- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Accommodation
Come and Live it, Capture it and Share it
9-days and 8 nights MalaMala & Mashatu Photo Safari Combo. This photographic safari experience is most certainly one of African Safari Guru's most compelling bucket list packages we offer and ticks off all the requirements needed for a seasonal photographer, offering exceptional and consistent Big Game photo safari opportunities with splendour landscapes as well as allowing for our guest the opportunity to capture wildlife at eye-level from the the renowned underground hide in Mashatu.
By combining Mashatu and Mala Mala you’re be setting yourself up for one amazing wildlife safari experience with our host and lead photographer Photoman Pierre Bassani guaranteed!
This photo safari is based on 3 nights at Mashatu and 4 nights at MalaMala. Alternative option: 4 nights at Mashatu and 3 nights at MalaMala.
There is ample opportunities to maximize your wildlife game viewing experience and capturing Africa's Big Cats and more with the African Safari Guru's lead photographer and expedition tour leader, Pierre Bassani Photoman, who has over 30 years experience in the photographic industry and who will be your photo safari guide for the duration of your trip .
WE’VE DONE THE RESEARCH FOR YOU ALREADY
When taking these three factors into account below, finding the right lodge can make a significant difference to your overall photo safari experience! But finding the right lodge can be time consuming and the good news is we’ve done the research for you having visited lodges all around Southern Africa timelessly and making sure you do not go home empty handed.
3 IMPORTANT ASPECTS THAT DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF YOUR PHOTO SAFARI
1. The Lodge
Quite simply some lodge’s have better wildlife than others. As a general in South Africa the best game viewing lodges are in the east (around Kruger National Park) but there are a few notable exceptions.
2. Your Safari Guide
Guides can be instrumental to your photographic experience, their understanding of light, vehicle placement and animal behaviour can make a tremendous difference to your experience.
3. Fellow passengers
If you’re paired with non-photographers, they can influence the amount of time you spend at sightings, your start and finish tour times and the amount of space you have for camera gear
The Sabi Sands is a 65 000ha privately owned game reserve that shares a +-60 km fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Together these areas make up South Africa’s highest density of big game. Very importantly for photographers the wildlife has become habituated allowing extraordinary close encounters particularly of the elusive leopard.
Understandably this premier destination comes at a premium price but the dedicated photo safaris here offer some of the best wildlife photography opportunities not just in South Africa but all of Africa we believe!
NB. We are a local Southern Africa Travel Destination Expert Company, going on 2 decades in the tourism industry, we would love to be of assistance to add-on to your itinerary experience with perhaps a visit to the iconic Cape Town and experiencing the amazing attractions on offer or connect to either Hwange National Park Zimbabwe or the Delta Khwai Moremi in Botswana before heading homebound. Let us I know what your you have in mind?
Sandwiched between Mozambique and the Mpumalanga area of the Drakensberg, the Lowveld is renowned for it subtropical climate, abundant wildlife, and ancient history. This area encompasses a number of spectacular game reserves including the world-famous Kruger National Park, vast farmlands, and the popular Panorama Route. This area serves as an excellent base from which to explore the Kruger. Visitors can explore the old gold rush town of Barberton, enjoy the city lights of Nelspruit and stay at a variety of comfortable country lodges.
Where the borders of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa meet, exists one of the brightest stars in Botswana’s tourism universe- Mashatu Game Reserve. This 31 000 ha (76 600 acre) expanse of pristine wilderness is guardian to the largest herds of elephant on privately owned land in Africa. Guests are privileged to enjoy excellent daily sightings of Africa’s predators, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal and African wildcat.
It is within this ancient land, studded with baobab trees, that guests enjoy mountain biking, walking or horseback safaris. The incredibly productive PhotoMashatu underground hide attracts photographers from around the globe. These adventure activities complement the traditional safaris, conducted by guides each with an average of 15 years’ experience in the reserve.
Mashatu offers the choice of four completely different camps; Mashatu Tent Camp, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, Mashatu Lodge and the brand new, 5-star Mashatu Euphorbia Villas.
Mashatu emulates Botswana’s objective of low impact tourism, ensuring a sense of exclusivity and privilege for those fortunate enough to visit this distinct part of southern Africa. It is the authentic, wild Africa for guests who yearn to immerse themselves in an intimate safari holiday; a medley of landscapes, wildlife, adventure and adrenaline.
Itineraries
Day 1
LOWVELD
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and connect to KMIA Nelspruit Airport on a short 50min flight the same day where an African Safari Guru representative will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you by road to Grace Of Africa or similar for your overlay
Upon arrival you will be welcomed and shown around the lodge before settling into your cosy bush suite
Late afternoon an Introduction by Pierre Bassani Photoman, photo safari guide and expedition tour leader
Dinner is served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 2
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep with breakfast served at the main area.
Depart from lodge by road to Mala Mala Main Camp where you'll be welcomed upon arrival and shown around the lodge before settling into your luxury room.
Day at your own leisure before Lunch
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive – Mid-way stop for sundowners (We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first) before returning back to Mala Mala Main Camp by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 3-5
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep and meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, guide and tracker for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn first before returning back to the camp +-3-4 hours later for a well-deserved breakfast (depending )
In-between game drive activities Pierre Bassani Photoman will be at the main lodge to host a 1-hour image review and group editing sessions.
