Why Mashatu is One of the Best Wildlife Photography Destinations in Africa
If you’re searching for the ultimate wildlife photography destination in Africa, look no further than Mashatu Game Reserve. Tucked into the remote eastern corner of Botswana’s Tuli Block, Mashatu is a haven for photographers looking to capture raw, untamed Africa in all its glory. With open landscapes, abundant wildlife, unique photographic hides, and some of the best leopard sightings on the continent, it’s no surprise that Mashatu is considered one of the top places in Botswana for wildlife photography — whether you’re an amateur, enthusiast, or seasoned professional. Resident Professional Photographer and Photo Guide for PhotoMashatu, Joe Misika, shares his expertise on why photographers keep coming back. 1. A Leopard Paradise Often referred to as the “Land of Giants,” Mashatu could just as easily be called the “Kingdom of Leopards.” This reserve has one of the highest densities of leopards in Southern Africa, making it a premier location for photographing these elusive big cats. What sets Mashatu apart is how accustomed the leopards are to vehicles. They go about their daily routines — hunting, grooming, climbing, lounging — seemingly unfazed by your presence. For photographers, this means you can capture authentic, candid moments without disrupting natural behaviour. 2. Home to Giants: Elephants in Abundance Mashatu is home to the largest population of elephants on any private reserve in Africa. These gentle giants roam freely, often in herds of 50 or more. On some days, especially during the dry winter months, you could witness hundreds gathering at a single waterhole. Photographing elephants in large numbers, against the striking backdrops of Mashatu’s landscapes, is an unforgettable experience — one that adds scale, emotion, and grandeur to any portfolio. 3. A Canvas of Landscapes Photography depends not just on subjects, but on light and setting. Mashatu delivers on both. The reserve spans a range of photogenic ecosystems — from mopane woodlands and fever berry forests to open plains and rocky koppies. Each area offers a different mood, texture, and palette, allowing you to play with contrast, lighting, and storytelling in your imagery. 4. Exclusive and Unrushed Sightings Unlike many high-traffic safari destinations, sightings at Mashatu are unhurried and respectful. A maximum of three vehicles is allowed per sighting. If more arrive, a rotation system ensures everyone gets quality time with the animals — ideal for setting up the perfect shot without pressure. 5. The Magic of the Hides For any serious wildlife photographer, the photographic hides at Mashatu are a game-changer. They offer low-angle perspectives, unique animal behavior, and the ability to shoot at eye-level — something rarely possible from a vehicle. Matebole Hide – The Waterhole Window Built underground and positioned at a busy waterhole, this hide offers up-close, dramatic encounters. Some mornings bring wave after wave of elephants, sometimes nearly 300 strong, arriving to drink, splash, and interact. From this vantage point, you can capture intimate shots — like young calves learning to use their trunks — that simply aren’t possible elsewhere. Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide – The Nocturnal World For something more adventurous, the Lala Limpopo hide allows you to spend the night under the stars, camera ready. Spotted hyenas often visit at night, offering chances to test low light techniques, long exposures, and high ISO shooting. You may even witness diurnal species like zebra or wildebeest moving under moonlight, giving you a whole new creative angle to work with. 6. Learn, Improve, and Experiment The hides offer a rare, semi-controlled environment — perfect for experimentation and honing your craft. Missed the focus on your first shot? Overexposed the highlight? No problem. At Mashatu, chances are you’ll get another opportunity moments later. Whether you’re testing a new lens, trying manual settings, or practising wildlife action shots, Mashatu is a forgiving and rewarding training ground. 7. Expert Guides and Photographic Support Mashatu’s professional safari guides and specialist photographic guides are among the best in the business. They understand not just animal behaviour, but light, angles, and what makes a great shot. Whether you’re shooting from a vehicle or in the hide, they’ll position you perfectly and offer advice that helps elevate your photography, whether you’re new to wildlife or looking to refine your pro-level skills. If you’re serious about capturing the raw beauty of African wildlife, add Mashatu Game Reserve to your bucket list — and prepare to fill your memory cards with magic. Contact reservations@mashatu.com to find out more!
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.
