5-Day Mashatu Land of the Giants Safari

Uganda: Private tour • 5 days

Tour overview

Mashatu consists of 31,000 hectares (76,600 acres) of privately held territory in the Tuli GR, a protected wilderness region. The reserve offers fantastic photographic safaris, particularly from their hide beside the waterhole. They have three of the Big Five: leopard, lion, and elephant, as well as several lesser-known but interesting species such as the aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wildcat, honey badger, and spotted hyena.

Safari Highlights

  • Day 1: Mashatu Discovery
  • Day 2: Game viewing in the Land of the Giants
  • Day 3: Game viewing in the Land of the Giants
  • Day 4: Game viewing in the Land of the Giants

Day 5: Fly out to Johannesburg

Your 5-day Botswana safari, day by day

Each day below shows where you go, what you experience, and where you can stay—luxury, mid-range, and budget lodge options included.

  1. Elephants-at-the-Waterhole in Mashatu

    Day 1

    Mashatu Discovery

    When you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative for the 6.5-hour road transfer to the lodge. You will be taken to the Pont Drift border station, where you will meet your Mashatu safari guide, who will take over and transport you to the lodge. The border crossing includes a "cable car" trip across the Limpopo River, so the experience begins right there! Arrive in Mashatu and relax before dinner and the night. The lodge is located on the eastern edge of the Kalahari Desert, and water is its most valuable resource. The lodge sits near water and surrounded by dense foliage, creating an enclave frequented by birds and animals. Watch elephants splashing in the waterhole, listen to the melody of the forest kingfisher, smell the grassy perfume of the bushveld, touch the bark of an ancient tree, and inhale a breath of air so clean that it's addictive.

    Accommodation: Mashatu Lodge

    Main destination
    Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
  2. Elephants-at-the-Waterhole in Mashatu

    Day 2

    Game viewing in the Land of the Giants

    The four-night stay at Mashatu includes meals, chosen beverages, and two game drives each day (with the option of a guided walk). Chat with us about your interests, and we may add optional activities like horseback riding, cycling, and a full-day walking safari, for example. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve, spanning 720 square kilometers, is a vast conservation area with stunning scenery, an intriguing history, and a diverse wildlife population. It is the largest privately owned conservation area in Southern Africa, with the highest elephant population on private land. The area is sometimes referred to as 'The Land of Giants' because it is home to the world's largest terrestrial mammals (elephants), tallest mammals (giraffes), largest antelopes (elands), largest birds (ostriches), heaviest flying birds (kori bustards), and broadest trees (babbabs). Leopards, lions, and elephants are certainly the most prominent animals here.

    Accommodation: Mashatu Lodge.

    Main destination
    Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
  3. Elephants-at-the-Waterhole in Mashatu

    Day 3

    Game viewing in the Land of the Giants

    The four-night stay at Mashatu includes meals, chosen beverages, and two game drives each day (with the option of a guided walk). Chat with us about your interests, and we may add optional activities like horseback riding, cycling, and a full-day walking safari, for example. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve, spanning 720 square kilometers, is a vast conservation area with stunning scenery, an intriguing history, and a diverse wildlife population. It is the largest privately owned conservation area in Southern Africa, with the highest elephant population on private land. The area is sometimes referred to as 'The Land of Giants' because it is home to the world's largest terrestrial mammals (elephants), tallest mammals (giraffes), largest antelopes (elands), largest birds (ostriches), heaviest flying birds (kori bustards), and broadest trees (babbabs). Leopards, lions, and elephants are certainly the most prominent animals here.

    Accommodation: Mashatu Lodge.

    Main destination
    Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
  4. Elephants-at-the-Waterhole in Mashatu

    Day 4

    Game viewing in the Land of the Giants

    The four-night stay at Mashatu includes meals, chosen beverages, and two game drives each day (with the option of a guided walk). Chat with us about your interests, and we may add optional activities like horseback riding, cycling, and a full-day walking safari, for example. The Northern Tuli Game Reserve, spanning 720 square kilometers, is a vast conservation area with stunning scenery, an intriguing history, and a diverse wildlife population. It is the largest privately owned conservation area in Southern Africa, with the highest elephant population on private land. The area is sometimes referred to as 'The Land of Giants' because it is home to the world's largest terrestrial mammals (elephants), tallest mammals (giraffes), largest antelopes (elands), largest birds (ostriches), heaviest flying birds (kori bustards), and broadest trees (babbabs). Leopards, lions, and elephants are certainly the most prominent animals here.

    Accommodation: Mashatu Lodge.

    Main destination
    Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
  5. Elephants-at-the-Waterhole in Mashatu

    Day 5

    Fly out to Johannesburg

    Last morning in the jungle, then transfer to the airstrip after breakfast. The seat in the charter flight is included; you will travel to Lanseria Airport (South Africa) and then take a car transfer to OR Tambo Airport in time for your departure home. if you want to prolong your trip.

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included
Airport / hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fuel, and professional English-speaking guide
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
National park entrance fees and ranger guide fees on included activities
Bottled drinking water during road transfers
What's not included
International flights to and from Uganda
Uganda visa fees and travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses (laundry, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

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  • Tour type: Uganda: Private tour • 5 days

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