walrus

Hello Johan,

Very interesting and exhaustive report. I've been several times to Botswana, mainly in the Linyanti, but never to Mashutu though my agent always adviced me to go there. Further to your report and excellent photos an also because I prefer rustic and old-fashioned camps, I might go there in a near future.
Perhaps, one day we might see each other because I think that at the world's level, we are neighbours.

Mike

Kavey

Johan,
Thanks for another really informative and well presented report! This is just the kind of thing that really helps others who are considering a future visit to the camp.
Your photos, as always, are a pleasure. I especially like the hyena mother carrying the cub and several of the bird shots though there are many others I also enjoyed.
I would say that it's noticable that more shots are taken in harsher light than your normal photos as I think I'm right in saying that you usually take more in the golden hours where the light is warm toned and softer.
Thanks again, Johan!

skimmer

Thanks again everyone.

A lot of photos were taken between 11 and 3 while I was sitting in the hide. So light was indeed a lot harsher.

Mornings were sometimes a bit difficult cause some sightings were quite far from camp and I couldn't go out earlier like I used to when I have a private vehicle at my disposal.

I haven't shown my best photos, which most of them are taken in golden light.

Greetz,

Johan

atravelynn

I wonder how long Mashatu will remain the bargain that it currently is.

Your pictures are amazing as always. The red billed quelea flock and hyena with the cub in its mouth were especially unique.

You mentioned cheetahs are hard to see at the time of year you were in Mashatu, but you had some photos of them, even a tree climbing cheetah.

The waterhole was very productive for you.

How nice you got a leg stretch in the middle of your stay with a walking safari.

Your no sweets on safari rule is almost as impressive as your photography.

GreenDrake

"Your no sweets on safari rule is almost as impressive as your photography."

Discipline that no mere mortals possess!!!

Yes Lynn the value proposition is attractive, but the transfer costs offset it somewhat - especially for a solo non-self driving traveler such as myslef. Even so, in my research if you wanted a tented camp non-lodge experience in a non-crowded area this seems like a a good value.

Dana_M

Wonderful trip report, and as usual fantastic photos Johan. It's hard for me to choose a favorite, they were all so good. Did I read correctly, that you were there for three weeks? How wonderful!

skimmer

Thanks again.

The no sweets rule came after previous mistakes in the early days. It took me too long to get in shape again after gaining too much weight.

That's what I call experience now.


Mashatu definitely needs a revisit in summertime because of the following reasons:

- birdlife (summer migrants);
- green grasses and flowers;
- wonderful sunsets;
- young antelopes;
- cheetah???.

Greetz,

Johan

HariS

Good tip, Johan. Especially, those cookies and scones and muffins and things all add up ........ I'd rather say no to those and eat the dessert on some of the evenings.

amolkarnik

Excellent pictures Johan. Brought back memories from our trip in September.

You seem to have got a lot of excellent pictures from the hide. Also the concession looks a lot greener than at the end of the dry season when its completely parched and all animals gather near the Limpopo.

Elephant herds are awesome too.

Kavey

"A lot of photos were taken between 11 and 3 while I was sitting in the hide. So light was indeed a lot harsher.

Mornings were sometimes a bit difficult cause some sightings were quite far from camp and I couldn't go out earlier like I used to when I have a private vehicle at my disposal.

I haven't shown my best photos, which most of them are taken in golden light."

Thanks for clarifying, Johan. Don't get me wrong, the images you have shared here are still very good but not quite as stunning as some of yours that I have enjoyed in the past. I felt it might be down to not having a private vehicle and hence shooting more in the harsher light than you usually do. And also, if you are not showcasing the best of your work (which is fair enough) that also explains it.

atravelynn

Can you elaborate on the cheetah in the summer. They go elsewhere in the dry season?

At least you learn from your sweets mistakes.

CarlaM

Hi Johan,
While at Mashatu tented camp a few weeks ago, our ranger Richard was talking about a guy that was there for 21 days before us named Johan and we said "it must to be you"! As usual your photos are fantastic and the critters looked very familiar.

We had an "encounter" with a porcupine by our tent the first night, saw Cheetah 5 days out of 6, wild dogs on a very fresh (15 mins) warthog kill, plus so much more than I am hoping to write about soon. Mashatu stole my heart and I can't wait to go back.

Wasn't that "knock-knock" in the morning great!? The first day he said it so softly it didn't work.

Thanks for sharing your photos and report. Lots of great details and you put a big smile on my face too! &lt

scootr29

Carla glad to hear that you enjoyed Mashatu......not a day goes by that I do not think about my time there. My wife and I talk all the time how relaxing it was. 2 1/2 days was not enough...we are trying to go back in the near future.

Scott

skimmer

Carla,

I am glad you enjoyed your stay at Mashatu. And from what I hear, you had good gameviewing too.

I am looking forward to see your pictures and read your trip report.

I found it a very cosy camp and hope to return in one of the next summer seasons for another long stay.


Best regards,

Johan

CarlaM

Hi Johan,
I am not sure if you saw my post today on the Pete's Pond thread, but there was sad news that Paul from Mashatu died suddenly yesterday while cycling on the Tour de Kruger. Everyone is shocked and saddened by the news. I thought you would like to know. I have been digging through my files to find the words to his "morning wake up song" with no success. Any chance you have them? My email address is kingsis33 at aol dot com.
You have some great photos of him as well that I was wondering if you would like to share on the Nat Geo forum. Thanks, Carla

skimmer

Carla,

I just sent you an e-mail.

Paul was a great guy and I am really shocked by his death.

Johan