
Mashatu Overnight Hide & Predators
Discover an unforgettable wildlife photography experience at Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana, located at the meeting point of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This unique landscape features sandstone cliffs, winding riverbeds and ancient Mashatu trees that are frequented by the reserve's plentiful leopards. The diverse terrain and abundant wildlife make it an exceptional destination for a Botswana photo safari. Mike lived at Mashatu for two years, during which time he developed a deep understanding of its wildlife and rhythms, providing guests with valuable insights and guidance.
Mike played a key role in setting up Mashatu's underground photo hide which has become a world famous wildlife photography location. On this photo safari you will have the opportunity to spend at least two sessions in this well established spot. In 2024 a new overnight hide was introduced and guests on this Botswana photo tour will have two nights of exclusive access. When shooting from the overnight hide we will use strategically placed, and adjustable, lights to create dramatic images of wildlife under the star studded African sky.
This photo safari focuses not only on hide photography but also on Mashatu's big cats - leopards, lions and cheetahs as well as countless other potential wildlife encounters, blending practical experience with the reserve's natural beauty.
With limited spaces available, this is a rare opportunity to refine your photography skills while exploring one of southern Africa's most remarkable environments.
1 - 6 July 2024 Available
USD 8 625 pp sharing
3 guests
Book your spot on this photo safari now!
Photographic possibilities on this photo tour...
Itinerary
Today we will fly from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Polokwane Airport. After our arrival in Polokwane, we road transfer to Pont Drift border post (+-2 hours) and after a short stop at border control, we enter Botswana, and hop onto our private open safari vehicle and make our way to our home for the next 5-nights of our Botswana Photo Safari: Mashatu Private Game Reserve. Our first night is at the Lala Limpopo overnight hide
Overnight Lala Limpopo Overnight Hide
Upon arrival at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, you will enjoy welcome drinks beneath tall trees, rolling lawns and sandstone outcrops. Our team will assist with your luggage and show you to your luxury tented suite. It’s then time to indulge in high tea overlooking the serene gardens before embarking on an afternoon game drive in the unique landscapes of Tuli with mighty rock formations and ancient Baobab trees.
Overnight Lala Limpopo Overnight Hide
This Photo Tour will offer a superb combination of activities at Mashatu, namely hide photography, exciting game drives and visits to key areas with the intention of capturing the starry night skies of remote Botswana. Hide photography takes centre stage as we await the arrival of thirsty mammals and birds. The Matebole Hide is sunken photographic hide placed at a waterhole in prime Elephant habitat, and inside, you are seated so that your head is at ground level, and everything you see will be from the perspective of lying on your stomach looking upwards! A variety of creatures come to the waterhole to quench their thirst (Elephant, various antelope, Chacma Baboon, lots of birds and with a lot of luck even a big cat or two!), and here Mike will teach creative techniques to best capture the animals as they go about their business. Game drives focus on the cats of the reserve, and Mashatu is gaining a reputation as a superb reserve for Leopard with a number of relaxed individuals! This ideal combination of photographic hides, game drives and scenic exploration while learning new photographic techniques makes this expedition one that you will never forget.
Nights Mashatu Lodge
This morning, after an early breakfast, we depart on our last morning game drive, followed by a road transfer back into South Africa via Pont Drift border post and on to the town of Polokwane. This is sadly where this incredible photo tour concludes.
Tour cost includes...
– 1 session at the famous Matabole Hide
– 2 nights at the Lala Limpopo Overnight Hide
– 3 nights' accommodation at Mashatu Lodge
– 2 nights' accommodation at Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu
– Return road transfer Polokwane to Mashatu
– All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
– Tea, coffee and snacks while on game drive and in the hide
– A contribution of US$25 to the Oryx Conservation Fund
– Mashatu daily conservation levy
– A private-use safari vehicle for 3 participants allowing each guest their own row
– The services of a local driver/guide and tracker
– All costs and hands-on photographic tutoring by Mike Dexter

And excludes...
– Any flights (international and Johannesburg - Polokwane return)
– Gratuities
– Visa costs
– Laundry
– Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs, telephone calls etc.
– Any beverages aside from those mentioned in inclusives
– Anything not mentioned in inclusives above
Book your spot on this photo safari now!