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with a Mid-way stop for sundowners (We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to MalaMala Main Camp by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 6
MASHATU GAME RESERVE (TULI BLOCK BOTSWANA)
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep.and meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, guide and tracker for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn before returning back to the camp +- 2-hours later for a well-deserved breakfast
Depart from MalaMala Main Camp on a charter flight @10:00am connecting via Polokwane Airport and then to Mashatu Landing Airstrip where a representative will be waiting to meet and transfer you through the rugged bush to Mashatu main Camp
Upon arrival at Mashatu Main you'll be welcomed and then shown around the lodge before settling into your luxury suite
After lunch a quick introduction by Pierre Bassani Photoman, expedition photo safari and tour leader
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with a Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to Mashatu Main Camp by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 7-8
MASHATU GAME RESERVE (TULI BLOCK BOTSWANA)
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, guide and tracker for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn before returning back to the camp +- 3-hours later for a well-deserved breakfast
In-between game drive activities Pierre Bassani Photoman will be at the main lodge to host a 1-hour image review and group editing sessions.
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with a Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to Mashatu Main Camp by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 9
END OF PHOTO SAFARI ITINERARY
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, guide and tracker for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn before returning back to the camp +- 3-hours later for a well-deserved breakfast
Bid farewell and depart on a bush transfer to the Mashatu Landing Airstrip where you'll connect back to OR Tambo Int. Airport Johannesburg and then homebound.
Suggested Add-ons: If you are interested in our selection of add-ons, chat to our travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form.
NB. We are a local Southern Africa Travel Destination Expert Company, going on 2 decades in the tourism industry, we would love to be of assistance to add-on to your itinerary with perhaps a visit to the iconic Cape Town and experiencing the amazing attractions on offer or connect to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls a "Natural Wonder of the World" in Livingstone Zambia before heading homebound.
- An African Safari Guru Specialist Photo Safari Guide And Expedition Leader (Hosted)
- 1 Night Accommodation at Muluwa based on single occupancy, Tented Suite (Partners are welcome to share)
- 4 Nights Accommodation at Mala Mala Main based on single occupancy, Luxury Suite (Partners are welcome to share)
- 4 Nights Accommodation at Mashatu Safari Lodge based on single occupancy, Luxury Room (Partners are welcome to share)
- Meals: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at Muluwa Lodge
- Meals: Three meals daily at Mala Mala Main and Mashatu Safari Lodge
- Teas and coffee
- All local in-house beverages at Mala Mala and Mashatu
- All photo safari activities on a private vehicle through out the safari (Exclusive use with maximum 4 pax per vehicle - rotating plus photo safari guide)
- Two morning photographic underground hide sessions in Mashatu
- 7 days of dedicated photographic and post procession tuition during the course of the day
- Mala Mala Conservation Fees Per Person Per Day
- Mala Mala Vehicle Entry Fees Once Off
- Mashatu Conservation Fees Per Person Per Day
- Vehicle entry fess once off.
- Ground transfer from KMIA Nelspruit Airport to Muluwa Lodge
- Ground transfer from Muluwa Lodge to Mala Mala Main
- Charter Flight from Mala Mala Airstrip to Polokwane (Custom Check) and continue to Mashatu Airstrip
- Charter Flight from Mashatu Airstrip to Polokwane (Custom Check) and continue to OR Tambo Int. Airport
- Suggested Add-ons - If you are interested in our selection of add-ons, chat to our travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form
- Items of personal nature
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions
- All premium drinks
- Gratuities and items of personal nature for Guides/Lodge Staff/Drivers
- Laundry at Mashatu (Botswana Tuli)
- Passport and visa costs
- Any international flights arriving into & departing from the start and end locations of this tour
- Lodge Rates can change without prior notice beyond our control due to unforeseen government taxes. This will not affect clients who have paid the full package balance.
- Everything that is not mentioned in inclusions
- Suggested Add-ons - If you are interested in our selection of add-ons, chat to our travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form.
Muluwa Lodge is ideally situated in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region of South Africa, boasting incredible views out and over the valleys and mountains of the area. The view, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as a wonderful array of “plains” game species that graze close by creates a wonderful “Serengeti” type ambience.
Located just 10 minutes’ drive from Kruger International Airport (KMI), and 4 hours from OR Tambo Interntional Airport, between the small artistic town of White River (10 minutes’ drive to the north), and the larger city of Nelspruit/Mbombela (20 minutes’ drive to the south). We are a 35minute drive from the “Numbi” Kruger Park entrance.
This unique location provides the perfect base for relaxation, and exploration of some of Southern Africa’s most precious natural attractions, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon and the scenic and historical – Panorama Route
MalaMala Game Reserve consistently produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator! The Safari Industry's blueprint to the luxury photographic safari, MalaMala has been custodian of this massive thriving tract of land since 1927.
MalaMala Game Reserve is one of the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Comprising 13 300 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Every aspect of MalaMala Camp and Sable Camp is designed to appreciate and enjoy the view of the surrounding wilds. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling green lawns are filled with birdsong, with the occasional antelope or elephant which seeks the succulence of greenery.
Mashatu Game Reserve is located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana bordering South Africa. It is the embodiment of all that defines Africa. Space so open and vast, an array of wildlife from the gigantic to the miniscule, majestic skies open to the universe and unfettered by smog; a quiet so loud it thrums with life; and unexpected adventure beyond the game drive, with horse-back safaris, cycling safaris and walks in the wild.
Mashatu Lodge is an oasis among the undulating and seemingly endless plains of the wild. Stone-packed walls welcome safari-goers home, where they experience the embodiment of sublime hospitality.
For the client who is accustomed to luxury, this camp will meet every expectation. 14 luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter, and are designed to allow absolute privacy and a communion with the bush and its inhabitants. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher on a branch overhead and smell the grassy scent of the bushveld.
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