Mashatu, ‘Land of Giants’ takes its name from the locally-revered Mashatu tree and the giants that roam this prodigious land. As the largest private game reserve in southern Africa, Mashatu is, at 33 000 ha (75 000 acres), a fitting setting for the world’s largest land mammal – the elephant; and the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe. Mashatu also provides a sanctuary to the world’s largest antelope, the eland; the world’s largest bird, the ostrich and of course, the world’s largest flying bird: the noisy kori bustard. Add the lion, the king of the beasts and the iconic baobab and voila! We present to you Africa’s Big Seven.
Our special spot under the African sun proudly boasts an ecological diversity uncommon in other reserves. Complementing three members of the Big Five – leopard, lion and elephant – are some of the more surprising species, including the aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wild cat, honey badger and black-backed jackal. True to form, Mashatu is also an ornithological paradise, and plays host to 350 bird species, including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller, whose plumage features no fewer than seven different shades of blue!
Set out, at dawn or dusk, on a 4x4 safari guided by dedicated and experienced Tswana rangers and trackers. Or brave an adventure safari that strays from the traditional format offered by other southern African lodges: go bushwhacking on foot, gallop through verdant Mopane plains on horseback or confront Mashatu’s unforgiving terrain on a mountain bike.
Delve even deeper into this exceptional land with one of our specialist trips: participate in the predator drive, which offers thrilling insights into the ferocious lives of Mashatu’s big cats, or join an archaeological expedition, for Mashatu is the stuff of African legend and evocative of Ophir, the Lost City of the Queen of Sheba, who supplied King Solomon with diamonds and gold from her mines. The Pitsani Kopjes and Motloutse Ruins are the royal relics of just such a powerful African dynasty, the Leopard Kopje Dynasty, whose dramatic past is resurrected during an archaeological tour.
Or… dare to meet Mashatu, this ‘Land of Giants’, on its own terms, in the company of a wild elephant scientist; and commune with one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mammals, on an intimate level you’d never imagined possible in your wildest dreams.
~ Mashatu Archaeology ~
The rugged scapes of Mashatu, ‘Land of Giants’, offer an exhilarating view of the sub-continent, unchanged since the days of Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. But strewn and scattered throughout the reserve lie the ghosts of Africa’s early legacy – ancient ruins that yield even more lucid insights into the forefathers who shaped the continent’s history.
Fortressed on the apex of Mashatu’s Mmamagwa Hill, the Motloutse Ruins, whose relics are laid bare like the exposed innards of some primeval cadaver, make for a hair-raising encounter. For these Iron Age ruins are filled with broken possessions and property that belonged to real people – people who lived and loved on top of this hill and must’ve had dreams, fears and desires, just like the rest of us. Exploring the Motloutse Ruins is like reaching deep into the past, and making contact with the living ghosts of history. So strong is the pull of the past, that the local Tswana people still refuse to visit parts of the Motloutse Ruins, insisting that they are a holy shrine where no mortal should dare to tread – Mashatu respects this.
Today a significant archaeological dig, the Motloutse Ruins were once the royal dwellings of the rulers of the Leopard Kopje Dynasty. At the height of its reign in AD 1200, this dynasty developed into a powerful Iron Age mining conglomerate. Down in the valley surrounding Mmamagwa Hill, an army of metalworkers smelted copper, iron and gold to be traded with enterprising Arabs who had docked on the Mozambican coast and sailed up the Limpopo River in dhows. But most remarkably, the Leopard Kopje people were also reef gold miners and their knowledge of metallurgical extraction and smelting processes was highly-sophisticated. It is therefore no wonder that Iron Age mines like those of Leopard Kopje formed the basis of South Africa’s modern mining industry – today arguably the most productive in the world.
The Motloutse Ruins are also vital for being the forerunner of the legendary Mapungubwe Empire, southern Africa’s first kingdom, the remains of which can be seen some 35 km (22 miles) east of Mashatu at the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in South Africa. The Motloutse Ruins are just as rousing as the World Heritage Site, but not nearly as famous – making the ruins one of southern Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Mashatu’s archaeology tours to the Motloutse Ruins and other sites in the reserve – all of which have remained largely untouched – are only available to Mashatu’s guests, ensuring an exclusive and spiritual experience unfettered by tourist traffic.
Mashatu Main Camp:
At the end of an unforgettable game drive, experience the well-known hospitality of Mashatu Main Camp. In the evening, dine around a roaring fire in the lala palm boma. Sup on delicious bushveld fare under a star-spangled canopy and listen to cries of nocturnal creatures gathering at the flood-lit waterhole – the yammering lament of the spotted hyena; the haunting call of the black-backed jackal or the plaintive cry of the bush baby.
Take all the time in the world to pacify those stress torn city nerves: sunbathe and chill out on a typically hot but timeless African afternoon around the gently lapping, cerulean blue waters of the pool. Or take refuge from the sizzling sun under the thatched verandah and spoil yourself with our homely warmth and service.
Mashatu Main Camp exemplifies pure bushveld luxury and comfort, morphing harmoniously into the surrounding game-lands that throng with diverse wildlife.
Accommodation at Mashatu Main Camp includes insect-proofed luxury suites, each with an ample and fully equipped en-suite bathroom. Sliding doors open onto the African bush where guests can sample the effervescent sights and sounds of from their own suites. Two large beds complete well-appointed rooms. Mashatu Main Camp offers a stunning viewing deck directly off the bar, together with an elevated lounge overlooking the waterhole.
Children of all ages are welcome at Mashatu Main Camp. However those aged five and under are not permitted to dine in the boma or to be taken on game drives, unless their parents have reserved sole-use of the game drive vehicle. Special dining arrangements can be made and baby-seating services are provided on request, at a nominal charge. Suites at Mashatu consist of either 2 double or 2 3/4 beds and a day bed used by children under the age of 12. Children under 12 years of age, sharing with full paying adults, pay 50% of the quoted adult tariff.
Mashatu Tent Camp:
Tucked away in the remote northern area of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp. With never more than 16 guests, this idyllic getaway provides accommodation in the form of 8 twin tents. Although rustic in character, every facility is catered for. The tents are insect-proofed, have comfortable beds and each has an en-suite shower and W.C. facility. There is an open-sided thatch deck where meals are served, as well as a traditional boma for intimate camp¬fire dinners. This camp also contains a plunge pool – a welcome luxury after a day of Mashatu’s optional adventure activities. Guests’ absolute comfort is their priority of the host. While on game drives, they are taken care off by their ranger and on their return, the camp staff gladly see to their every need.
Age restrictions do exist and are applied in the interests of personal safety as well as the comfort of other guests. No children under the age of 12 years are allowed at Mashatu Tent Camp.
Property amenities:
Open air boma for dinners, Dining area, Curio shop (Main Camp), Discovery Room (Main Camp), Conference / meeting room (Main Camp), swimming pool, hide / viewing area (Tent Camp)
Location:
Located at the Pont Drift Border Post joining South Africa and Botswana, Mashatu is just 540 kms from JHB and is easily accessible via road, scheduled flight or private charter flight.
Policy:
Rattray Reserves General Terms and Conditions : Contact infohub or Mashatu Reservations for detailed terms and conditions.
Full prepayment required
Cancellation policies apply
Age restrictions exist
Notes:
Rates include accommodation, all meals, 2 game drives per day and return transfers between the border post/ airfield and the camp. Excluded are items of a personal nature such as bar service, curios purchased, communication costs, and specialist / adventure activities.
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