Mashatu & MalaMala luxury safari
From US$ 16,920 per person sharing (10 days)
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
This premier Big 5 safari weaves three iconic locations into one seamless adventure. Expect exciting wildlife encounters, spectacular views, luxurious lodgings and discreet service.
This safari focuses on two of Africa's premier leopard locations, renowned for their relaxed spotted cats. From the Big Five to giant baobab trees on wide, sandy riverbeds and cable car river crossings to epic scenic flights, this safari has it all for those who seek an exclusive journey of discovery and adventure.
The Big 5, leopards galore & iconic landscapes
Highlights
Fantastic wildlife viewing - including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Buffalo), cheetah, wild dog, hyena, zebra, giraffe, and smaller creatures such as aardvark, aardwolf, and pangolin.
Spectacular landscapes, from the arid, baobab-dominated Tuli Block to the grand views of the Blyde River Canyon over the Lowveld and the lush bushveld of the Greater Kruger.
The iconic cable car crossing of the Limpopo River at the Pont Drift border post between South Africa and Botswana.
Accommodation royalty: MalaMala and Mashatu are two of Africa's most desirable lodge brands - unashamedly luxurious and prestigious.
Scenic charter flights over iconic landscapes to give you an excellent sense of the journey.
Locations
Mashatu Game Reserve, part of Botswana’s rugged Tuli Block, is dominated by huge baobabs, where herds of elephants and eland roam, and sightings of big cats are a common occurrence on safari. Tuli Block is a cornerstone of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, which covers nearly 6,000 km² (600,000 hectares) and centres on the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.
Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon, as well as the greenest canyon in the world. The Canyon lies along the Drakensberg escarpment and looms over South Africa's Lowveld and Greater Kruger.
MalaMala Game Reserve, part of South Africa's legendary Greater Kruger, is home to the Big Five and a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, giving discerning travellers an authentic and exclusive safari experience. The region includes Kruger National Park and neighbouring private reserves such as MalaMala, Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Klaserie and Thornybush.
READ MORE about Mashatu Game Reserve / Tuli Block and MalaMala / Greater Kruger
Lodges
3 nights at Mashatu Euphorbia Villas: A bold and contemporary safari camp with private villas, infinity-edge pools, and panoramic views over Mashatu’s wildlife-rich wilderness.
2 nights at UmVangati House: A boutique retreat beneath the Drakensberg escarpment, offering mountain-facing rooms, stylish interiors, and sweeping canyon views.
4 nights at MalaMala Camp: One of Africa’s most iconic safari lodges, combining spacious luxury suites, world-class dining, and legendary Big Five game viewing.
Timing
This safari is best enjoyed between May and October, when the dry season draws wildlife to waterholes and rivers across Mashatu and Mala Mala. Predator sightings peak, and the open terrain ensures excellent visibility. From November to March, lush green landscapes, migratory birds, and dramatic summer storms bring a perfect backdrop for photography and a unique perspective on the wilderness.
Price per person sharing
9 nights (10 days) | ||
Low season | Jan-Feb & Nov-Dec 2026 | from US$ 16,920 |
High season | July to Oct 2026 | from US$ 18,855 |
Includes: Charter flights from Lanseria to Mashatu, Hoedspruit to Mala Mala & scheduled flight Sabi Sands to Johannesburg, road transfers Mashatu-Umvangati-Hoedspruit & Mala Mala to Skukuza airport, cable car crossing at Pont Drift; all accommodations, activities, meals and local drinks at Mashatu and Mala Mala, breakfast and dinner at Umvangati, park fees, 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes, visas, mandatory travel and medical insurance, premium wines, imported spirits and personal expenses, drinks and lunch at Umvangati gratuities, optional activities not specified.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
"Mashatu magic"
Our CEO, Simon Espley, says, "Mashatu in Botswana's Tuli Block is one of Africa's best places for leopard sightings, and the arid landscape and ancient baobab trees as backdrop ensure excellent photos of my favourite big cat. The underground photo hide is one of my all-time favourite wildlife experiences. "
"Effortless Big 5 encounters"
Luis Gama AG safari expert: “At MalaMala I found the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness—unfenced with Kruger, leopard sightings around every corner, and effortless Big Five encounters. It felt like a secret safari haven I’ll always treasure.”
"Panoramic views"
Our Community Manager, Sarah Goodman, says: "The views from UmVangati House are spectacular! With the Blyde Canyon nearby, whose dam and rivers feed the entire Kruger ecosystem, your stay here is literally at the source of the water that nourishes MalaMala and the other Greater Kruger reserves.”
Safari planning
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MalaMala & Mashatu luxury safari
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!