Chasing Shadows in Mashatu: A Morning with the Wild
In this latest blog post, Ronald Voorhees, resident photographer for PhotoMashatu, shares a gripping moment spent at one of Mashatu Game Reserve’s underground hides as the “King’s of the wild” approached him. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro, photographing wildlife from this vantage point takes ones breath away every time. There’s a moment every wildlife photographer lives for—a moment when the light is right, the world is quiet, and something magnificent steps into your frame. For me, that moment arrived just after sunrise at Mashatu Game Reserve, where the silence of the morning was as thick as the dust on the lens hood. I was at Matebole Hide, tucked low to the ground, eye-level with the waterhole. The bush was still, the kind of stillness that makes your breath slow down and your senses sharpen. The only sounds were the faint trill of a mourning dove and the distant drumming of hooves—perhaps impala, maybe something more. Then, out of the golden haze, they appeared. Four lions—three subadults and a lioness, their bodies rippling with strength, their eyes alert, hungry, and unbothered. They moved with the weight of something ancient, the kind of presence that silences everything around it. Not in a rush, not afraid. Just wild and assured. They came to drink, crouching at the water’s edge in near-perfect unison. My camera felt suddenly small, almost inadequate, but I began to shoot—slowly, respectfully, letting the shutter speak for me. The reflection of the lions in the still water, the glint of light off an amber eye, the twitch of an ear—every frame felt like a gift. That’s what Mashatu does. It doesn’t show off. It reveals. Not all at once, but in moments—quiet, powerful, unforgettable. The land is dry, sunburnt, vast—and brimming with life if you know where (and how) to look. A Few Lessons from the Hide: You wait more than you shoot – But the wait is part of the story. And in places like this, it’s always worth it. Eye-level changes everything – Shooting from the ground gives your subjects power, presence, and intimacy. Don’t chase drama—chase truth – A lion drinking in golden light is just as powerful as one roaring. Trust the stillness. Know when to stop shooting – Sometimes the most respectful act is to lower the camera and simply witness. That morning in Mashatu wasn’t just about photographing lions—it was about being reminded that we’re visitors here. The wild doesn’t perform for us. But if we’re patient, quiet, and lucky, it lets us watch. And for a few perfect seconds, it did. Until next time, Ronald Voorhees Visit www.mashatu.com or email our team at reservations@mashatu.com to book a photographic hide experience at Mashatu.
The Role of a Wildlife Photography Guide at Mashatu Game Reserve
Mashatu Game Reserve, known for its diverse activities, offers a premier photography experience led by PhotoMashatu and its knowledgeable photo guides. Our photography experience is a key highlight, enhanced by the expertise of our photo guides who accompany guests during various activities such as visits to our photo hides/blinds, excursions in our specially adapted photo vehicle and stays at our overnight hide/blind. A photo guide’s day often begins in the pre-dawn hours, around 04:30. This early start is driven by the understanding that the first light of day offers the most captivating opportunities to photograph wildlife at their peak activity. The cool, still morning air and the dimly lit landscape create a sense of anticipation for both the guide and our guests. Before heading out, the photo guide collaborates with the main guide to review weather forecasts, animal activity reports, and recent sightings to determine the most promising routes and locations. The photo guide also ensures our guests are well-prepared: checking that cameras are ready, lenses (from long telephoto to wide-angle) are inspected, batteries are fully charged, and memory cards are formatted. Guests receive a thorough briefing covering what to expect during the activity, important safety precautions, and valuable photography tips tailored to the conditions and potential subjects. As the sun begins to rise, painting the landscape in the warm, soft hues of the golden hour, the photographic possibilities become truly magical. This time of day offers chances to capture nocturnal animals before they retreat, as well as the early activity of predators. Patience is crucial, and the guide helps guests understand that wildlife appearances and movements can be unpredictable but yet prepares to be ready. The early morning light is ideal for capturing stunning silhouettes against the sunrise, reflections of animals in water, and the beauty of wildlife amidst dewy grasses. As the sun climbs higher, the guides lead guests through Mashatu’s diverse habitats—dense forests, open plains, and along riverbanks—each presenting unique photographic scenarios. Our photo guides share their knowledge of animal behaviors, explaining feeding patterns, mating rituals, and territorial displays, while also advising on the best camera settings to capture these moments effectively. Throughout the morning, guests learn how to anticipate key moments, such as a bird preparing for flight or a predator on the prowl. The photo guide offers practical instruction on adjusting camera settings for varying light conditions, mastering techniques for photographing fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or running animals, and principles of composition, emphasizing elements like eye contact, framing, and background. Beyond the technical aspects of photography, our guides also foster an appreciation for the local ecosystems, discussing conservation efforts and the importance of responsible wildlife photography – always prioritizing