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
