Mashatu Game ReserveBotswana

There are few conservation areas in Africa which share the uniqueness of Mashatu Game Reserve.

Our role in the conservation model is that of custodian of a remarkable tract of private wilderness at a unique point where this land in Botswana, SouthAfrica and Zimbabwe meets. Mashatu is a game reserve which forms part of a massive cross boundary wildlife conservation area protecting substantialbiodiversity of Africa's threatened flora and fauna.

Not only are we custodians of these wondrous ecosystems, but we are also curators of a rich tapestry of palaeontology, archaeology and history in theregion dating back millions of years, which includes the Mapungubwe cultural landscape, British colonial history and Boer War battle sites. This allcontributes to setting Mashatu apart from other more traditional safari areas in southern Africa and highlights the responsibility we have as guardiansof this land.

Your contribution, as our guest, plays one of the most significant roles in this conservation partnership. Your patronage of our reserve contributes toensuring the economic viability of this wildlife area, which in turn makes our conserving this beautiful land sustainable, as well as creating employmentfor the residents of the rural communities on the immediate peripheries of Mashatu Game Reserve. Without our partnership, the families of the Sebirwadistrict of eastern Botswana would not be afforded the opportunity for well needed employment, nor would they have reason to protect the wildlife inthe region. Ultimately, your stay at Mashatu is what makes our magnificent wilderness area the success that it is. By visiting, you play a significant rolein conservation and we appreciate your patronage.

Come and visit Mashatu Game Reserve. You will not be disappointed.

David EvansManaging Director

MASHATU GAME RESERVE

LAND OF GIANTS

It is from any towering vantage point that the great, primal stillness of Africa takes your breath away. For down in the valleys, to the north and south,east and west, lie the flattened and sweltering mopane plains of Mashatu, 'Land of Giants'. For three hundred and sixty degrees these awesome sweepingwilds rise and fall, and merge into clean horizons. This land is lovelier than any imagining of it and to those who stand on Mmamagwa Hill, alsoresoundingly silent. Mashatu is an utterly unpeopled wilderness in eastern Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. But take amoment to listen to the rhythms of a land that beats to a different drum and you'll soon unearth a diverse paradise thrumming with birds, plants, wildanimals and insects. One that unfolds into savannah, riverine forests, marshland, ample plains and sandstone outcrops.

Mashatu, 'Land of Giants' takes its name from the locally-revered Mashatu tree and the giants that roam this prodigious land. As the largest private gamereserve in Botswana and one of the largest in southern Africa, Mashatu is, at 29 000 ha (72 000 acres), an appropriate setting for the world's largestmammal, the elephant; and the world's tallest mammal, the giraffe. Mashatu also provides a sanctuary to the world's largest antelope, the eland; the world'slargest bird, the ostrich and the world's heaviest flying bird: the kori bustard. Add the lion, the king of the beasts and the iconic baobab and we presentto you Mashatu's Giants! Guests will also find, at over 700 individuals, Africa's largest elephant population on private land!

This special spot under the African sun proudly boasts an ecological diversity uncommon in other reserves. Complementing three members of the BigFive - leopard, lion and elephant - are some of the more surprising species, including healthy populations of cheetah, the aardwolf, bat-eared fox, Africanwild cat, honey badger and black-backed jackal. Mashatu is also an ornithological paradise, and plays host to over 350 bird species, including theenchanting lilac-breasted roller (whose plumage features no fewer than seven different shades of blue).

Set out, at dawn or dusk, on a 4x4 safari, guided by dedicated and experienced Batswana rangers and trackers. Or brave an adventure safari that straysfrom the traditional safari experience: go bushwhacking on foot, gallop through verdant mopane plains on horseback or confront Mashatu's elephantmade and maintained single track trails on a mountain bike. Alternatively, visit the unique range of hides on Mashatu in the company of a residentprofessional photographer. Sit quietly and watch animals approach all the while taking pictures from unique angles, resulting in inimitable and exceptionalquality photography.

MASHATU MAIN CAMPSituated in the centre of Mashatu Game Reserve and in close proximity to the Majale River, Main Camp is an oasis in this desert landscape. Each suite issupremely comfortable, tastefully decorated and features air conditioning, large spacious accommodations and generous bathrooms. This is the ideal campfor families travelling together with all suites designed to comfortably accommodate children.

Meals are a sumptuous celebration of traditional African Cuisine - flavoursome and homely. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home-made breads and pies, succulentmeat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal to a guest who appreciates informal cuisine at its best.

