WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana

Dry Season Big Cats & Underground Hide Photographic Safari

14-20 August 2026 • 7 Days / 6 Nights

2 of 6 Spaces Available

$6,970 (USD) per person sharing
$9,070 (USD) per person single

Join me for an unforgettable 6 nights, 7 days luxury photographic safari at Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana. Taking place in peak dry season, this is one of the most rewarding times of year for wildlife photography. Vegetation is sparse, water sources are limited, and wildlife movements become more predictable, creating excellent opportunities for meaningful sightings and strong photographic moments.

Each day includes guided morning and afternoon game drives, planned around the best light and natural animal behaviour. Mashatu is known for its wide open spaces, ancient trees, herds of elephants, diverse plains game, and the ever-present possibility of predators. The landscapes themselves are a major part of the story, offering clean backgrounds, dramatic skies, and a true sense of scale that makes this reserve so visually special.

A major highlight of this safari is three dedicated hide sessions in the renowned Matebole Hide. This underground photographic hide sits at water level, giving you intimate, eye-level perspectives as wildlife comes to drink. It is an incredible setting for capturing natural behaviour, reflections, textures, and quiet, powerful moments that are simply not possible from a vehicle.

Between drives and hide sessions, we will run relaxed, practical editing sessions to help you refine your images and strengthen your portfolio. This safari is designed for photographers of all levels, with hands-on guidance throughout to improve technique, field craft, and creative vision.

More than anything, Mashatu is a place to experience the feeling of true Africa. Vast horizons, dust in the golden light, distant calls at dusk, and the rhythm of the wild all combine to create something that goes beyond photography. This safari blends comfort, wilderness, and creativity in one of the most visually striking and authentic landscapes on the continent.

Why This Safari?

Peak Dry Season – this one of the best times to photograph wildlife at Mashatu Game Reserve, with sparse vegetation, limited water, and more predictable animal movement across the landscape.

Matebole Hide Sessions – Includes three dedicated sessions in the renowned Matebole Hide, an underground water-level hide that offers intimate, eye-level perspectives as wildlife comes to drink, perfect for natural behaviour, reflections, and close, immersive compositions.

Small Group Size – Limited to just 6 people for better shooting space, cleaner angles, and plenty of one-on-one guidance.

Hands-On Instruction – I’ll work with you in the field on camera settings, composition, and field technique during both game drives and hide sessions.

Post-Processing Support – Practical Lightroom editing sessions help you turn strong captures into polished, portfolio-worthy images.

Private Photographic Vehicle – Exclusive use of a dedicated vehicle gives us flexibility, better positioning, and maximised time with photographic opportunities.

Authentic Wilderness Setting – Mashatu’s vast open landscapes, ancient trees, and remote location create a powerful sense of true, untamed Africa, making the experience as special as the photography itself.

Photographic Highlights

Wide Open Landscapes – Big skies and open terrain at Mashatu Game Reserve help you place wildlife within its environment.

Beautiful Golden Light – Soft mornings and warm evenings create rich tones and depth in your images.

Predators In The Area – Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are part of this natural ecosystem and add to the variety of photographic subjects.

Eye-Level Hide Views – The underground Matebole Hide offers immersive, water-level angles.

Classic African Atmosphere – Dust, warm tones, and glowing air give that unmistakable wild Africa feel.

Quick Facts

  • Duration – 7 Days / 6 Nights

  • Country – Botswana

  • Starting Point – Pontdrift Border

  • Group Size – 6 People

MASHATU PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Arrival at Pontdrift Border / Mashatu Lodge, welcome briefing, and first afternoon game drive.

Days 2–6

  • Morning Game Drives: Early starts for the best light and predator activity.

  • Morning & Afternoon Hide Sessions (3 in total)

  • Afternoon Game Drives: Enjoy the late afternoon light and evening photography.

  • Editing & Review Sessions: Midday downtime used for image review and Lightroom editing instruction.

Day 7

Final morning drive, breakfast, and departure from Mashatu Lodge / Pontdrift Border.

Additional Information

Recommended Gear:

  • Telephoto lens (400mm+)

  • Medium zoom (70–200mm)

  • Wide-angle for environmental compositions

  • Fast prime lens for low-light hide work (f/2.8 or faster)

  • Tripod or beanbag included in the hide and on vehicle

  • Extra memory cards and batteries

Price Includes:

  • 6 nights’ luxury accommodation at Mashatu Lodge

  • All meals & drinks

  • All game drives and 3 Matebole Hide Sessions

  • Daily image review/editing sessions

  • Park fees & conservation levies

  • Laundry

Excludes:

  • International & domestic flights

  • Transfers to and from Pontdrift Border

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and/ or passport costs

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Gratuities and tips to guides and staff

MASHATU PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Secure Your Place

This photographic safari is limited to just 6 people to ensure the best shooting conditions. The dry season offers some of the most reliable big cat and general wildlife opportunities of the year.

Click Book Now below to reserve your spot and plan your next portfolio-building adventure.

Please contact me should you have any further questions.

*This Photographic Safari is hosted by Mark Dumbleton. Safari logistics and bookings are handled by Panthera Photo Safaris.

Photo Safari Gallery

Click on each image to open up a larger version.