Mashatu Filming Safari
The Wildlife
Accommodation
Transport
Photo Safari Map
Overview
Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana offers one of Africa’s most rewarding environments for wildlife filming. This 10-day safari offers professional guidance and time in the field to do it properly, all in one location.
Led by experienced filmmakers Wim and Mags Vorster, whose work includes productions for National Geographic and BBC, you will gain practical, real-world guidance in the field. You will learn how to approach scenes, work with light, capture clean audio, and build sequences that tell a story.
With open terrain, reliable predator sightings, and very few vehicles, you will spend longer at sightings, allowing behaviour to unfold naturally. This creates the opportunity to film with purpose — developing confidence, improving technique, and returning home with meaningful wildlife footage.
Why Choose This Safari
- Led by experienced wildlife filmmakers Wim and Mags Vorster
- Designed specifically for video and high-quality audio, not still photography
- Small group of just 6 participants across 2 vehicles
- Mashatu’s low vehicle density allows calm, uninterrupted filming
- Spend longer at sightings to capture behaviour and build strong sequences
- Stay in one lodge for the full duration of the safari
- Ideal for filmmakers ready to take their skills to the next level
- Focus on storytelling, not just individual clips
Tour Leader
Your safari is led by Wim and Mags Vorster, experienced wildlife filmmakers and co-founders of Wild Web Africa.
With backgrounds in conservation and production, their work includes major projects for Nat Geo and the BBC.
They bring practical, real-world guidance shaped by years in the field.
Learn more about Wim & Mags on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE
Location
MASHATU GAME RESERVE - BOTSWANA
Located in Botswana’s Northern Tuli, Mashatu is a remote, 45,000-hectare (111,200 acres) private reserve where the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers meet.
Known for its large elephant population and frequent predator activity, the landscape combines sandstone outcrops, open plains, and mopane woodland — offering a dynamic and visually striking setting for wildlife filming.
Photographers Per Vehicle
There will only be three participants in each vehicle, ensuring plenty of space for each person. Wim & Mags will ride upfront with the guide and will be on hand to assist.
Vehicle Congestion
- Overall vehicle presence is very low throughout the reserve
- Strict sighting etiquette limits big cat sightings to a maximum of three vehicles
- Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are managed carefully to maintain a calm environment
- Most other sightings, including elephants, general wildlife, and birdlife, are often enjoyed alone
- The result is a relaxed, uninterrupted filming experience with time and space to work scenes properly
Accommodation
MASHATU LODGE
Mashatu Lodge is set within the reserve and provides a comfortable, well-located base for your stay. Remaining in one location for the full safari allows you to settle into a consistent routine, maximise time in the field, and focus fully on filming.
- Power: 24/7 power in rooms
- Recharging: In-room plug points (South African Type M plug)
- WiFi: Available in common areas & rooms
- Airconditioning: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite bathroom
- Toilet: Flush toilet
- Vanity: Basin with running water
- Shower: Indoor shower with hot and cold running water
Weather
May is an excellent time in Mashatu, with dry conditions, clear skies, and great light for filming. Vegetation is less dense, improving visibility, while wildlife activity remains strong.
Mornings are cool with soft, clean light, while afternoons are warm and stable with little chance of rain.
Temperatures:
- Daytime: Warm and comfortable, typically 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F)
- Early morning: Cool, usually 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F), so warm layers are recommended
Low humidity and consistent light make conditions ideal for filming behaviour and building strong sequences.
