Curiosity Safaris
Safari Retreats
Botswana Mashatu Cat Expedition
Lala Palm Safari Co.
From
$10000
Group Size
8 Guests
Duration
6 Days
Safari Date
November 2027
Location
Mashatu Game Reserve Botswana
Overview
Journey into the heart of Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana’s legendary “Land of Giants,” renowned for its vast elephant herds, dramatic landscapes, and exceptional predator sightings. This six-night safari has been thoughtfully designed for wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone captivated by the mystery and beauty of Africa’s wild cats.
Throughout the safari, the focus is on Africa’s remarkable felids. Encounter the powerful lion roaming the open plains, the elusive leopard hidden within riverine forests, and the graceful cheetah racing across the savannah. Beyond these iconic predators, Mashatu also offers opportunities to spot smaller and more secretive species, including the caracal, serval, and the rarely seen African wildcat. Guided by expert trackers and naturalists, guests will gain fascinating insight into animal behavior, tracking techniques, hunting strategies, and the delicate balance of predator-prey dynamics. Two dedicated wild cat lectures further enrich the experience, exploring the diversity of African cats while drawing comparisons with feline species from around the world.
The safari combines immersive wilderness experiences with a variety of distinctive accommodations. Your journey begins at Tuli Lodge, an elegant safari retreat overlooking Mashatu’s floodplains, ideal for relaxing between early morning and afternoon game drives. From there, continue to Mashatu Tented Camp, where classic canvas tents bring you closer to the sights and sounds of the bush for a truly authentic safari atmosphere. The experience concludes at Euphorbia Mashatu Lodge, offering elevated luxury, panoramic wilderness views, and opportunities to observe wildlife directly from your private deck. Guests may also choose an optional overnight stay in a photographic hide for a unique wildlife viewing experience.
Each day blends morning and afternoon game drives, optional guided walks, and educational discussions across Mashatu’s diverse habitats — from open plains and ancient riverbeds to secluded waterholes. Whether witnessing lions at sunrise, tracking a solitary leopard, or watching a cheetah hunt, this safari offers an unforgettable exploration of Africa’s wild cats in one of the continent’s most extraordinary wilderness areas.
Founder, Wellness & Curiosity Safari Guide
Malvina is the founder of Lala Palm Safari Co. She is an integrative clinical psychologist and author. She has over 20 years over wellness experiences and has brought this to the safari world. Malvina has a PhD in clinical psychology and when she is not on safari she is consulting in her integrative clinical psychology practice. Malvina is a trained naturalist, with a FGASA nature guide qualification, and wildlife photographer. She is passionate about crafting safaris that foster a reconnection to the natural world. She follows a spirit of ecopsychology, increasingly deepening her understanding of connection between humans and nature. Malvina’s passion is connecting people with a love of travel, adventure, nature and optimizing well-being through wellness-infused wildlife experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Mashatu & Introduction to the Land of Giants
- Arrive in Mashatu Game Reserve via light aircraft or road transfer and settle into Tuli Lodge.
- Discover Mashatu’s dramatic landscapes, famous elephant herds, and rich predator populations.
- Enjoy a late afternoon game drive along the Sand River in search of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening beneath the African night sky.
Day 2 – Wild Cats of Africa
- Begin the day with an early morning game drive during peak predator activity.
- Relax at the lodge or enjoy birdwatching after breakfast.
- Attend the first wild cat lecture covering African felids, tracking techniques, and predator behavior.
- Head out on an afternoon safari focusing on fresh predator tracks and big cat sightings.
Day 3 – Into the Wilderness
- Enjoy a final morning safari activity from Tuli Lodge.
- Transfer to Mashatu Tented Camp for a more immersive bush experience.
- Explore areas near waterholes and open plains where predators are frequently active.
- Conclude the day with an afternoon game drive and dinner under canvas surrounded by the
- sounds of the bush.
Day 4 – Predator Tracking & Bush Walks
- Spend the day exploring the southern Mashatu plains, renowned for leopard and cheetah sightings.
- Experience exceptional wildlife photography opportunities in open landscapes.
- Optional guided bush walk with expert trackers to learn about tracks, kills, and hunting strategies.
- Enjoy sundowners in the bush while discussing predator ecology with your guide.
Day 5 – Conservation & Wild Cat Insights
- Begin the morning with a game drive through key predator territories.
- Transfer to Euphorbia Mashatu Lodge overlooking the reserve’s floodplains.
- Attend a second in-depth wild cat lecture exploring conservation, human-wildlife conflict, and global feline species.
- End the day with an afternoon safari and dinner overlooking the wilderness.
Day 6 – Full Day Safari Experience
- Spend a full day exploring Mashatu’s diverse habitats on morning and afternoon game drives.
- Focus on tracking and photographing lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural environment.
- Enjoy optional sundowners at a scenic river viewpoint within the reserve.
- Return to Euphorbia Lodge for a final evening reflecting on the safari’s highlights.
Day 7 – Departure from Mashatu
- Head out on an early morning game drive for a final opportunity to spot predators.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast overlooking the wilderness.
- Transfer by road or light aircraft for onward travel to Maun.
- Depart with unforgettable memories of Botswana’s extraordinary wild cat kingdom.
Disclaimer
Please note that as these retreats and expeditions take place in nature, and nature is often unpredictable we cannot guarantee weather and wildlife viewings. Adaptations to itineraries may need to be made to ensure that we can provide the best possible experience for you. In the event of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies facilitators or guides may be substituted. Departures are not guaranteed as a minimum amount of guests are required for retreats to take place. Retreats and wellness experiences are not psychological or medical treatment.
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