Mashatu Lodge

I just lead a 12 day-long private photo safari to Mashatu during which I stayed at Mashatu Lodge for 8 nights and Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu for another 4. It was my 20th time back in Mashatu and, as always, the only word to some up our safari experience was "perfection"! I haven't been to any other lodges in Africa where the game viewing and photo opportunities are matched by the experience in camp in such a spectacular way - we were always met with genuine smiles, ate waaay more than we should have and most importantly, we felt like family. On four occasions, we spent quality time with leopard cubs, giving us some of the best wildlife photography opportunities I've had anywhere in summer! Speaking of which, despite heavy rains, we didn't miss a single drive, and the transformation of the reserve in to lush paradise was something to behold. I can highly recommend coming to Mashatu during the rainy season! I can't wait to be back in May this year...

In Januari 2024 we went for two weeks to Mashatu Lodge (main camp) in Mashatu game reserve. First some comments regarding the reserve; no big five (rhino and buffalo) are missing but who gives a ..... The sightings are incredible in a beautiful setting and landscape. We have done a lot of safaris and used to to called Nature Appreciation Drives.... which actually means we did not see anything special and just took in general surroundings and common game, But this safari every drive was special. We had so many beautiful leopard and lion sightings really amazing. We had also amazing rangers and spotters like Fish, Bashi, Edward and Abel. And again there are so many different eco systems in the Reserve it is really special and gives a lot of beautiful photographic opportunities. The lodge was also great, people are very friendly and genuine interested in you as a guest and willing to go the extra mile to make it special for you. The food is fantastic the chef is great and also a great singer :-) The room is comfortable, good beds, clean, airconditned with a nice shower. The only thing I missed was wifi in the room... you want to share your pictures but you have to go to the main area so that is the only downside... Further I can recommend it to the fullest. Have already booked again for Januari 2025 :-)

This was our 6th trip to Africa in 11 years. In our prior 5 visits we stayed in several camps and countries. This time we decided to stay at the Mashatu Game Reserve for our entire 16 nights. We were there on our last trip and loved it. We stayed at 3 of the Reserves properties. The Lodge for 8 nights, 2 in Tuli and 6 in Euphorbia, all less than an hour drive apart. What a great decision. There was not a sour face at any of the camps. The attitude was friendly and helpful throughout the entire stay. Never a crack in any of the services. Rooms were cleaned and sanitized several times a day, meal consistency, variety and personalized service was spot on, even after 16 days. They were all special. Peter Joji Bale is the manager of all the reserve's facilities, and he gets the credit for the consistency, great personalized service, meals, housekeeping, people remembering your names and preferences. This does not happen by accident. The individual lodge managers also get it and were all great. All 3. Thank you Peter, the managers and staff for making this one of our best trips. Let's not forget why we were there - the GAME. It was insane. Every day, a few times a day, we had incredible sightings. There were multiple days where we saw 7 to 9 lions, 4 to 5 leopards and 3 to 5 cheetah. The big cats were my focus. We witnessed kills and the just about every possible species except rhino, dogs and hippos. Most of this success was due to our guide, Bashi. He has been guiding there for over 30 years and knows the animals, generations of their family and their habits. Sometimes it seemed like they were waving hello to him. The trackers were first class. We spent a few days on the Photo Mashatu vehicle with Joe, who provided excellent advice. Be sure to take advantage of the Photo Hide. You would that after 16 nights you may have had an issue somewhere. We honestly did not.