Description

Day 1 Mashatu Lodge, Mashatu Game Reserve Day Itinerary Arriving at Limpopo Valley Airport, you will be met for a seamless transfer to Mashatu Lodge, where warm hospitality and untamed beauty await. Settle into your elegant suite before embarking on your first safari, tracking elephants, lions, and leopards through the vast landscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy sundowner drinks in the bush before returning for a gourmet dinner under the African sky. Expert Tips No Notes Available Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia. Mashatu is the epitome of all that defines wilderness areas in Africa. A hidden gem situated in Botswana, Mashatu Game Reserve consists of 42,000 hectares of privately owned land in the conserved wilderness area known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Nestled in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers meet, Mashatu boasts a landscape of wide plains, lush forests, rugged hills, and ancient ridges, creating an unparalleled ecological diversity. Named the “Land of the Giants” after the local Mashatu trees, and guardian to the largest population of elephants in private game reserve in Southern Africa, and renowned for incredible big cat sightings. Our camps, including Euphorbia Mashatu, Kolokolo Safari Home, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, Mashatu Tent Camp and Shalimpo Safari Home; welcoming you to wilderness luxury, comfort, and adventure. Experience daily game drives at sunrise and sunset, where you’ll connect with the essence of the African wilderness. Mashatu Game Reserve is where nature’s captivating story unfolds. Overnight: Mashatu Lodge 14 luxury suites situated on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert and water is its most precious resource. Each of the air-conditioned suites at Mashatu Lodge is tastefully decorated and includes impressive black and white prints of Africa’s most beautiful animals. A double bed and an extra-large single bed, together with a seating area that includes a single day bed, comfortably accommodates families. The ample en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower facilities and a separate W.C. complete the well-appointed suites. Two large swimming pools are a focal point to cool down and relax between game activities. Meals are a sumptuous celebration of traditional African Cuisine – flavoursome but lacking in ostentation. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home-made breads and pies, succulent meat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal to a guest who appreciates home cooking at its best. With a fully stock curio shop for retail therapy, a Discovery Room offering a glimpse into another world with ancient relics that will amaze, and on on-site spa offering luxurious and relaxing treatments – Mashatu Lodge has something for everyone in the family. Activities Restaurant and Boma Optional Recommended Restaurant and Boma Meals are a sumptuous celebration of traditional African Cuisine - flavoursome and homely. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home-made breads and pies, succulent meat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal to a guest who appreciates informal cuisine at its best. Morning pre-game drive snacks, brunch and high tea are served on the shaded terrace overlooking the waterhole. Dinners are served around a blazing fire in the reed-enclosed boma (African structure), exposing diners to the glorious night sky above. Included 2 nights sharing accommodation at Mashatu Lodge All meals Beverages (local wines, spirits, and beers; soft drinks, teas and coffees) Guided game walk and game drive or two guided game drives per night’s stay including refreshments on game drives/walks Wi-Fi Laundry Return transfer from Limpopo Valley Airport to Mashatu Lodge Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 2 Mashatu Lodge, Mashatu Game Reserve Day Itinerary Awaken to the soft call of the wild and set out on an exhilarating morning game drive, where the landscape comes alive with wildlife. Midday is a time for relaxation—perhaps a swim, a peaceful moment on your veranda, or a light lunch overlooking the bush. The afternoon offers another thrilling game drive or a guided bush walk, followed by an indulgent evening of fine dining and conversation around the fire. Expert Tips No Notes Available Activities Game Drives WalkMashatu Optional Recommended Game Drives Discover the heart of Mashatu Game Reserve through exhilarating safari game drives. Traverse the 31,000-hectare wilderness, following the well-worn trails of over 1000 elephants that call this haven home. These paths, created by breeding herds and their playful calves, offer a unique vantage point for unforgettable encounters with Africa’s majestic wildlife. Guided by seasoned rangers, embark on open four-wheel drive vehicles and venture off-road to witness the raw beauty of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, alongside the diverse range of giraffes, zebras, and antelope that populate the reserve. