We love hearing about our guests’ journeys and the moments that leave lasting impressions. In this edition of Through the Eyes of a Traveller, we feature Diana Andersen of Wild Animal Info, as she shares her experience of time spent at Mashatu Game Reserve in a beautifully detailed article.
Enjoy as Diana shares insights into her trip — from the rich wildlife encounters to the unique character of each lodge, and her personal highlights including Mashatu’s famed elephant sightings and warm hospitality.
Where is Mashatu Game Reserve?
Diana begins by highlighting Mashatu’s unique location in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve, where the country borders both South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its vast open spaces and rugged terrain offer a true sense of wilderness, unlike more frequented safari destinations.
For Diana, the untouched quality of the landscape and the solitude it offered made Mashatu feel deeply special and wild.
Getting to Mashatu
Although Mashatu feels wonderfully remote, Diana found the journey easy and seamless. After flying into Polokwane, South Africa, she was transferred by road to the Pont Drift Border, where she crossed the Limpopo River into Botswana — a short and scenic hop that added to the sense of adventure.
This combination of accessibility and isolation is something she found rare and refreshing. The journey was smooth and well-organised — a great reminder that an off-the-beaten-track safari doesn’t need to be logistically complicated.
Lodges at Mashatu Game Reserve
Diana experienced stays at Euphorbia Mashatu, Mashatu Lodge and the Mashatu Tent Camp, all offering a unique perspective on the safari experience.
During her stay at Euphorbia Mashatu, she appreciated the unique design of the villas, based on the leaf of the iconic Mopane tree found throughout Mashatu. Set amongst Euphorbia trees, the villas overlook the Majale River, offering stunning views, which she enjoyed from her private plunge pool. Gourmet meals prepared with the finest local ingredients added to the five-star experience.
At Mashatu Lodge, she noted the comfort and elegance of the spacious suites, with peaceful views and thoughtful touches that made her stay feel relaxed yet luxurious.
Her time at the Tent Camp brought her closer to nature — a more intimate, down-to-earth setting that still delivered top-notch guiding and hospitality. She highlighted the friendly atmosphere and how well the camp complemented the environment around it.
Activities at Mashatu Game Reserve
Over the course of six game drives, Diana encountered a spectacular range of wildlife — including leopards, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and Mashatu’s iconic elephants.
One of her most memorable moments was her first leopard sighting, which she described as magical. She was also amazed by the frequency and size of elephant sightings, noting how present and awe-inspiring they were throughout the experience.
Her appreciation extended to the expertise of the guides, whose tracking skills and passion brought each sighting to life.
Diana reflects on Mashatu as a place that offers both space to breathe and plenty to discover. It was the perfect beginning to her African safari journey — one filled with unforgettable wildlife, welcoming hospitality, and a sense of connection to nature.
Diana reflects on Mashatu as a place that offers both space to breathe and plenty to discover. It was the perfect beginning to her African safari journey — one filled with unforgettable wildlife, welcoming hospitality, and a sense of connection to nature.
Read Diana’s full article on Wild Animal Info: The Magic Of Mashatu
Contact our team to book your stay: reservations@mashatu.com
