Seasonal Information
Immerse yourself in the magical beauty of two amazing Southern African countries. Be captivated in South Africa and Botswana on this 10 day itinerary. Explore the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Northern Tuli Game Reserve and the iconic Okavango Delta. Be enchanted by the wildlife and nature in this magnificent trio of game reserve. This magnificent trio of wildlife haven is sure to delight, engage and astound your safari trip.
- Game drive
- Bush walk
- Walking safaris
- Guided safari walk
- Mokoro
- Motorised boat excursions
- Fishing
MalaMala Game Reserve
Begin your adventure at MalaMala Game Reserve located in the Sabi Game Reserve, South Africa. MalaMala Game Reserve is one of the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Comprising 13 300 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve. Be captivated by the iconic wildlife sightings on the banks of Sand River and watch elephants, giraffes and zebras quenching their thirst. Get up close and personal with small creatures and extraordinary plants as you experience a guided nature walk.
Mashatu Game Reserve
Your next stop of your journey will take you to Mashatu Game Reserve known as the powerful land of giants. One of the largest private game reserves in Africa, Mashatu Game Reserve is 72,000 acres and is home to elephants, giraffe, lions, eland (the largest antelope on Earth), and ostrich (the largest birds on Earth). From this, Mashatu has earned itself the name ‘Land of the Giants’. The reserve lies on the eastern edge of the Kalahari Desert among dry riverbeds and cliffs. Connect with the beautiful nature and the open space of Mashatu Game Reserve, enjoy exciting activities including horseback and cycling safaris.
Okavango Delta
Your journey culminates at the wonderful Okavango Delta set in Northern Botswana. Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta is situated within the boundaries of the Moremi Game Reserve and exists as the world’s largest inland delta, exhibiting a labyrinth of deep lagoons, large lakes and hidden, meandering channels, covering an area of over 16,000 square km in flood and shrinking to less than 9,000 square km during the dry season. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands, the fresh water oasis attracts a variety of wildlife that depends on the permanent waters of this unique wilderness.
You will fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport, upon arrival you will be greeted by an andBeyond representative and assisted onto your connecting flight to Skukuza Airport. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by a MalaMala representative and driven to Mala Camp. Explore the Mala game reserve during your stay in a luxury river view suite at MalaMala Camp.
Embark on a twice daily game drive through the MalaMala private game reserve where you will be able to view giraffes, elephants, buffalos and many other wildlife sightings, the best way to view the wildlife. Enjoy a guided bush walk through the MalaMala game reserve, admiring the reserve from the ground and exploring the habituated lives of wildlife. Experience a photographic safari giving you a great opportunity to capture amazing wildlife and landscape scenery throughout MalaMala game reserve.
Highlights
Game Drives
There is no better way to get aquatinted with the bush than on a traditional game drive. Traverse through the bushveld keeping an eye out for giraffes poking their heads through the treetops or herds of elephants in the distance. The trained guide will be able to drive you to all the best viewing spots, and point out things which the untrained eye may miss, such as a shy animal hiding in the bushes.
Bush Walks
Immerse yourself in the MalaMala Game Reserve on a guided walk. Explore on your own two feet with a friendly and knowledgeable guide, and learn all about the workings of the bush. From micro-ecosystems to seasons, your guide will be able to answer all questions. Guided walks are a perfect time to look for the smaller creatures of the bush, such as insect life and the birds in the trees.
Recommended activities (at an additional cost):
Photographic Safari
A dedicated ranger can take you out on a game drive specifically to help you capture the perfect shot. Their knowledge of animal behaviour and viewing spots will help you to take excellent photographs of the animals. A choice of camera rails offers a range of movements, and beanbags are provided to help steady your camera.
Following breakfast, you will be driven to the airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to Limpopo Valley Airfield. Upon arrival at Limpopo, you will be met by a Mashatu representative and driven to Mahatu Lodge. Spend your 3 nights exploring the surroundings of Mashatu Game Reserve.
Embark on a walking safari around the game and spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, leopards, sitatungas and many more. This walking safari is a great way to get into close contact with the fascinating wildlife, connect with the soul of what life on earth is meant to be here at Mashatu. Enjoy a game drive around the Mashatu reserve the best way to explore the reserve. For those seeking adventure enjoy an exciting Limpopo horseback safari, an exclusive adventure.
Highlights
Game Drives
Travel across the bush in a 4×4 safari vehicle and explore the vast Mashatu Game Reserve. The safari vehicles are fully open-topped, meaning that nothing will obstruct your view of incredible creatures such as the elephants, giraffe, ostriches and elands which roam the land of the giants. Game drives are available both in the morning and afternoon and allow guests to get up close to amazing wildlife. Capture stunning photographs and learn interesting facts about both the game and reserve from the knowledgeable camp guides.
