Why Honeymoon at Mashatu
Mashatu is known as the Land of Giants, a nod to its big elephant herds, baobabs and mashatu trees. Elephants are seen on most drives and watching them cross a dry riverbed at dusk is the image most guests take home. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas are present, along with eland, kudu, giraffes and an impressive variety of birds.
The reserve is also unusually active. You can explore on horseback, ride mountain bikes along game paths with a guide or walk with a tracker. These experiences give a different perspective from a vehicle.
Photographers come for the hides. The Matebole hide is set below ground level beside a waterhole, putting you at eye level with drinking elephants. It is thrilling to watch their feet a few meters away.
The landscape feels ancient. Ridges, rock formations and the nearby Mapungubwe heritage area hint at a long human history in the region.
When to Go
April to September is the dry season and the best time for game viewing. Animals gather near water, vegetation thins and days are warm and sunny. June and July nights are cold, so pack warm layers for early drives and rides.
October is very hot and dry and the first rains often arrive in November. December to March is the green season: lush, hot and humid with afternoon storms. Wildlife disperses, but birding is excellent and newborn animals appear. Rates drop in this period.
Horseback riding and cycling are possible year-round, though midday heat in summer limits outings to early mornings and late afternoons. When the Limpopo is in flood, guests cross at Pont Drift by cable car, which is a memorable start to the trip.
Where to Stay
Mashatu has a few options, all run by the reserve.
Mashatu Lodge is the main lodge, with suites, a pool and a large deck overlooking a waterhole. It suits couples who want comfort and space. Mashatu Tent Camp is smaller and more intimate, set in a riverine area with tents that bring you closer to the bush. Mashatu Euphorbia is a newer, more luxurious option with private suites and plunge pools, aimed at couples who want exclusivity.
Expect roughly $700 to $2,000 per night for two, depending on the camp and season, including meals and game drives (approximate). Horseback safaris, cycling and hide sessions may cost extra. Ask about honeymoon touches such as a private dinner or a sundowner at a scenic spot. Mashatu is often better value than fly-in camps in the Okavango, especially if you drive or take a short charter from Johannesburg.
Romantic Things to Do
Spend a session in the underground hide. Sitting at ground level as a herd of elephants drinks just a few meters away is intense and intimate. Even non-photographers love it.
Take a horseback safari. Riders can trot among zebras, wildebeest and giraffes and experienced riders can join longer rides. Beginners can try a gentle outing.
Cycle with a guide along game trails. It is a quiet way to see the bush and a great way to stretch your legs.
Watch the sunset at Solomon's Wall, a natural dolerite rock formation along a riverbed. Enjoy a bush dinner under the stars, with lanterns and a fire. Visit the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, where three countries meet and look across to Mapungubwe in South Africa.
Getting There and Around
There are no nonstop flights from the US to Botswana. Most couples fly nonstop to Johannesburg (JNB) on Delta from Atlanta or United from Newark, roughly 15 to 16 hours.
From Johannesburg, a charter flight reaches Limpopo Valley Airfield, near Mashatu, in a little over an hour. Alternatively, drive about six hours from Johannesburg to the Pont Drift border post on the South African side; the reserve collects you there. When the Limpopo is high, you cross by cable car; when it is low, by vehicle.
Within the reserve, all activities are run by the lodge in open vehicles, on horseback or by bike. Luggage limits apply on charter flights, so pack in soft bags. Many couples combine Mashatu with Cape Town, the Kruger area or a beach in Mozambique.
Food and Drink
Meals are generous and well presented. Expect cooked breakfasts, light lunches and dinners served on the deck or in a boma under the stars. Bush breakfasts and sundowners are common.
You may be offered Botswana dishes such as seswaa and pap alongside international and South African cooking. Braai, the South African barbecue, often makes an appearance.
South African wines are well represented and local beers like St Louis are available. Drinking water is filtered. Tell the lodge about dietary needs when you book. If you are celebrating, ask for a private dinner or a special sundowner spot.
Honeymoon Tips
- Check the State Department's Botswana advisory before booking. It is generally reassuring for remote reserves.
- Malaria risk is low and seasonal, mostly in the rainy months. Talk to a travel clinic. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Horseback riding has weight and skill limits. Be honest about your experience when booking.
- Bring warm layers for winter mornings and sunscreen and a hat for the midday sun.
- Book hide sessions early in the dry season, since they are popular.
- Combine Mashatu with Cape Town or the Kruger area for an easy southern African itinerary.
- Driving from Johannesburg is possible but long. A charter flight saves a full day.