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of nocturnal creatures during captivating night drives, guided by powerful spotlights. In the company of expert guides, get up close to over 366 bird species, marvel at the breathtaking scenery, and capture stunning photographic moments. Mashatu Lodge even offers exclusive private vehicle options upon request, allowing you to tailor your adventure. These Tswana guides, steeped in local knowledge, provide invaluable insights into the intricate web of nature, enriching your experience with depth and meaning. Your journey not only connects you with the wild but also supports responsible travel and conservation efforts. Join us in preserving this remarkable ecosystem and creating lasting memories in the heart of Africa. WalkMashatu WalkMashatu is an intimate look and exploration into the daily lives of Mashatu’s inhabitants and wilderness area. By interacting closely with some of our enigmatic, remarkable and powerful wildlife characters and following paths, WalkMashatu provides the opportunity to peek into the natural world and how the ecosystem of Mashatu thrives, from the smallest of insects to the largest of creatures. WalkMashatu allows you to immerse yourself in nature, become grounded and feel the rhythm and wonder of Africa’s wilderness. WalkMashatu is a life event. WalkMashatu is a not a race, survival or endurance test. Walks are to explore, experience and enjoy the ancient African landscapes. To contribute to your tailored experience, our walking guides are handpicked and have years of experience walking in wilderness areas. They are passionate about walking and exploring smaller and normally overlooked aspects of the African Bushveld, striving to make your experience interactive and informative. Included Included Not Available Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 3 Kiri Camp, Okavango Delta Day Itinerary Savor a final sunrise game drive at Mashatu before breakfast, then board a scenic flight from Limpopo Valley Airport to Maun. From there, you’ll be transferred to Kiri Camp, a secluded retreat in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Take the afternoon to settle into the tranquil surroundings before setting out on a mokoro excursion or game drive, exploring the waterways and floodplains teeming with life. The evening unfolds with a beautifully prepared dinner and a chance to reflect on the day's adventures. Expert Tips No Notes Available Situated in the northwestern corner of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site as it is the largest inland delta in the world. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing waterlogged oasis featuring countless meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, as well as fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with abundant wildlife. The Okavango Delta stretches over an impressive15000 square kilometres. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities such as game viewing, fishing, bird watching or taking an authentic guided Mokoro excursion through this wetland paradise in a traditional dugout canoe. Commonly spotted animals include: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of bird. Overnight: Kiri Camp Kiri Camp is named after the Kiri channel which flows passed the island on which the camp is situated. The camp is raised on wooden decks to give one a view of the mighty Kiri floodplains which stretch out in front of the camp. The luxury tents are designed to incorporate the surrounding ebony forest under which the camp is situated. The use of wood, canvas and reeds are primary to the architecture of this stunning camp. Kiri Camp offers a combination of both game drives and water activities. Based on a private concession, these activities will take you to some of the more remote areas in the delta, previously inaccessible. A motorboat ride during peak flood times promises to enthrall you and captivate you, with the chance of seeing iconic wildlife from the river. Glide on quiet mokoro’s through the water lilies and view wildlife from below as you sail along at water level height. The wildlife in the Kiri area is diverse and plentiful, renown for its lion and buffalo interactions and rare wild dog numbers. Activities Morning and Evening Game Drives Walking Safaris Optional Recommended Morning and Evening Game Drives Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights. Walking Safaris Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain Included 2 nights sharing accommodation at Kiri Camp All meals Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) Game Drives Mokoro experience Walking Boating (water dependent) Laundry