- 14 luxury suites- Discovery Room offers an insight into this fascinating region rich in flora, fauna and archaeological artefacts- Camp capacity - 28- Children of all ages accepted (certain restrictions apply to ages 4 and under)- Mashatu Main Camp offers a specialised children's programme which is guaranteed to entertain and educate in equal measure

MASHATU TENT CAMPThere can be few tented camps in Botswana with the wilderness ambience of Mashatu Tent Camp. Located in the remote northern part of Mashatu GameReserve on the boundary of the Tuli Circle Area in Zimbabwe, this is a camp that lends itself to the true African wildlife experience. Whilst the camp hassubtle comforts such as fans, a plunge pool and electricity, the experience is that of close proximity to the sounds and signs of the wild, without being rustic.

- 8 twin tents with private en-suite facilities- Game viewing hide overlooking waterhole- Camp capacity - 16- No children under 12 years of age

MASHATU CYCLE SAFARIS

Bring your mountain bike and ride amongst the wildlife of the vastNorthern Tuli Game Reserve. You owe yourself this opportunity atleast once in your life!

Cycle Mashatu operates the cycling concession on Mashatu GameReserve. Cycling is offered to guests from both Main Camp andTent Camp as an experience to be enjoyed during their stay on amore traditional vehicle safari. Guests can also book a 'camp wild'cycling experience comprising up to three days on a cycling safari.These safaris depart on Fridays and Tuesdays in the winter monthswhere Cycle Mashatu offers a 3 night guided mountain bikingadventure, catering for up to 8 cyclists. Enjoy riding elephantmanicured game paths, sleeping under starlit skies and exploringthe ancient Land of the Giants. Cycle Mashatu tailors the tours tosuit the group's fitness and strength and provides vehicle support,meals, and camp amenities. Many would argue that you have notlived until you have cycled in the Land of the Giants - a thrillingexperience indeed!

MASHATU WALKING SAFARIS

There are a wide variety of landscapes, vegetation types and eco-systemson Mashatu which should all be experienced first-hand. Walking Mashatuoffers the wilderness lover, the bird watcher, the keen botanist, the intrepidhiker and the nature enthusiast the ultimate experience whilst walking inthe Land of the Giants.

Tailor-made walking safaris suit the disposition of the clients on safari.Distances covered per day depend on the ability and preference of the guests.There is no limit on the number of nights spent on the walking safari. It ishowever suggested that at least three nights are booked. Guests camp outin one of three camps specifically designed for comfort in the bush. Luggageis transported by vehicle between camps to give guests the opportunity tohave full enjoyment of the walk, without having to carry any luggage.

A walking safari means coming closer to the roar of the lion, the howl ofthe hyena, the cry of the jackal and the whistle of the pearl-spotted owlduring starry nights around the campfire. A walking safari compliments themagnificence of a sunrise, a full moon and sightings simply not possiblefrom a vehicle or the comforts of a lodge.

LIMPOPO HORSE SAFARIS

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is honoured with the reputation of having the finest schooled horses on the Africancontinent. Surrounded by a multitude of Africa's flora and fauna, come and explore this breath-taking terrain fromhorseback, in the company of experienced African equestrian hosts who have extensive knowledge and experienceof the bush. There is nothing more exhilarating than galloping on horseback alongside herds of antelope, over thewild open plains of Mashatu, kicking dust into the sunset sky.

There are combinations of horse safaris from which the guest can choose including multi-day, camp wild experiences.

Please note that only competent and regular horse riders should consider this activity as the concessionaire will,in the interests of safety, test the skills and ability of the horse riders. The experienced staff will terminate thereservation if the guest is not skilled enough to ride through wild country where dangerous animals roam.

THE MASHATU PHOTOGRAPHIC HIDES

This concession on Mashatu comprises a resident wildlife photographer, basedat Mashatu Main Camp and photographic hides in two selected sites plus amobile hide on the reserve. Guests at Mashatu can enlist the photographicexpertise of the photographer or simply visit one of the hides during theirstay which will be charged as an additional activity over and above the dailyrates for accommodation.

The photographic hides are structures built to maximise the photographicpotential of the animals that visit them. These hides can be used to view wildlifein the normal manner, but have been positioned with consideration of theangle of the sun, the background and the angle which the viewer occupies inrelation to the animals and birds.