A Day On Safari
- Early morning wake-up call
- Light breakfast before departure (coffee, tea, fruit, oatmeal, yoghurt)
- Depart before sunrise for the morning game drive
- Film through the cool morning hours, focusing on behaviour, movement, and natural sound
- Spend extended time at sightings to build sequences rather than short clips
- Mid-morning pause for a short break, depending on activity
- Return to the lodge for brunch
- Rest, footage review, and equipment charging
- Afternoon tea/coffee before heading out again
- Afternoon game drive focused on light, behaviour, and storytelling opportunities
- Return after sunset
- Dinner & footage review if necessary
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:30 am
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:30 pm
Gear List
CAMERA BODY:
Mirrorless or DSLR cameras with 4K video capability are recommended
Two camera bodies strongly recommended – backup if one fails and to avoid changing lenses in the field
LENSES:
24mm: Ideal for wide, environmental scenes and establishing shots
70–200mm: Versatile for behaviour, movement, and storytelling sequences
Up to 400–600mm (prime or zoom): Useful for distant wildlife and tighter compositions
ACCESSORIES:
Tripod or monopod for stable filming
Gimbal (optional) for smoother movement and tracking shots
External microphone for improved audio capture
Spare batteries and memory cards
Laptop (recommended) for footage review
For more in-depth guidance on what to bring, Wim Vorster and Mags Vorster 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
- Travel insurance is required for this safari and it is your responsibility to arrange your own
- Your policy should cover medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and camera equipment
- We strongly recommend including trip cancellation cover to protect against unexpected changes
- Many insurers require cancellation cover to be taken out shortly after your deposit is paid, so check with your provider before booking
- For full details, please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for details of what happens if you have to cancel: https://www.wild4photographicsafaris.com/booking-terms-and-conditions
Medical
- This safari does not involve strenuous activity, but you should be comfortable spending extended periods in a safari vehicle
- 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 is required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever risk country
FAQ
- Do I need prior filming experience to join this safari?
No. This safari is suitable for both beginners and more experienced filmmakers. Guidance is provided in the field, with a focus on practical learning and building confidence while filming real wildlife behaviour.
- Will there be guidance on filming techniques?
Yes. You will receive hands-on guidance from Wim and Mags Vorster, including camera movement, framing, working with light, and capturing natural sound in the field.
- How is this different from a photography safari?
This safari is designed specifically for video. You will spend longer at sightings, focus on behaviour and sequences, and work towards building a story rather than capturing single moments.
- Is there support for editing my footage after the safari?
Yes. Editing options are available and can be tailored to your level and goals. These can be discussed directly with Wim and Mags before or after the safari.
Summary
This Mashatu filming safari is a small-group Botswana wildlife filming experience led by professional filmmakers Wim and Mags Vorster.
Designed for those looking to develop their video skills, it focuses on behaviour, storytelling, and time in the field.
With ten days based in one location, low vehicle density, and extended sightings, this safari provides the space and consistency needed to create strong, meaningful wildlife footage.
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 2-9: JHB TO MASHATU
Fly from Johannesburg to Polokwane, then road transfer to the Pont Drift Border Post (approx 2.5 hrs). Head to Mashatu Lodge for lunch and first afternoon filming session.
8 nights in Mashatu at MASHATU LODGE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
DAY 10 - RETURN TO JHB
After our last morning drive and breakfast, a road transfer takes us back to Polokwane for your flight to Johannesburg. You’ll arrive in time to connect to your international flight or opt for an additional night at City Lodge.
→ Breakfast & lunch included
Mashatu, Botswana - "The Land of Giants" - showreel by Wim & Mags Vorster
Step 1 – Review Our Booking Terms
We recommend beginning by reading our Booking Terms & Conditions, located under the Prices section on each safari page. This outlines how our safaris are structured, including our booking and cancellation policies.
Step 2 – Get in Touch
Please contact us to confirm availability on your preferred safari by clicking the “Enquire Now” button.
You’re also welcome to request an obligation-free Zoom call to discuss your safari directly with me, Stu Porter, and ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Step 3 – Create Your Client Account
Please contact us to confirm availability on your preferred safari by clicking the “Enquire Now” button.
You’re also welcome to request an obligation-free Zoom call to discuss your safari directly with me, Stu Porter, and ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Step 4 – Complete Your Booking Form
Please complete one booking form per participant. Once received, we’ll provisionally reserve your place, pending deposit payment.
Step 5 – Secure Your Place with a Deposit
A deposit is required to confirm your booking. The deposit amount varies depending on the safari and will be clearly advised before you commit.
Payments can be made securely by credit card (subject to a 5% handling fee) or by international bank transfer. Your place is confirmed once both your completed booking form and deposit have been received.
Step 6 – Final Balance Payment
After your deposit is received, your outstanding balance will be displayed in your Client Area. The final payment is due 90 days before departure, with reminders sent in advance.
For bookings made within 90 days of the safari start date, full payment will be required at the time of booking.
If you have any questions at any stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re always happy to help and look forward to welcoming you on one of our African photo safaris.
- Tour Leader
-
Wim & Magdel Vorster