Flight from Limpopo Valley Airport to Maun International Airport Transfer from Maun International Airport to Kiri Camp Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 4 Kiri Camp, Okavango Delta Day Itinerary The day begins with the rich sounds of the Delta waking up around you. Set out on a morning safari, whether by vehicle, foot, or boat, experiencing the ever-changing beauty of this wetland paradise. A leisurely afternoon offers time to unwind before another adventure—perhaps a silent gliding mokoro trip through winding water channels or a walking safari in search of hidden wildlife. End the day with a candlelit dinner, the night alive with the calls of the wild. Expert Tips No Notes Available Activities Mokoros (Dependent on water levels) Motorised Boat Rides (Dependent on water levels) Kiri Camp Main Area Dining Optional Recommended Mokoros (Dependent on water levels) This is a dug out canoe poled by an experienced poler in the shallower waters of the Okavango. It is a great way to see the waterways and is tranquil and quiet. These excursions take place in the mornings or longer day trips can be arranged. Explore the islands around camp and come back rested and rejuvenated. Motorised Boat Rides (Dependent on water levels) Taking a water safari by boat offers up a completely different world. Based at water level you will see creatures and details that you would otherwise miss from the land. Kiri Camp Main Area Dining The food served at camp is a wonderful mixture of local cuisine flavoured and cooked in good old fashion home style cooking. We call this bushfare. Our chefs come from Botswana and have many years working in the tourism industry preparing fine meals. We try and eat under the stars at night and vary our dining experiences with every meal. Included Included Not Available Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 5 Feline Fields Lodge, Kalahari Botswana Day Itinerary Following a final sunrise excursion in the Okavango, journey onward to Feline Fields Lodge. This luxurious retreat in the Kalahari Desert offers a unique blend of safari and cultural experiences. The afternoon invites relaxation in the infinity pool or a light cycle through the vast, golden terrain before embarking on an evening game drive. As the stars emerge, enjoy a refined dinner paired with fine wines, immersed in the solitude of the desert. Expert Tips No Notes Available Encompassing the vast majority of Botswana territory, the sprawling wilderness of the semi-arid Kalahari Desert is characterised by endless open plains, shimmering salt pans, picturesque orange sands and relics of ancient riverbeds. In the heart of the country lies the world's second-largest game reserve, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, its magnificent expanse surpassing the size of the entire country of Belgium. The region offers some of the best wildlife viewings in Africa and is home to abundant roaming wildlife, including rhinos, black-maned lions, and desert-adapted elephants. Keen birdwatchers can spot the secretary bird, pale chanting goshawk, ostrich, black-breasted snake eagle and other species. For the culturally curious, an encounter with the San, the indigenous people who have resided in and around the area for thousands of years, is not to be missed. Overnight: Feline Fields Lodge Surrounded by Botswana's breathtaking Kalahari, where Africa's vaulted skies collide with vast, arid landscapes and endless horizons, Feline Fields Lodge is an oasis in a thirsty land - a place to stop and refuel body, mind and spirit. This is one of the most authentic desert safari experiences in Southern Africa - a true refuge for the soul. With just three Bush Suites, three two-storey Pool Suites and a spacious, two-bedroom Family Villa, the feeling of total exclusivity is a given at Feline Fields Lodge. Designed with complete privacy in mind, the suites are positioned far apart from one another along the edge of a woodland with panoramic views out over the savannah. The level of understated elegance, opulence, luxury and attention to detail is consistent across all of the accommodation options, combining to create effortless guest experiences. Activities Interactive Restaurant Bar Optional Recommended Interactive Restaurant Main restaurant Bar Bar Included 3 nights sharing accommodation at Feline Fields Lodge All meals A selection of spirits and wines, sparkling wine, non alcoholic beverages and refreshments Morning, evening and full day game drives Specialized walking activities with the local bushmen tribe, including a translator Interactive visits to the traditional bushmen village Cycling excursions on fat bikes Horse riding to suit all levels of riders Bush golf Tennis Transfer from Kiri Camp to Feline Fields Lodge Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 6 Feline Fields Lodge, Kalahari Botswana Day Itinerary Your days at