We have recently researched an activity-based itinerary, situated in Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve, which begins to rival our AfricaAway Zambia-based walking safaris for excitement, not least because it can also involve a mountain biking experience in the heart of the African bush, alongside its attendant wildlife!

Since it doesn't really get to command a website of its own, we thought we would tack it on here. Read more! Do let us know if you would like more information.

   

Conventionally the drawback to Botswana is that it is a very expensive country to visit. However this particular location is much more reasonably priced. It is most readily reached by plane from Jo'burg, and hence perhaps best treated as an exciting accompaniment to a South African visit. We do not actually organize trips to South Africa ourselves, but can certainly organize a visit to Botswana as a diversion to this, or indeed put you in touch with an associated company who can deal with any type of South African itinerary for you.

Mashatu Game Reserve is located within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve at the junction between South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana itself. The accommodation here consists of two actual camps: the main camp comprising 14 air-conditioned luxury suites, and a tented camp comprising 8 comfortable tents. Each camp boasts its own swimming pool. Walking safaris are a main feature here, but the more adventurous among you can also experience an exciting mountain bike safari as well, in the company of an armed and highly experienced guide. In order to avoid the hottest part of the year, these physical activities are restricted to the period March to October, and only to children over the age of 12.

  

Horse safaris are also available at Mashatu, although only for experienced horse riders, and a further special feature is the presence of a number of exclusive photographic hides. Photographic tuition is also on offer here.

Although your stay here can usually be tailored to whatever you wish to do (the more so the larger your group size), we would specifically propose the following. The first three nights will be spent in the relative comfort of the two main Mashatu camps, as described above. Activities here can be based principally around game viewing by vehicle (it's always good to get some solid game viewing under your belt), although can also involve walking or cycling.

Then we propose three nights out in the wilderness, based around a number of bush camps, and mainly involving some serious walking, in the company of their very experienced walking guide, Stuart Quinn. Elephant and other tracking experiences are very much a part of all this.

The cost of three nights at the two main Mashatu Camps (Mashatu Lodge and Mashatu Tent Camp), plus three nights out in the wilderness, would be about $2300, with additional charges for activities such as cycling, cultural excursions and use of the photographic hide.

Walking Safari

Mountain Biking Safari

Main Camp

Tented Camp

Main Camp Pool Area

Horse Safari

Photographic Hide