In addition to the game drives conducted in 4 wheel drive safari vehicles by experienced rangers and trackers, Mashatu Game Reserve is also able to offer activities conducted by research scientists and concessionaires based on Mashatu Game Reserve. The applicable fee assists in the funding of the scientist’s research.

We suggest that these are pre-booked prior to arrival at the camps to ensure availability of the activity. On site reservations may be made on check-in at the camps but no guarantee can be given that the scientists or concessionaires will be available.

IVORY DRIVES
Mashatu has the largest free roaming, flourishing elephant population on private land in Southern Africa. Join our resident elephant specialist and researcher, Jeanetta Selier, on a morning drive to learn more about these amazing creatures. Learn how to identify, as well as age and sex the different herds, which Jeanetta has come to know so well over the years. Getting right up close and personal with these fascinating pachyderms enables guests to learn more about their behaviour, their complex social structure and their communication skills.
Valid to 31 March 2008 : US$35.00 per person per morning drive (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)
Valid 01 April – 31 December 2008 : US$40.00 per person per morning drive (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

PREDATOR DRIVE
Andrei Snyman,  who is based on Mashatu Game Reserve, is the predator researcher of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. His study specializes in the lions and leopards of this area.  Andrei has extensive experience working with large carnivores, covering aspects such as capture, radio tracking, monitoring and censusing. For the last few years Andrei has been studying the lion population dynamics in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Andrei is currently running the Northern Tuli Leopard Project and conducting a lion research project focusing on the socio organisation of lions in Tuli. In order to subsidize his research, Andrei conducts interpretive drives where a more detailed insight into the predators of Mashatu is offered. For a contribution to his research endeavours, join Andrei on an afternoon predator research drive where he will share with you the extraordinary life of leopards and lions from a researcher’s perspective, as you search for these charismatic large predators. Come and experience for yourself a few hours in the life of a predator researcher and learn how Andrei aims to better understand the King-of-Beasts and the Prince-of-Stealth.
Valid to 31 March 2008 : US$35.00 per person per drive (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)
Valid 01 April – 31 December 2008 : US$40.00 per person per drive (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

WALKING TRAILS
The Land of Giants offers an African experience ranging from the biggest to the smallest, from the obvious to the subtle, when walking with an experienced ranger and trail guide. Paul Grobler worked as a trails guide in the Kruger National Park and is now based at Mashatu and is available to offer guests a fascinating insight into the biology and ecology of the area.
Valid to 31 December 2008 : US$20.00 per person per morning walk (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

MOUNTAIN BIKE SAFARIS
For the more adventurous - join a mountain bike safari and see the bush from a completely different perspective. The experienced rangers will accompany you as you pedal your way along ancient elephant paths. The exhilaration of cycling amongst the “Giants of Mashatu’ is awesome and a lifetime experience. Early morning and late afternoon rides are available.
Valid to 31 December 2008 : US$35.00 per person per afternoon drive (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

HORSE SAFARIS
"Take a ride on the wild side." A horse safari in the Land of Giants will arouse the explorer in you. Allow the spirit of your horse to carry you in rhythm with the African beat, to return you to an age-old Africa. Join Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris for a morning or afternoon ride.
Note: this is a fast, advanced ride - only experienced riders permitted.
Valid to 31 March 2008 : US$45.00 per person per ride (Min 01 pax & Max 08 Pax)
Valid 01 April – 31 December 2008 : US$50.00 per person per morning drive (Min 01 pax & Max 08 Pax)