There’s a quiet magic that awakens in the hearts of travellers when they step onto African soil. It’s not just the wildlife, the landscapes, or the golden sunsets—it’s something deeper. As the old saying goes, “You may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.”
In the month of May, Mashatu Game Reserve had the pleasure of welcoming a group of five distinguished German travel professionals—business owners and safari experts—on a hosted familiarisation trip. For many, it was a long-awaited journey. For all, it was a transformative experience.
Here’s a glimpse of what stood out to them—and what could await you, too:
“A beautiful spot on Earth – where the stars are actually the enormous trees. I hadn’t realized that; I always assumed the “Giants” were the elephants… but the trees are amazing and truly unique! Staff in the camps were fantastic! The ‘heart and soul’ – super friendly and open people… everything feels authentic and not staged, which I really liked. You feel very welcome. I can definitely see myself recommending Mashatu Tent Camp, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu and Shalimpo Safari Home to my clients – Euphorbia is also fantastic.”
– Silke Schumann, Destination Afrika
“This is how a high-quality safari can begin. Scenically impressive, diverse, well developed and well equipped with wildlife. The new overnight hide is very successful and in general the hides are a nice addition to the observation possibilities. Euphorbia Mashatu: The handwriting of the best safari architects and interior designers is clearly recognizable. The staff are friendly, accommodating and helpful. You can feel that many have been there for a very long time, and see each other more like a big family.”
– Juergen Kuehner, Karawane
Euphorbia is stylishly designed and it’s great that the theme “Euphorbia” can also be found everywhere (shape of the rooms after the seed, lamp covers in the lounge area shaped after the leaves). Great idea with the iPad in the rooms with the possibility to contact someone by message and look at the “eBirds”, “e-plants” etc. and look up what you have seen again. It was also great that there were USB charging options everywhere. Mashatu Tent Camp has a lot of feel-good atmosphere. I particularly liked the idea of the bucket shower.”
– Jasmin Feierabend, Africa Tours Individual
“The journey of getting to Mashatu was quick and problem-free. The pilots greeted us at the check-in counter and the service before and during the flight was very good. It feels luxurious but down-to-earth and absolutely in the right place. Kolokolo is beautifully furnished and has a cozy atmosphere, with excellent service from the team. It feels like a home-away-from-home. Night under the stars is a great experience. I especially loved waking up in the bush at the first rays of light.”
– Daniela Seigert, AST
“It was very helpful to experience the different arrival and departure variants – and to see how smoothly the arrival works both by land and by flight. The sincere friendliness and helpfulness of all employees is a real unique selling point of Mashatu. In conversations, it became clear again and again how proud people are to be a part of Mashatu – which has been directly transferred to the entire atmosphere. A real plus! Night under the Stars was a really impressive set up – I’ve never experienced a sleep-out like it. A very special experience for every guest who wants to embark on a very special safari adventure. The landscape diversity in the Mashatu Reserve, with the mighty Mashatu trees (!) as well as the numerous rivers and the rides in the dry riverbeds, have impressed me very much – every single game drive was an experience in itself.”
– Andrea Ludwig, Andrea Ludwig Afrika
We are grateful to our German travel experts for visiting our hidden gem in the south-eastern corner of Botswana and sharing their wonderful feedback.
Visit www.mashatu.com to find out more about planning the ultimate Botswana safari trip to Mashatu.
