari, capturing wildlife in the soft dawn light.
- Transfer to Johannesburg: After the game drive, embark on your journey back to Johannesburg, with arrival expected around 6:00 p.m.
- Evening arrival and trip conclusion: Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the trip officially concludes. Clients may choose to fly home after 21:00 (9:00 p.m.) or stay overnight for convenience. ____________
Mashatu Tent Camp » Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast
Weather & Clothing
- Temperatures: Expect pleasantly cool to mild weather typical of southern Africa's dry winter season. Days are usually sunny, ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C), while early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, sometimes dropping into the 40s °F (5–9 °C).
- Layering: Lightweight, breathable fabrics work well for daytime game drives, paired with a warm jacket or fleece for dawn and dusk outings.
- Clothing colors: Neutral earth tones or camo patterns are recommended to blend into the natural surroundings. Avoid bright colors, whites, and blacks, as they can startle wildlife or attract unwanted insects.
- Essentials: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, plus sturdy walking shoes or boots for comfort during lodge walks and hide visits.
Difficulty Level: Easy
- Mobility: This trip is suitable for most travelers with a basic level of mobility. Wildlife viewing is done primarily from open safari vehicles, with only short walks required around the lodges and hides. There are no hikes or physically demanding activities planned.
- Road conditions: Game drives involve extended periods on bumpy, unpaved roads, which can be tiring for those with back or joint sensitivities.
- Pace: Early mornings and long days in the field may require some stamina, but there are regular breaks and ample time to rest between activities.
Important Insurance Information
- Required coverage: Cancellation, medical, and repatriation insurance is compulsory for this trip and must be arranged by the client.
- Recommended coverage: We strongly recommend that clients also obtain insurance covering emergency travel and accommodation, lost baggage, and similar contingencies.
- Emergency evacuation: Because this photo safari visits remote destinations, participants are also required to purchase emergency evacuation insurance.
Included in Your Safari Package
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Accommodation in strategically located safari lodges & camps;
- Private roundtrip transfers JNB-Mashatu-JNB;
- Private safari vehicles throughout safari;
- All meals*;
- Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages;
- Drinks and snacks during game drives;
- Local guides and trackers with in-depth knowledge of locations;
- Hands-on photography instruction with a low client-to-instructor ratio;
- All entry fees and related permits;
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare.
- Imported drinks and premium alcoholic beverages;
- Tips for drivers, trackers, and camp staff;
- Obligatory travel insurance;
- Visa fees (if applicable);
- Anything else specifically not listed as included;
*Meals not included on Day 1; only breakfast included on Day 11.
Terms of Payment
Please register for this workshop using the form below. A deposit payment of $3500 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due January 15, 2027.
Registration
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