Through the Lens Series: Capturing the Soul of Mashatu with Renowned Wildlife Photographers
Welcome to the “Through the Lens” series, where we invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mashatu Game Reserve, seen through the eyes of seasoned wildlife photographers. This series celebrates the artistry of each photographer, capturing Mashatu’s unique spirit and inviting readers to discover the untamed beauty, iconic wildlife, and mesmerizing landscapes of this magical place. Each episode introduces a talented photographer who shares their personal journey, favourite captures from Mashatu, and the magic that keeps them coming back. It’s a heartfelt look at the wilderness, revealing how each season and landscape creates a different mood, inspiring awe and respect in the photographers who explore it. We invite you to sit back with a warm cup of tea or coffee, relax, and dive into this enchanting playlist on our YouTube channel offering a visual journey and masterclass in wildlife photography. Let these photographers take you on an inspiring exploration of Mashatu. Go Yamagata Born in Japan and raised in Togo and Burkina Faso, Go Kinoshita has been drawn back to Africa time and again to capture its wildlife. Now based in Tokyo, Go leads Japan tours for C4 Photo Safaris and has earned awards like second place at the AGFA Awards and the top prize in the Epson Worldwide Photo Contest. His images from Mashatu capture the essence of the wild with a keen eye for detail and soul. [WATCH] Kevin Dooley An award-winning wildlife and portrait photographer from New Mexico, Kevin began his career in his father’s studio at just 14. His deep passion for Africa has led him to guide safari adventures, where he combines his love for photography and wilderness with travellers. Kevin’s Mashatu images are vivid portrayals of the animals he deeply respects, creating an intimate experience for viewers. [WATCH] Villiers Steyn Villiers, from Pretoria, began his photography journey as his high school’s photographer. With a Master’s degree in Nature Conservation, his studies focused on leopard behaviour in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Now a seasoned wildlife photographer and safari guide, Villiers shares his adventures and insights on his YouTube channel, The Safari Expert, where he offers practical tips and a unique perspective on wildlife photography. [WATCH] Roger & Pat de la Harpe With a shared passion for conservation and Africa’s wild landscapes, Roger and Pat are South African freelance photographers and writers with over 30 years of experience. They’ve published 28 coffee table books, including Mashatu: Land of the Giants, and manage Africa Imagery, an image bank capturing the people, wildlife, and natural beauty of Africa. Their work in Mashatu is a rich visual narrative of the area’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. [WATCH] Jos & Yvette van Bommel Renowned wildlife photographers known for their captivating images of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Safari enthusiasts with 20+ years of experience, they have a deep passion for conservation and sharing the beauty of the natural world through their stunning photography, exploring Africa three to four months a year. [WATCH] Greg du Toit Acclaimed African wildlife photographer, writer, and private safari guide, Greg du Toit is known for capturing Africa’s raw beauty in its truest form. His images reflect a deep respect for wildlife behaviour and natural landscapes, and his Mashatu photos are no exception. With three books to his name, he offers his guests unforgettable photography safaris, deeply rooted in Africa’s rhythms. [WATCH] Mike Dexter With a degree in photojournalism and a FGASA Level II guiding qualification, Cape Town-based Mike Dexter has over a decade of experience in Africa’s wildest areas. His images from Mashatu reveal moments that are both rare and precious, portraying the wild’s untamed beauty with respect and artistry. [WATCH] Ann and Steve Toon Based in the UK, Ann and Steve Toon have dedicated over 25 years to capturing Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. They spend half the year exploring African game parks, bringing a storytelling approach to their photography. Their work is recognized globally, with awards like the Bird Photographer of the Year and the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Their images from Mashatu showcase Africa’s diversity, vibrantly bringing its stories to life. [WATCH] Shem Compion Known for his innovative approach and deep knowledge of animal behaviour, Shem Compion is a celebrated African nature photographer, adventurer, and co-founder of C4 Photo Safaris. He pioneered Africa’s first underground hide at Mashatu, providing photographers with incredible close-up wildlife encounters. His images are a testament to his passion for the wild, capturing the energy and essence of the animals and landscapes that make Mashatu so extraordinary. [WATCH]