the well-being of the animals over the pursuit of a shot. Following the morning activity, the photo guide returns to the lodge with the guests, allowing for a midday siesta. Often, the photo guide will meet with guests an hour before the afternoon activity to review the images captured during the morning session, providing feedback and further guidance. The afternoon brings a resurgence of animal activity as temperatures cool and creatures emerge from the shade. This is a prime time for capturing dynamic behaviour, with big cats often becoming more active and birds engaging in nesting, feeding, or courtship displays. The photo guide assists guests in positioning themselves for the best angles, taking into account light and background. They might suggest using natural elements to frame subjects creatively and remind guests of the need for fast shutter speeds to freeze motion or the use of panning techniques for sharp images of moving animals. Adapting to the constantly changing light conditions by adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed is a key skill shared by our guides. Soon after sunset, the nocturnal world begins to stir, presenting chances to photograph elusive species like owls, bats, insects, honey badgers or porcupines, often using subtle lighting techniques with the utmost care to avoid disturbance. For guests who have booked our overnight hide experience (running from 16:00 to 09:00), the photo guide ensures they are well-equipped to make the most of night photography from the hide, offering guidance and support for the night. Looking to book your dream safari trip to Mashatu Game Reserve and thinking of adding a PhotoMashatu experience to it? Contact reservations@mashatu.com to find out more.
The Safari Expert’s Unforgettable Stay at Mashatu’s Safari Homes and New Sleepout Hide
At Mashatu Game Reserve, we pride ourselves on offering our guests unforgettable safari experiences that merge adventure, luxury, comfort, and a deep connection to nature. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Villiers Steyn, the celebrated safari guide, photographer, and storyteller, at three of our remarkable offerings: Kolokolo Safari Home, Shalimpo Safari Home and the newly launched Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide. Villiers captured his time with us in two stunning video experiences, sharing his perspective on what makes Mashatu so extraordinary. An Intimate Stay at Mashatu’s Safari Homes In this this video, Villiers brings viewers into the heart of our Safari Homes, designed for families and private groups seeking an exclusive safari retreat. Located in the pristine wilderness of Mashatu, these homes are a harmonious blend of modern comfort and African charm. As Villiers shared in his video, the Safari Homes provide the perfect base for exploring the “Land of the Giants”, with expansive spaces and a private guide and game vehicle, as well as a private chef (exclusive to Kolokolo). The sense of privacy and the ability to tailor activities to your group’s interests elevates the experience to one of true luxury and personalization. From morning game drives to sunset relaxation by the pool, Villiers paints a vivid picture of life in this tranquil corner of Botswana. His footage of elephants ambling past the property and intimate leopard sightings highlight why Mashatu is a destination like no other. Watch Villiers’ Kolokolo and Shalimpo Safari Homes experience here. The Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide: A Night of Adventure and Photography In this video, Villiers and his photography friends visited the brand-new Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide. Located in the south-central region of Mashatu Game Reserve, the hide overlooks a man-made waterhole and faces north—a prime position for game viewing, especially during the dry season. This underground photography hide is equipped with two bedrooms (each featuring two single beds), a kitchen, and a bathroom, as well as a daybed and comfortable seating for at least four photographers. The hide is uniquely designed to offer the ultimate photography experience, with moveable lights that illuminate the waterhole at night. These lights, which can be remotely controlled to adjust brightness and intensity, allow photographers to capture dramatic, studio-like shots of animals visiting the waterhole under the stars. Guests at the hide can spend both late afternoons and early mornings in the underground space, making the most of the incredible photographic opportunities available during the golden hours of the day and throughout the night. As Villiers’ video shows, the Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide offers not just breathtaking views but also unforgettable wildlife encounters. During their 48-hour stay, Villiers and his group experienced a rich variety of wildlife visiting the waterhole, adding to the excitement of their adventure. If you’re curious about this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Villiers’ video gives an immersive look into the magic of the Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide. Watch Villiers’ Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide experience here. Experience Mashatu For Yourself These videos highlight just a glimpse of the magic that awaits you at Mashatu Game Reserve. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate private retreat at our Safari Homes or a bucket-list adventure at the Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide, Mashatu offers experiences that will leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime. Ready to create your own memories at Mashatu? Explore our unique accommodations and offerings Here. Contact reservations@mashatu.com to book your stay or book through the Mashatu website.
