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Magical Mashatu

Magical Mashatu
Botswana &

Overview

Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana offers one of Southern Africa’s best environments for a wildlife photography safari. This 10-day, small-group trip is designed to give you the time and space needed to work patiently at sightings, with just three photographers sharing a private vehicle.

Led by Stu Porter and an experienced Mashatu guide, the focus is on positioning, light, and understanding behaviour in the field. Rather than rushing between sightings, you will spend longer with subjects, allowing natural moments to unfold.

Mashatu is well known for its large elephant herds, as well as strong sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, and spotted hyaena. The open landscapes and varied habitats create amazing photographic opportunities.

An afternoon at the Matebole Elephant hide will add a different perspective, allowing for close, eye-level photography of animals as they come to drink water.

Why Choose This Safari

  • Just 3 photographers, giving you more space and time in the vehicle
  • Private safari vehicle for flexibility at sightings, allowing behaviour to unfold naturally
  • Led by Stu Porter with practical, hands-on photographic guidance
  • Experienced Mashatu guide focused on behaviour and positioning
  • Excellent chances to photograph elephants, lion, leopard, cheetah, and spotted hyaena
  • An afternoon session in Mashatu’s well-known Matebole (eye-level) Elephant hide
  • Relaxed pace, helping you enjoy the experience and improve your photography

Tour Leader

Stu Porter, founder of Wild4 Photo Safaris, has over 20 years of experience guiding wildlife photography safaris across Africa.

His approach centres on light, behaviour, and positioning, with simple, practical advice you can apply in the field.

Learn more about Stu on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE

Location

MASHATU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Located in Botswana’s remote Northern Tuli, Mashatu is a privately managed 42,000-hectare (100,000-acre) reserve at the meeting point of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.

It is well known for its elephants, big cats, and open terrain, with a mix of plains, riverbeds, and sandstone ridges that work well for wildlife photography.

Photographers Per Vehicle

ONE SAFARI VEHICLE

  • There will only be three photographers in the vehicle and Stu will ride up front with the Mashatu guide.

MATEBOLE UNDERGROUND HIDE

  • The Matebole Elephant hide can comfortably accommodate our group. We will share the hide with others but only to a maximum of 8 people.

Vehicle Congestion

MASHATU (BOTSWANA)

  • Vehicle numbers are generally very low across the reserve
  • Big cat sightings are carefully managed, usually with no more than three vehicles present
  • Guides work together to keep sightings calm and well-spaced
  • Elephants, plains game, and birdlife are often viewed with little to no other vehicles around
  • This creates a quiet, unhurried environment with good space to work each sighting

Accommodation

MASHATU LODGE

Mashatu Lodge is a comfortable base within the private Mashatu Game Reserve, offering excellent access to productive wildlife areas.

  • Style: Brick & Mortar
  • Power: 24/7
  • Recharging: In-room (South African Type M plug)
  • WiFi: Available in common areas & rooms
  • Airconditioning: YES
  • Workspace: Desk in room
  • Bathroom: Private en-suite
  • Toilet: Flush toilet
  • Vanity: Running water in sink
  • Shower: Plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)

TULI SAFARI LODGE

Tuli Safari Lodge is a smaller, quiet tented lodge set along the Limpopo River, offering a comfortable base in a very different area of the reserve.

  • Style: Luxury Canvas Tent
  • Power: 24/7 power in rooms
  • Recharging: In-room plug points (South African Type M plug)
  • WiFi: Available in common areas & rooms
  • Workspace: Desk in room
  • Bathroom: Private en-suite bathroom
  • Toilet: Flush toilet
  • Vanity: Basin with running water
  • Shower: Indoor shower (hot water 24/7)

Weather

☀️ MASHATU (BOTSWANA)

June in Mashatu offers dry conditions, clear skies, and soft winter light. Vegetation has thinned, improving visibility.

Mornings are cold and crisp, while afternoons are mild and stable with very little chance of rain.

  • Daytime: Mild and comfortable, typically 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F)
  • Early morning: Cold, usually 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), so warm layers are essential

A Day On Safari

MASHATU 

  • Light breakfast before departure (coffee, tea, fruit, yoghurt, oatmeal)
  • Head out before sunrise during the cooler early hours when wildlife is most active
  • Spend extended time at sightings, allowing behaviour to unfold naturally
  • Short mid-morning stop for tea or coffee, depending on activity
  • Return to the lodge for lunch
  • Time to rest, recharge batteries or have a n optional image review with Stu
  • Afternoon tea or coffee before heading out again
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Return to camp shortly after sunset
  • Dinner, with the option for an informal image review with Stu
  • ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:30 am
    ☀️ Sunset: ± 17:30 pm 

