South Africa Ultimate Cat NE Explorer Reunion III

Itinerary

Monday, October 7

Depart US/Canada

Tuesday, October 8 (D)

Arrive in Johannesburg (JNB). An airport shuttle is provided by the hotel. Welcome dinner and drinks this evening. Overnight Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

Wednesday, October 9 – Saturday, October 12 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll fly from Johannesburg by private charter flights to Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.

Mashatu Game Reserve comprises 72,000 acres of privately owned land in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana. Mashatu and its neighbors, the Tuli Safari Area of Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa, form a vast cross-boundary conservation area to protect all living things in the region.

Though on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert, the reserve is at the convergence of the great Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, making it an ideal place for wildlife to take shelter from the sun in nutrient-rich vegetation. Mashatu has a diverse landscape. Wide-open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges make it a haven to experience a variety of Africa’s magnificent wildlife.

Flora and fauna flourish in Mashatu. Over 50 mammal and reptile species, 350 bird species (including the lilac-breasted roller), and 150 tree species can be found in the area! Mashatu is home to the largest herds of elephants on privately owned land in all of Africa, and two more of the Big Five, namely leopard and lion, are frequently encountered here. Giraffe, eland, ostrich, and the kori bustard, each a world record holder in the animal kingdom, all reside within the reserve’s accommodating landscape. Other notable species include cheetah, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wildcat, honey badger, spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Enjoy this video!

It’s not just the wildlife that makes Mashatu the “Land of Giants.” Its sacred Nyala-berry (or Mashatu) trees reach staggering heights of up to 30 meters tall, some of the oldest trees in the world are found here! Bizarre, yet awe-inspiring, baobab trees also dot the landscape. You will find no shortage of inspiration in this “Slice of Heaven on Earth!”

We will venture out twice daily to experience all Mashatu has to offer. Guests will rotate between exclusive photographic hides and land safaris.

Mashatu’s exclusive photographic hides provide you the opportunity to sit and photograph the animals coming directly at you, an experience not to be forgotten! The hides are specially positioned with great consideration for maximizing photographic potential, making it possible to capture unique angles and exceptional images.

Mashatu Game Reserve

We will spend four days and nights at the luxurious Mashatu Lodge. Guests will stay in supremely comfortable, spacious suites with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. A world-class dining experience can be expected at Mashatu. Home-cooked, flavorful traditional African fare mixed with Western dishes will be served daily. Any appetite will be satisfied with the camp’s variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade bread and pies, succulent meat dishes, and delicious desserts.

Sunday, October 13 – Thursday, October 17, 5 Nights (B, L, D, Bev, Lau)

After breakfast, depart Mashatu and take a private charter flight to Londolozi Game Reserve (with a stopover in Johannesburg to go through Customs). Here we’ll be escorted by rangers to the Londolozi Varty Camp where we’ll stay for five nights.

Londolozi Wildlife Archive
The Leopards of Londolozi

Daily, we’ll head out early on safari for the best light. Dan will rotate between safari vehicles to help each guest with camera gear questions and settings. Midday, when the light is harsh, we’ll have time for workshops, downloading memory cards, or relaxing near the pool. There will be a second game drive beginning in the late afternoon until dusk. Some nights we’ll stay out late for a “spotlight night safari,” another way to view the wilds of Africa. Evening drinks and gourmet dinners.

Londolozi is famous for its abundant leopard population but also boasts home to high concentrations of white rhinos and lions. Herds of elephant and buffalo along with zebra, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, and a vast variety of antelope may be seen. Since it is privately owned, Londolozi is not bound by the strict rules of Kruger National Park. We can drive off-road into the heart of the bush and take guided walking safaris with their excellent team of rangers and trackers. We can stay out for sunsets until after dark, unlike Kenya reserves. Londolozi has two of the 17 master trackers in South Africa. With over 42,000 acres to explore, no two game drives will be the same! Londolozi has camera lenses available to rent (must be arranged before the tour) and grants guests access to their photography multimedia center.

Londolozi Video by NE Explorers Susan and Ken Case

Friday, October 18 (B)

Fly to Johannesburg (commercial flight) late morning. Fly home at 6:40 pm or later, or continue for a 3-day/night extension to Kirkman’s Kamp or Cape Town.

Kirkman’s Kamp Extension Departure
October 21, 2024
Depart Johannesburg (JNB) at 5:40 pm or later.

Saturday, October 19

Arrive home (no extension).

If you have time, please read Tanya’s My First South African Experience letter about her visit to South Africa in the fall of 2013.

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