The Mala Mala, Pafuri and Mashatu Safari

This safari explores three contrasting areas in South Africa - (Pafuri Camp and Mala Mala), as well as Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana....Truly an exciting combination of camps, providing guests with some of the best game viewing available in Southern Africa. (Departures daily, with a minimum of 2 persons)

Day 1

Depart from Johannesburg Airport by schedule flight to Limpopo Valley Airfield, and continue by road to Mashatu Main Camp (Approximate 2 hours drive)  where 3 x nights accommodation has been reserved for you on a fully inclusive basis.  (Rates include 2 additional adventure activities) but excluding drinks, curios and all items of a personal nature.

Mashatu Main Camp is located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, in an area known historically as the Tuli enclave – a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa in open 4-wheel drive vehicles, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers. It is home to large herds of elephant, prides of lions and cheetah. Up to 350 species of birds could be seen here. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night the bat-eared fox, African wildcat and the magnificent leopard search for prey.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa in open 4-wheel drive vehicles, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers. It is home to large herds of elephant, prides of lions and cheetah. Up to 350 species of birds could be seen here. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night the bat-eared fox, African wildcat and the magnificent leopard search for prey. 

Mashatu Main Camp can accommodate 28 guests in insect proof luxury suites, each with a large comfortable en-suite bathroom. French doors open onto the African bush where guests can relax and savour the sights and smells of the bush. There is a magnificent viewing deck directly off the bar or “gin trap” together with an elevated lounge overlooking the waterhole.

Day 2 and 3

Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles in the 90 000 acre Mashatu Game Reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another and to keep each other informed about the location of the game. Headsets are used for this purpose so as not to disturb the sounds of the African bush.

Beside elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and Hyaena, general game like giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and a variety of antelope, the nocturnal species like spring hares, bat eared fox, civet cat, genet cat, honey badger and mongoose etc occur throughout the reserve. The bird life is prolific with Mashatu Game Reserve recording over 350 different species.

The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with up close game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights brings the bush to life at nights.

Mashatu Game Reserve enjoys the Seven Giants of Africa:

The Elephant - The Earth’s largest land Mammal
The Lion - Africa’s largest Cat.
The Ostrich - The world’s largest Bird
The Kori Bustard - The world’s heaviest flying bird
The Giraffe - The world’s tallest mammal
The Eland - Africa’s largest antelope
The Baobab - Africa’s largest tree

Day 4

After breakfast depart Mashatu Main Camp with a Road Transfer to Pafuri Camp in the Northern Kruger National Park.  (Approximate 3 and half hours drive). Arrive via road transfer from Mashatu Main Camp at Pafuri Camp where 3 x nights accommodation has been reserved for you on a fully inclusive basis but excluding, drinks, curios and all items of a personal nature.

Pafuri Camp is situated on the northern bank of the Luvuvhu River within lush riverine forest. The camp consists of twenty luxurious thatched tents that are raised off the ground on wooden walkways. Each camp has its own plunge pool, dining room and lounge, although the two adjacent camps can be combined to accommodate larger parties. There are six family tents, which are able to sleep families of up to four under one roof. The interiors are stylish, with a Makuleke influence.  Each tented room has wonderful views onto the Luvuvhu River. The rooms are comfortably furnished and have 220v lighting and an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and an additional “outside” shower for those who want to enjoy being closer to nature.

On our morning and afternoon activities, guests may choose from a range of options, including game and nature drives in open 4x4 vehicles; night drives throughout the concession (north of the Luvuvhu), birding walks and foot safaris accompanied by an armed guide.  Alternatively some guests will enjoy just sitting on the deck watching the wildlife and birdlife wandering through the camp.

The Makuleke people who live on Kruger’s western boundary are the landlords for this camp and concession. They earn direct financial benefits from every guest’s stay at Pafuri.  8% of our gross turnover (or over 40% of the nett profit) accrues directly to them....

Activities in the Makuleke / Pafuri area are extremely varied and interesting. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, walks, hides (including some that will cater for sleep-outs) are all part of the range of activities that are on offer.

One of the most important aspects of this area is its palaeo-anthropological history, with its plethora of evidence of early human ancestors stretching back some 2 million years ago, through the Stone Age and into the Iron Age about 400 years ago when the Thulamela dynasty ruled in this area.

This dynasty built incredible structures that are not dissimilar to that found in the Great Zimbabwe. Throughout the concession, there is evidence of its human inhabitants, in the form of rock paintings and artefacts - under many a baobab are Stone Age hand tools, such as hand axes, to be found.

Day 7

After your morning activity & breakfast depart Pafuri Camp for your air transfer to Mala Mala Main Camp in the Sabi Sand area. (Approximate 1 hour flying time). Arrive via air transfer from Pafuri Camp at Mala Mala where 3 x nights accommodation has been reserved for you on a fully inclusive basis but excluding drinks, curios and all items of a personal nature.

Mala Mala Game Reserve, the first private photographic safari destination in South Africa, offers an authentic African experience. Situated on the largest tract of land within the Sabi Sand Reserve and sharing a common boundary with the world famous Kruger National Park, MalaMala offers incredible sightings of Africa's wildlife - including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), as well as a multitude of smaller creatures.

How better to experience this wildlife wonderland than through the Mala Mala rangers who are employed for their knowledge of the African bush and their ability to communicate with people. They are highly qualified, formally trained men who are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of ecology. Apart from conducting informative game drives, the ranger is the guests' host for the duration of their stay and can impart a knowledge of Africa that enthrals, enlightens and entertains.

The Mala Mala magic is not only the bush experience: Superb service remains the focus of all staff. Understated luxury and tranquility are synonymous with each of the 18 rooms at Mala Mala Main Camp (including a disabled unit and family rooms). Each room is furnished with every amenity, including "his" and "hers" bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, mini bar, room safe and a private deck with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding bush. Guests can relax in the Buffalo lounge which leads onto a large wooden deck that provides elevated views of animals watering in the Sand River. There is a swimming pool, room service, a complimentary laundry service, wine cellar, bush gym, bar, library and safari boutique.

Day 8 and 9

The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another to keep each other informed about the location of the game. Headsets are used for this purpose so as not to disturb the sounds of the African bush. A special game drive feature at Rattray's is a maximum of four guests per safari vehicle. The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with close up game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, bring the bush to life at night.

After dark, spotlight safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt and walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged on request. The success of our safaris can be measured by the fact that more than 76% of MalaMala's guests have had contact sightings of the Big Five.

Day 10

After your morning activity and breakfast depart Mala Mala Main Camp and fly back to Johannesburg international airport to connect with your onward international departure.