Mashatu Lodge

I was recently the very lucky recipient of a booking misadventure and scored a trip to Mashatu Lodge! It was rather handy that Ryno, our ops manager, just happened to be available to fly us there. I also figured, why not throw in a great friend for good measure! So, off we took from Wonderboom Airport through the haze of Pretoria’s September skyline. From above, the land appears to stretch infinitely, dotted with trees, winding rivers and canyons carved into the landscape. From this height, the terrain beneath you becomes a canvas, broken only by the drone of the engine.

We routed for Zandspruit where we collected Karen! The reunion was nothing short of a celebration! Hopping back in the aircraft, we did a fuel stop at an extremely windy Polokwane civil and customs at Polokwane International. From there, the real fun started and the anticipation for crossing the border and landing in Mashatu became palpable. Ryno was not misrepresenting facts when he said the lodge is JUST over the Limpopo River which forms the border between SA and Botswana. We landed at Limpopo Valley Airfield which is a darling little spot – we were received by Mashatu Lodge guide, Kaizer, who greeted us with “welcome home”. And home it is. The customs office is an open- sided thatch lapa where the officials are so welcoming and hospitable. True to old-school forms, their “biometric system” is a quick bag check, and we were good to go. We hopped on the back of the game vehicle and off we went! No sooner had we started, we were met by a herd of gorgeous elephants with their creche of babies right underneath them – a true land of the giants. As a Mashatu newbie, you can throw a stone in any direction, and you guaranteed to have the most incredible sighting. A little way down the road, Kaizer pointed out a GIANT African rock python slithering lazily and with intent through a cairn of rocks. One can live in Africa your whole life, it remains a sight to behold.

Upon arriving at the lodge, I was amazed at the warmth and hospitality of the staff – Mashatu Lodge really goes out of their way to make one feel like the only guests! We were shown around, our luggage merrily being handled and taken to the rooms for us! Dinner and drinks were accompanied by a magnificent display of elephants lazily drinking at the watering hole.

The next day we languished and lounged, but the staff were quick to provide muesli, yogurt, fruit and coffee outside of breakfast time anyway! Karen and I relaxed by the infinity pool overlooking the watering hole whereafter we were submerged in the most idyllic spa experience at Serokolo Spa– Phindi has the most magic hands. A delightful high tea followed where we readied ourselves for a 3-hour game drive. I initially thought three hours would be excessive but in hindsight, not nearly enough time to take it in! The vast majesty of the area is paradoxical – stark and hot, lush and teeming with life. Wildlife simply abounds – from herds of impalas (or bush ballerinas as we now call them), to eland and kudu, saddle-billed storks, lions, and giant baobabs and Mashatu trees, the land is one of splendour and wonder. It felt like Africa will unfurl her mysteries if you dare to explore. Sundowners over an African sunset was powerful as the sky transformed and softened in colour in nature’s perfect rhythm. Africa’s timeless beauty makes one start to feel incredibly humbled and small, but then again, so will your worries. If you are ever in doubt, go on that African safari. Mashatu is the place to start!