Walking Safaris
Explore the bush on foot on a walking safari, and experience the Mashatu landscape more intimately. Wander around Mashatu at your own pace, without the noise of an engine to startle any nearby game. Your experienced guide will be able to teach you how to recognise tracks and follow clues in the bush to incredible game viewing opportunities.
Recommended activities (at additional costs):
Horse Safaris
Venture out into the bush, as the classic explorers did, on the back of a horse. Take one of the camp’s well-trained horses and gallop alongside herds of antelope and zebra. Race across the dry plains as the golden sun sinks below the horizon, and immerse yourself in the vast and open landscape. Horse safaris can be extended into a multi day adventure for those wishing to travel and explore further. For safety reasons, horse riding is only available for experienced riders.
Mashatu Bike Safaris
Embark on a cycling safari on one of the camp’s mountain bikes, and explore the game trails and elephants paths that meander through the varied landscape of the Mashatu Game Reserve. Explore the bush with the wind in your hair, and travel across the dusty plains at your own pace. View beautiful flora and fauna without causing any harm to the environment.
Photographic Viewing Hides
Escape to the shade of a photographic game viewing hide and watch oblivious game and predators as they gather to sip from the water’s edge. Watch wildlife as they behave completely naturally and undisturbed and capture amazing photographs. The photographic viewing hide has been positioned in order to get good light and angles of the waterhole, and the resident photographer from Mashatu Lodge will be able to teach you how to capture your best images and record these special memories.
You will be driven to Limpopo Valley Airfield in time for your scheduled charter flight to Maun International Airport. Upon arrival at Maun Airport you will connect with a scheduled charter flight to Xaranna airstrip. Spend your final nights embarking on a full adventure at Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp.
Experience a breathtaking mokoro ride followed by a wet leg drink in the middle of the delta, sip as you savour the river view. Embark on an exciting game drive around the delta and spot the Big Five roaming freely in the wild. End your trip with a mouth watering picnic delivered to your suite whilst sitting on the step of your suite admiring the sunset over the delta. A perfect way to end a trip
Highlights
Game Drives
Game drives provide the opportunity to traverse the expansive delta in an open air 4×4 safari vehicle. Picturesque landscapes have more to offer than just the Big 5, with regular sightings of zebra, kudu, tsessebe, red lechwe, giraffe, and even the rare wild dogs and spotted hyenas that prowl the land in search of prey.
Mokoro Cruise
Set out for the safari adventure of a lifetime as your private guide – experienced in the art of mokoro excursions – paddles you through tranquil delta channels in search of aquatic game and exotic bird species. There are few things more relaxing than calmly drifting through delta waters in a traditional style dug-out canoe, soaking in the atmosphere at the heart of the Okavango. Please note, mokoro excursions are water level dependent.
Motorised Boat Excursions
Traverse open waters in hard bottom aluminium boats as professionally licensed guides take you on a journey through the deeper channels of the Okavango Delta. Sightings are consistent throughout the delta channels as predator and prey alike converge on river waters to drink and feast on the reeds, ensuring a truly remarkable maritime safari experience. Boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets as standard.
Fishing
The Okavango Delta and its surrounding lakes and lagoons provide the quintessential arena to unwind while you cast a line. Little compares to the sensation of calmly drifting through delta waters, soaking in the atmosphere of the surrounding bushland. Delta’s channels provide an abundance of seasonal fish such as tilapia and spotted silver catfish. For a more intense fishing experience, test your hand against African pike – infamous fighters. Basic equipment is supplied, though avid fly-fishers are advised to bring their own equipment. Please note, catch and release fishing only.
Recommended activities (at an additional cost):
- Scenic helicopter flight
Enjoy a game drive to Xaranna airstrip where you will board a scheduled charter flight to Maun International Airport on time for your onward arrangements.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Most visits to Botswana involve flights on light aircraft with limited baggage space. Luggage is usually limited to a total of 20 kgs per person including hand luggage and one small, soft-sided bag as hold luggage.
Children of 5 years and younger are not permitted in the boma for dinner or on game drives at MalaMala Camp (unless parents have booked a private vehicle). Babysitting is available at additional costs.
- Accommodation
- Scheduled charter flights
- Conversation fees and park fees
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
- Full board meals at each accommodation
- Road transfers
- Inbound and outbound international flights
- Visa
- Recommended activities
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
Ideal for:
- Nature and outdoor lovers
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Passionate photographers
Suitable for ages 6 to 65
Minimum age for walking safari is 16 years and over. Please check with your camp if you have a child under the age of 16