Feline Fields unfold with a mix of wildlife encounters and cultural immersion. Game drives reveal the region’s unique desert-adapted species, while guided walks with the local Bushmen offer a rare glimpse into their traditions. For those seeking adventure, explore the dunes on horseback or try your hand at bush golf or a game of tennis. Each evening, return to the lodge for exquisite cuisine and stories under a starlit sky. Expert Tips No Notes Available Activities Game Drive Walking Safari Meeting the Bushmen Sand biking Horse riding Tennis Court Optional Recommended Game Drive We offer morning and afternoon/evening drives in the Kalahari allowing you to explore the impressive landscapes and unique environments that make this desert region so special. While not a prime game viewing area, you may nonetheless see elephants and other desert-adapted species like gemsbok, as well as amazing birdlife including ostriches and secretary birds. Walking Safari Experience the African bush as you never have before. Once you alight from your vehicle and your feet touch the earth, you will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature. It is here that you will discover a whole new world, mysteries that most visitors never have the privilege to see. Our skilled and experienced guides will escort you through the bush and introduce you to the small wonders of the Kalahari. A truly fascinating experience where you become part of the wilderness. Meeting the Bushmen The Lodge at Feline Fields is located in the heart of Bushmen territory, the first people of the Kalahari. Feline Fields collaborate with the Bushmen community and offers through this a glimpse into their astonishing wisdom, spirituality and their partnership with nature which ensured survival over millennia. Experiences range from bush walks under Bushmen guidance where they teach about veld foods and natural medicines and culture and folklore to an overnight fly-camp where you’ll be invited into their inner circle to witness, or partake in, the famous Bushman Trance Dance. Accompanied throughout by your translator guide, guests have the opportunity to engage with the Bushmen and learn all about their survival skills, food preparation and cultural norms. Follow these ancient nomadic hunters into the pristine and untamed Kalahari Desert and gain insight into the culture and time-honored traditions of the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa. Sand biking Each of our suites has its own sand bikes for your use during your stay. Feel free to cycle at will in and around the lodge or go out into the Kalahari with one of our guides and explore further afield. Horse riding The Kalahari is perfect for horse riding, with its vast, largely flat landscape making it exciting to explore from the saddle. Enjoy guided trails through this unique environment and stop for a bush breakfast or lunch along the way. Most riding takes place in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day. Tennis Court Feline Fields Lodge has its own tennis court giving guests the opportunity to play a set or two in the magical environment of the Kalahari! Best played in the cool morning hours or late afternoons with sundowners on tap, this is a great way to have some fun during your stay! Racquets and balls are provided. Included Included Not Available Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 7 Feline Fields Lodge, Kalahari Botswana Day Itinerary After a final morning experience at Feline Fields, transfer to Okavango Spirit, a floating luxury lodge on the Okavango River. Settle into your stylish suite before embarking on a peaceful boat ride, where hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife thrive along the riverbanks. A gourmet dinner onboard completes a perfect introduction to this unique water safari experience. Expert Tips No Notes Available Activities Optional Dunes Sleepout Gcwihaba Caves Exploration Private Spa Treatments Bush Gym Recommended Dunes Sleepout Spend a night under a canopy of stars. After a beautiful dinner lit by a roaring campfire, rest for the night in mosquito net tents kitted out with real mattresses and duvets. Spending the night in the heart of the Kalahari, falling asleep admiring the stars nested in a comfortable bed, lulled by birdsong is the ultimate in romance. It is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to fully connect with Nature. In the morning, as dawn approaches, the stars gradually disappear and the birds begin to stir as the first rays of sunlight appear over the Kalahari dunes, gently waking you up and realizing where you are. Gcwihaba Caves Exploration Journey to the ancient Gcwihaba Caves, a World Heritage site, and the richest cave fossil deposit in Botswana. Accessible by staircase or cage lift, the caves are a cathedral of natural beauty with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. On