Mashatu: A Photography Guide
Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana, is a photographer’s paradise. Known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, it offers numerous opportunities for capturing stunning images. This guide will focus on tips and equipment recommendations for photographing wildlife in Mashatu, with a special emphasis on using the hide which helps you photograph elusive animals like zebras, elands, and giraffes. Photographic Opportunities in Mashatu The Hide at Mashatu The hide at Mashatu is one of the best places to photograph animals up close. Positioned at a waterhole, it allows photographers to capture intimate moments of wildlife as they come to drink. From playful baboons to majestic elephants, the hide offers a unique vantage point that brings you eye-level with the animals. The hide provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, certain animals like zebras, elands, and giraffes can be more challenging to capture from the back of a safari vehicle. These animals often roam in areas less accessible by vehicle or runaway when they hear the sound of a vehicle, requiring patience and keen observation and this is where the hide plays a very important role Recommended Lenses For The Hide Wide-Angle Lens (15-35mm, 24-70mm): Ideal for capturing large groups of animals and providing context to your shots. Perfect for photographing a herd of elephants or a landscape with multiple species. Mid-Range Telephoto (70-200mm): Great for capturing individual animals or small groups. This lens strikes a balance between wide-angle and long telephoto, making it versatile for different scenarios. Long Telephoto (200mm+): Essential for detailed shots and portraits. Perfect for capturing close-ups of animals’ faces, feet, or other intricate details. Lens Recommendations For those looking to save space and manage weight on flights, consider these two-lens setups for Nikon, Canon, and Sony cameras. I chose these brands because they are the three most popular among guests at Mashatu, but feel free to bring the brand of your choice: Nikon Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4: Versatile for both wide-angle and mid-telephoto shots. Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3: Covers long telephoto needs, ideal for detailed shots and distant subjects. Canon Canon RF 24-105mm f/4: A flexible lens suitable for various scenarios. Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1: Perfect for long-range photography, capturing intricate details from a distance. Sony Sony 24-105mm f/4 G: A versatile lens that covers wide-angle to mid-telephoto range. Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G: Ideal for long telephoto shots, capturing distant subjects with great detail. Each of these combos can be enhanced with a 1.4x extender to increase focal length when needed, providing extra reach without the need for additional lenses. Essential Accessories for Your Trip SD Cards: Bring plenty so you won’t have to format them until you return home, even if you run daily backups to a hard drive. Hard Drives: Bring two or more for backing up your photos after each activity. Batteries: Bring extra backup batteries to ensure you don’t have to limit the number of shots you take. Cleaning Kit: Essential for dealing with dust, which can be common in Mashatu, to prevent dust spots on your lens glass. Second Camera Body: Highly recommended to avoid changing lenses in dusty conditions and to have a backup in case something happens to your main camera body. Tips for Capturing Action Shots Whether you’re at the hide or on a photo vehicle, capturing action shots requires the right settings and techniques: Shutter Speed: 1/1250s – 1/2500s: Ideal for capturing dynamic interactions like baboons playing or zebra stallions clashing. 1/4000s: Freezes the motion of birds in flight, ensuring sharp images. 1/2500s: For a balanced approach that captures some motion blur in the wings of birds, adding a sense of movement. Best Times to Visit Mashatu for Photography Mashatu offers different photographic opportunities throughout the year, each season bringing its own unique advantages Rainy Season (December to March) Pros: Lush green backdrops and vibrant landscapes. The yellow flowers of the devil’s thorn add a striking element to photos.Cons: Animals, especially big cats, are harder to spot as they tend to stay in the thick foliage. Dry Season (June to October) Pros: Animals are more visible as the landscape opens up. The brown/greyish backdrop can create dramatic contrast in your images.Cons: The scenery is less vibrant, but the increased visibility of wildlife compensates for it. Mashatu’s Expert Guides Mashatu is home to some of the best guides in the country. These experienced professionals have driven some of the world’s greatest photographers and understand how to position vehicles for optimal photography. They are attentive to your needs and will follow your instructions to ensure you get the perfect shot. Conclusion Mashatu Game Reserve is a treasure trove for wildlife photographers. By using the right equipment, understanding animal behavior, and knowing the best times to visit, you can capture incredible images that tell the story of this magnificent reserve. Whether you’re in the hide or on a safari vehicle, the opportunities for breathtaking photography are endless. Note The hide is closed from the 1st of December and opens on the 1st of March, as this is the peak of Botswana’s rainy season Disclaimer: The writer of this blog does not have any affiliation with any of the mentioned brands
