|
THE ZEEDERBERG TRAIL
MASHATU GAME RESERVE AND THE COACH HOUSE HOTEL (OPTIONAL: MALAMALA MAIN CAMP EXTENSION)
Linked through the history of colonial wars and ivory hunts, these two destinations combine comfortable safari living, the excitement of close-contact game viewing, the luxury and relaxation of a renowned country estate, and the spectacular scenery of the escarpment.
In the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. It is here that the largest of the Rattray Reserves is situated - Mashatu Game Reserve. The name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which are prevalent throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home of no less than seven of Africa’s giants: the African elephant, the lion, the giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard. The excitement of Mashatu has not changed over time. It is still home to large herds of elephant, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat eared fox, African wild cat and the magnificent leopard search for prey. Some 350 species of birds may be seen. Mashatu Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest, single population of elephant on privately-owned land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo valley. Today, the population on Mashatu Game Reserve alone is estimated to number in excess of 700. For the adventurous at heart, Mashatu is certainly the place to be.
The richness of the Mashatu experience is without question, and is certainly unparalleled. Whether you visit Mashatu for the relaxation of un-spoiled Africa, for the adrenalin of adventure in the wild, or the quiet luxury of the camps, you will not be disappointed. Choice of Accommodation At the end of an unforgettable game drive, experience the well known hospitality of Mashatu Main Camp. Enjoy dinner around the fire in the lala-palm boma under a canopy of a million stars, overlooking the flood-lit waterhole... Nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp. With never more than sixteen guests, this idyllic getaway provides accommodation in the form of eight twin tents. Although rustic in character every facility is ....>>
The Coach House at Agatha, just 8 miles/13km's south of Tzaneen in the Northern Province, is set on a magnificent plateau with sweeping views across forests and farmland to the peaks of the Wolkberg. The hotel was built on the original site of an old coaching inn used by the Zeederberg Coach Company as a staging post for the route down to the goldfields at Leydsdorp. The Coach House is one of a few select South African hotels with a five star grading and silver classification. Set in beautiful gardens, echoing with bird calls, the hotel has elegant and luxuriously spacious rooms, most with wood burning fireplaces for occasional chilly evenings and all have their own private verandahs. The Coach House is an ideal spot from which to explore nearby glorious scenery, indigenous forests, the unique Modjadji Cycad forest (home of the famous Rain Queen), ancient baobabs and emerald green tea plantations. The Kruger National Park is an easy one hour drive away. The 560ha Estate is a working farm, and several products are produced under the farm name of Cheviot. The farm has its own water bottling plant, producing pure, refreshing Cheviot spring water available in still or sparkling, and served in most of the nearby game lodges. During the nut season guests are welcome to visit the Cheviot nut plant which processes macadamia nuts grown on the farm for export and domestic use. The Estate also roasts, grinds and packs their own delicious coffee using imported beans, and produces a small quantity of cold pressed macadamia oil and marula oil, all of which may be purchased in the Shop. During you stay be sure to pop into the nougat kitchen, which makes the tastiest nougat in the country from homegrown macadamia nuts and honey. Optional add-on The ideal conclusion to the above itinerary is a 2 night stay at MalaMala Game Reserve, located within the world famous Sabi Sands Reserve (the oldest conservancy of private game reserves in South Africa) adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
The Panoramic route from The Coach House to MalaMala offers the most magnificent scenery – including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, MacMac Falls, but to mention a few. The traveling time is approximately 4 hours. OPTIONAL HELICOPTER TRANSFER WITH PICNIC EN-ROUTE At nearly 33 000 acres (13 200 hectares) MalaMala Game Reserve is by far the largest piece of land within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. MalaMala has become famous by sheer virtue of the consistency and quality of the game viewing. Supported by the various wildlife documentaries that have been filmed on the property (including National Geographic), MalaMala continues to offer the discerning traveler with unparalled and exclusive views of Africa’s finest – from the Big 5, to a multitude of smaller creatures which add color to the food chain. MalaMala represents authentic Africa, and is designed to support the experience of the bush. One will find outstandingly comfortable rooms, the renowned personal service and high quality camp cuisine. Located on the banks of the Sand River, the camp offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding bush.
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