the way back stop for a bush picnic under shady trees. Private Spa Treatments Enjoy massages and rituals that connect you with the Kalahari and its energies in our wellness sanctuary, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. We use Africology essential oils, all made ethically and sustainably from African plants that have been growing in our lands for thousands of years. Bush Gym Work out in the bush gym, open on all sides to nature. There is an array of exercise equipment to choose from including elliptical, home trainer, weights and more. Included Included Not Available Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 8 Okavango Spirit Day Itinerary Spend the day discovering the wonders of the Okavango River—cruise through its winding channels, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife along the shores. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on deck, where elephants and antelope may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. As the sun sets, unwind with a beautifully prepared dinner, the tranquil river setting the perfect scene for the evening. Expert Tips No Notes Available Shakawe No Description Available Overnight: Okavango Spirit Switching off has always been top priority for us at Natural Selection and the sheer thought of exploring the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta from the privacy of your bedroom, totally floats our boat! Okavango Spirit is an extraordinary houseboat experience's in one of the most remote settings in the Okavango Delta. Here you’ll be thrown into a world of beauty, comfort and total serenity. Wake up each morning on the Okavango River, African fish eagles calling, coffee in hand. Weave between islands, dotted with pods of hippo and cruising crocodile, with the ever changing riverbanks your bedrooms constant backdrop. Think spectacular sunsets and extraordinary adventures. Game viewing on tender boats, an abundance of bird and wildlife, land activities exploring the unique surrounds, elephants drinking right in front of your window. As you can imagine, this truly is a houseboat safari experience that simply can’t be missed! Activities Okavango Panhandle Optional Recommended Okavango Panhandle Situated in the northwestern area of the Okavango Delta, the Panhandle is a stretch of the Okavango River that follows a more-or-less straight course for approximately 70 kilometres before entering the wetlands. This deep channel serves as the main water source feeding the delta and offers excellent tiger and bream fishing, while the surrounding woodlands and the river’s shallow waters teem with a myriad of birds. The Okavango Panhandle is dotted with several villages and serves as a gateway to the scenic Tsodilo Hills, some 40 kilometres west, with their various tribal cave paintings, some dating back as far as 20 000 years. Visitors can enjoy excellent fishing, first-class birding, boating on the Okavango River and game viewing in the Mahangu National Park. Included 2 nights sharing accommodation on the Okavango Spirit All meals Beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) Guest laundry Tender boat rides A visit to Tsodilo Hills Transfer from Feline Fields Lodge to Okavango Spirit Transfer from the Okavango Spirit to Shakawe Airport Flight form Shakawe Airport to Maun Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 9 Okavango Spirit Day Itinerary Take a guided visit to the sacred Tsodilo Hills, where ancient rock paintings tell the stories of early civilizations. The evening brings another delicious meal as the river reflects the fading light of the day. Expert Tips No Notes Available Activities Tsodilo Hills Optional Recommended Tsodilo Hills Located in the far reaches of northwestern Botswana, the Tsodilo Hills mark the highest point in the country. Abruptly rising 400 metres from the vast western Kalahari, these hills consist of four distinct mounds: the female, the male, the child and an even smaller ‘kopje’. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famed Tsodilo Hills are home to more than 4000 remarkable rock paintings and considered a sacred space for the San people. It is said that the Tsodilo Hills are one of the world’s oldest historical sites, which have been inhabited on and off for the last 60 000 years. Visitors can enjoy guided tours around this ancient spiritual mecca. Included Included Not Available Excluded Excluded Not Available Day 10 End of Itinerary Day Itinerary Enjoy a final tender boat ride before transferring to Shakawe Airport. A scenic flight to Maun marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Botswana’s wild and luxurious landscapes, leaving you with memories of extraordinary adventures, rich culture, and untamed beauty. Expert Tips No Notes Available Activities Optional Recommended Included Included Not Available Excluded Excluded Not Available