The most famous of these hides is the 'elephant hide', renowned for thephotographic images taken of elephant and other animals drinking from thewater's edge. Less well known amongst the hides is an infinity hide for bird

photography and a mobile hide that is moved periodically to take advantage of sightings that change during the seasons such as nesting birds, drying pools inrivers and den sites. Any of these hides offer both the amateur or professional photographer the most unique and delightful opportunities to record a memorablesafari at Mashatu.

MASHATU CULTURAL/VILLAGE EXCURSION

The rugged landscapes of Mashatu, 'Land of Giants', offer a sensational view of the sub-continent, unchanged since the days of Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines.But strewn and scattered throughout the reserve lie the ghosts of Africa's early legacy -ancient ruins that yield even more lucid insights into the forefathers who shaped the continent'shistory.

Fortressed on the apex of Mashatu's Mmamagwa Hill, also known as the Motloutse Ruinsare ancient relics which reveal broken possessions and property that belonged to peoplewho lived on and loved this land. Exploring these evocative ruins is like reaching deepinto the past, and giving life to this antiquity. Mmamagwa was once part of the royal dwellingsof the rulers of the Leopard's Kopje Dynasty - the forerunner of the legendary MapungubweEmpire, southern Africa's first kingdom. The remains of this empire can be seen some 35km (22 miles) east of Mashatu at the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in South Africa.

Step from the past into the present, and experience life as lived by local tribes-people in this kingdom. The Cultural/VillageTour is available exclusively toMashatu's guests. The tour includes an exploration of the legendary Mmamagwa Ruins. Guests will pass by Solomon's Wall which is a dolerite dyke thatspans the Motloutse River and is the most dramatic geographical feature of the reserve, standing a magnificent 30 metres tall. Guests then head to the “kgotla”at a local village which is the heart of the tribal community where justice is administered, greetings are shared and celebrations enjoyed. Local weavers thendisplay their magical mlala palm weaving ability - no modern machine could hope to matchthe skill and dexterity of these master craftswomen who create baskets and mats withtraditional patterns handed down for decades from mother to daughter. Further afield, thebreath-taking crossing of the Motloutse River (where the first diamonds were discoveredin Botswana) leads guests to a haven of mlala palm trees. A local expert will deftly guideparticipants through the fascinating process of making mlala palm wine. And finally, dependingon the time of the year, the tour concludes with a touching encounter with a much youngergeneration at the Mothabaneng Primary School.

The cultural journey promises a view of the true heart of Africa where time has not ravagedthe face of absolute originality. It is a humbling experience to realise how simple life canbe - living at one with this extraordinary land.

FAMILIES AT MASHATU

With the various activities at Mashatu complimented by the accommodationoptions available, a safari at Mashatu is perfectly suited to families andgroups. For the more active families travelling together, there is alsothe option of Main Camp for all children under 12 years of age.Alternatively for families comprising children over 12 years of age,Mashatu Tented Camp is an alternative.

Irrespective of the choice of accommodations, the various adventureactivities are available from all the camps.

For children under 12 years of age at Main Camp, a special program isplanned with a bias on education and this will always be under thesupervision of a responsible manager and/ or ranger while on the program.Activities depend on the time of the year and the numbers of days thechildren are in camp.

A Mashatu backpack including an interactive check-list, bird colouringbook, coloured pencils & sharpener is handed to the children between the ages of 4 and 12 on arrival. In addition, a series of interactive educational gamesare enjoyed in the Discovery Room whilst videos can be viewed at their convenience.

HOW TO GET TO MASHATU

• Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg into Polokwane followed by a 2 hour road transfer• Charter flights into Limpopo Valley International Airfield situated on Mashatu• A 5 hour road transfer or self-drive from Johannesburg• Link up with MalaMala Game Reserve on the Definitive Africa package for a six night safari experience

WHAT MAKES MASHATU UNIQUE?

• The largest reserve on private land in Botswana• Situated in the centre of the proposed Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area• Very good predator and elephant viewing• A true wilderness with a diversity of ecosystems and a variety of interesting landscapes• Adventure safaris; walking, cycling and horse safaris• A unique photographic experience encompassing a range of hides• Archaeological ruins; sister ruins to Mapungubwe• Eight perennial and non-perennial rivers

that transect Mashatu• Over 350 bird species• Incredible sunrises and sunsets• The night skies• 92% rain free days over the past 16 years• Hospitable African employees many of

whom have over 20 years of service onMashatu.

Reservations, Sales & MarketingTel: +27 31 7613440Fax: +27 31 7652880

E-mail: reservations@mashatu.comwww.mashatu.com