Gear List

CAMERA BODY:

  • 24 megapixels or higher recommended for this wildlife photography safari
  • Two camera bodies strongly recommended – backup if one fails and avoids changing lenses in the field
  • Mirrorless or DSLR cameras are suitable

LENSES:

  • 24mm f2.8: Great for wide angle images f2.8 lenses are very helpful in low light
  • 70–200mm f/2.8: Again, a wider aperture will be very helpful in low light
  • Up to 500mm (prime or zoom): Essential for distant wildlife and predator action

ACCESSORIES:

  • Binoculars recommended
  • Small travel tripod recommended for timelapses at the hides / shooting video
  • Spare batteries and memory cards
  • Laptop (recommended) for image review

For more in-depth guidance on what to bring we are happy to discuss your setup via Zoom or email.

VISA

It is your responsibility to ensure that any VISAS (if applicable to you) are in place before departure.

Regulations can change, so we recommend checking official government websites prior to travel.

Passport must be valid for 6 months after travel with a minimum of 4 blank pages.

If needed, we can provide an official itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application.

We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to travel.

  • BOTSWANA
    > Most nationalities (including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not require a visa for short tourist visits (up to 90 days).
    > Entry is granted on arrival.
    > Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
  • SOUTH AFRICA (The safari begins & ends in South Africa)
    > Most nationalities (including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not require a visa for short tourist visits (typically up to 90 days).
    > Entry is granted on arrival.
    > Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.

Travel Insurance

  • All guests must have travel insurance in place prior to departure
  • Your policy should cover medical emergencies, delays, and photographic equipment
  • Trip cancellation cover is recommended for added protection
  • Some insurers require this cover to be arranged soon after your deposit is paid
  • For full details, please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for details of what happens if you have to cancel.

Medical

  • This safari does not involve strenuous activity, but you should be comfortable spending extended periods in a safari vehicle and in hides
  • It is your responsibility to seek medical advice from your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance, including vaccinations and malaria prevention
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate / doctors exemption letter is required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever risk country (ie Kenya)

FAQ

Is this photo safari suitable for beginners?

Yes, this safari is suitable for beginners through to more experienced photographers. Guidance is tailored to your level, and there is plenty of time in the field to learn and improve. Stu will be available at anytime for image review.

How much time do we spend at sightings?

Time at sightings is a key part of this safari. Rather than rushing between locations, we stay longer to allow behaviour to unfold and give you time to work the scene.

What are the hides like, and how much time do we spend there?

You will spend an afternoon at the Matebole Elephant Hide. This offers close, eye-level opportunities as wildlife comes to drink.

What are the luggage restrictions for internal flights?

Internal flights have strict luggage limits. Main luggage is limited to 20kg (44 lbs) per person, plus 15kg (33 lbs) for camera gear. Bags must be soft duffel or roller-style. Please note that ** HARD SUITCASES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Keeping weight within limits is essential for safety and compliance.

What wildlife might I see on this photo safari to Mashatu in Botswana?

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➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - MAMMALS - June

Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
Brown Hyena
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest
• Greater Kudu
• Impala

➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - BIRDS - June

Crimson-breasted Shrike
• Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Kori Bustard
• Secretarybird
Martial Eagle
• Tawny Eagle
• Bateleur
• White-backed Vulture
• Burchell’s Starling
• Red-billed Quelea
• Shaft-tailed Whydah
• Northern Black Korhaan

Summary

This Mashatu photographic safari is a small-group wildlife photography tour in Botswana, led by Stu Porter. With just three photographers in a private vehicle, the focus is on space, time in the field, and working sightings properly.

Known for its elephants, big cats, and open landscapes, Mashatu offers excellent conditions for wildlife photography.

Time in the hide adds a different perspective, allowing for close, eye-level images.

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg – Overnight

You will be met at OR Tambo International Airport and escorted to your airport hotel for overnight accommodation

1 night in JHB at CITY LODGE HOTEL

→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included

→ Laundry NOT included

Days 2–5: Mashatu - Mashatu Lodge

Fly from Johannesburg to Polokwane and then drive 2.5 hrs to Mashatu. Explore the central areas of Mashatu.

4 nights spent at MASHATU LODGE

1 afternoon session at the Matebole Elephant hide

 All meals included

Drinks included

 Laundry included

Days 6-9: Mashatu - Tuli Safari Lodge

Morning photo session at the hide, return to the lodge for brunch, explore the southern area of Mashatu from your new location.

4 nights at TULI SAFARI LODGE

 All meals included

Drinks included

 Laundry included

Day 10: Retun to JHB for an overnight

After our final morning photo session we will drive back to Polokwane and then fly to JHB. Connect with your international flight home

→ Breakfast & lunch 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.