Memories ♡ Botswana Safaris


Memories from Mashatu trips 2012 - 2019
 
I used to post trip and restaurant reviews on a trip advising site.    
Almost all were positive and constructive reviews until there we endured a genuine incident of food poisoning and poor service at Etosha in Namiba and this review was suppressed. I see no point in creating content if balanced viewpoints are not reflected on a platform.
 
I'm finally getting around to going through my numerous photographs and hope to do memory posts with more pics from these (mostly great) experiences and trips in due course. 
 
 
 
 
My posts about our awesome experiences on safari at Mashatu have had many many views over the years:

MASHATU LODGE 5/5 Consistently great animal sightings

This was our 6th year in a row visiting Mashatu from South Africa. It's a long commute but worthwhile it was great to see the thriving big cats (leopards, cheetah, lion) so often and about their daily activities again. We alway enjoys seeing the gentle elephant herds, variety of birds and animals. Our ranger is a particularly talented and enthusiastic tracker (finding mewing leopard cubs in a bush etc), but even if you're on the last vehicle to a sighting there are opportunities for most photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Service is always very friendly, and our rooms were again beautifully clean and luxurious. The camp manager and his staff are most professional and amenable. The meals were frequent, generous and hearty, but could do with more variety as there was some form of stew for 3 out of the 4 nights of our visit. There's also scope for improvement with the range and quantity of stock in the lodge shop as we'd happily buy more mementoes to support the local community if possible. Note that Wifi is only available in the lounge and can be intermittent, which is all part of the laid-back bush experience.

 

MASHATU LODGE 5 Outstanding elephant and leopard sightings

This is really the place to go for exceptional elephant and leopard sightings which is why we keep going back each year. Over 4 days we were fortunate enough to see several beautiful leopards, 2 with a kill, and watch large herds of elephants with their babies at water holes. Other highlights included seeing a bushbaby, porcupine, wild cat and 5 lion cubs as well as a tiny baby giraffe. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and some of the rooms are now being upgraded. Food is plentiful as always but we found the offerings not quite as good as in previous visits.

 

 MASHATU LODGE (MAIN CAMP) 5 Wonderful even in the rain

Despite adverse weather after rain (muddy roads and flooded rivers) which made viewing game more difficult than usual our family still had a great time at Mashatu this year. Our ranger and staff went out of their way to find memorable animal viewings, and the food and camp was as enjoyable as always. A highly recommended spot for families to enjoy the bush and experience fantastic leopard, cheetah and elephant sightings! 

 

 

 MASHATU MAIN LODGE 5 Amazing cat central

Oct 2013 Our family returned from a few days at Mashatu this year, amazed again at the fantastic experience we had.
The game sightings of leopards (including playful young cubs), lions on a kill, cheetah and elephant were stupendous and plentiful. Our game ranger was very knowledgeable, patient and a fantastic tracker. Every game drive was a magical experience, appreciated by even the most experienced game viewers and photographers amongst us.
The camp itself is attractive, with a pool and various spots to relax including a pub and airconditioned lounge with wifi. The generous home-style cooked bounteous meals are taken above a scenic water hole or around a boma. The family room was well decorated, cool and very spacious. The staff are extremely helpful and attentive.
Children are allowed on open vehicles by arrangement so this is a great opportunity for them to see wild animals in a genuine game reserve. They are also given kids packs with activities, and can explore and learn about the area and animals in the informative display room.
It is in short an unassuming quality setting from which to enjoy superb game sightings. There is a good natured understatedness at camp, without sacrificing creature comforts, and a focus on the abundant wildlife. It will hopefully become a tradition for our family to return to Mashatu every year.

 





Our hugely experienced and talented ranger has become a friend for life!


Hope these Safari memories inspire you to visit the African bush!

X♡X♡

No comments: