Botswana & South Africa
Tubu Mashatu Malamala
13 day / 12 night from $13,900
A splendid combination of camps beginning in Botswana and it's famous Okavango Delta. 3 nights at Tubu is ideal and should allow you to take in the beautiful and unique area as well as have some highly productive game viewing and assorted water activities including a mokoro ride. In southern Botswana Mashatu has almost unparalleled predator viewing. 2 nights at the Fairlawns in Johannesburg to relax a bit and then 3 nights in the Sabi Sands at the luxurious Malamala Rattray's Camp gives you the opportunity to see the big five.
Itinerary
Fly into Johannesburg and stay overnight in this inviting city to rid yourself of some jetlag before your safari begins. Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Sound-proof architecture provides guests a quiet sleep. Scroll here for more details
Travel
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport you will be met by a Menzies representative, who will assist you through passport control, baggage collections and customs and on to arrivals. From the arrivals hall, you will also be assisted to City Lodge where you are booked for one night.
Accommodations
City Lodge
Based at Africa's busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport will provide business and leisure travelers with home away from home accommodation, perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport.
Rooms
Standard Room
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Satellite Cable Television, Hair Dryer, Safe, Smoking Rooms, Tea/Coffee.
Inclusions
Rates include Bed, Breakfast, 15% vat and 1% tourism levy.
Activities & Interests
World Class Restaurants, premiere shopping.
Note from Bert :
Within easy walking distance of airport arrivals hall, without having to leave airport premises. No waiting around for a shuttle bus and the attendant hassles with luggage etc. Well-equipped rooms with WIFI available, separate bath & shower, HD TV and built-in safe. Very close to food mall with wide variety of restaurants including Ocean Basket & Nando's Chicken.
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Amenities on Property: 24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Gym, Internet Access, Malaria Free, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Fly to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. The Okavango River sprawls out over the Kalahari Desert forming countless small palm-fringed islands, streams, lagoons and patches of floodplain and dry grassland. Enjoy game drives, mokoro boat outings, fishing, and amazing bird-watching in the delta.
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Travel
Depart on Scheduled flight to Maun where you are met by a Wilderness Safaris representative who will guide you to your light air transfer headed to Tubu Tree Camp.
Accommodations
Tubu Tree Camp
From its location on the western side of remote Hunda Island, Tubu Tree has easy access to a diverse range of habitats. Day and night game drives explore productive mopane and acacia woodlands, with Tubu Tree being well known for its leopard sightings. Wildlife movements vary with seasonal water levels, meaning that no two Tubu experiences are ever the same – but all are equally wonderful.
Rooms
Double Tent
Eight guest tents (including one designed for families) offer breathtaking floodplain views from their elevated positions.
Includes Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Fan, Safe, Tea, Coffee, Verandah, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite
Inclusions
All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.
Activities & Interests
Game Drives, Night Drives, Mokoro Excursions, Boating, Hide & Star Bed, Fishing, Birding.
Insider Tip: Enjoy a drink at Tubu’s famous open-air bar under the shade of a marula tree.
Note from Bert :
Tubu is a 'mixed activity' camp in the spectacular Jao Concession, in the western part of the Okavango Delta. The habitat is typical Okavango Delta mosaic with small palm-fringed islands, streams, lagoons and patches of floodplain and dry grassland. Activities consist of game drives as well as mokoro outings and boating. Over the last few years the camp has gained a reputation for exciting and varied game-viewing, particularly of leopards, several of which are active in the area. It is definitely not unusual to see a leopard in a tree at Tubu! It is definitely our #1 favorite Okavango Delta camp. In addition to the good leopard sightings the area is also well-known for its abundance of giraffes, often seen in large groups. This will be the only camp on the itinerary which offers water activities. Fishing is also an option.
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Amenities available at hotel: Bar, Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available.
Fly by light aircraft to southern Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve where you will experience excellent elephant and predator viewing in Mashatu, with game drives being done in totally open vehicles with no cover. Mashatu's rugged terrain, excellent guiding and diverse activities make it an exciting safari experience. Scroll here for more details
Travel
Fly by light aircraft to Mashatu Game Reserve for a new landscape and different daily activities.
Accommodations
Mashatu Lodge
An oasis among the undulating and seemingly endless plains of the wild. Burning torches at the camp’s entrance lure safari-goers home, where they experience the embodiment of sublime hospitality. For the client who is accustomed to luxury, this camp will meet every expectation. 14 luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter, and are designed to allow absolute privacy and a communion with the bush and its inhabitants.
Rooms
Luxury Suite
Each suite is supremely comfortable, tastefully decorated and features air conditioning, large spacious accommodations and generous bathrooms. This is the ideal camp for families travelling together with all suites designed to comfortably accommodate children.
Inclusions
All meals and snacks, game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by experienced rangers and trackers, All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers), transfers to and from the Limpopo Valley Airfield and the Pont Drift Border Post at scheduled times.
Activities & Interests
Mashatu Walking Safaris, Limpopo Horse Safaris, Mashatu Photographic Hides, Cycle Safaris, Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife.
Note from Bert :
You will experience excellent elephant and predator viewing (lions and leopard, cheetah possible) in Mashatu, with game drives being done in totally open vehicles with no cover. Other animals commonly seen include giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, kudu and eland; the latter seen better here than anywhere else in Southern Africa. Optional activities at about $60 pp per activity including horse-back safaris, foot safaris and mountain bike safaris. Mashatu is a very under-rated area and its combination of rugged terrain, excellent guiding, plentiful wildlife and diverse activities make it a fun and exciting safari experience. As a guest of Fish Eagle Safaris, you will be eligible for a free morning or afternoon session in a blind with a professional photographer. Very worthwhile activity, irrespective of your level of expertise in photography. Be sure to request this on arrival.
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Mashatu Game Reserve is located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana bordering South Africa. It is the embodiment of all that defines Africa. Space so open and vast, taking it all in is almost too much; an array of wildlife from the gigantic to the miniscule; majestic skies open to the universe and unfettered by smog; a quiet so loud it thrums with life; and unexpected adventure beyond the game drive, with horse-back safaris, cycling safaris and walks in the wild.
Mashatu offers a unique portfolio of adventure safari experiences on a reserve known as the Land of Giants, named after the largest herds of elephant on private land in Africa. In addition to the two camps (luxury all-suite and tented) and excellent daily sightings of all the African predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal and African wildcat), Mashatu is unquestionably the adventure safari destination for energetic travelers and multi-generational families. With five diverse ways to experience Africa’s wildlife, Mashatu offers, to complement the vehicle safaris conducted by guides with an average of 12 years’ experience on Mashatu; activities including the world-class photographic experience including two underground elephant hides, mountain biking safaris, horse safaris and walking safaris. The single fastest growth is in the photographic experience where excellent ‘Tuli’ light has engendered interest in Mashatu from all over the world. All our adventure experiences cater for the safari-goer who yearns for a more active and intimate safari holiday.
Hotel Amenities: 24-hour Security, Bar, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Secure Parking, TV Room, Babysitting Service
Set among lush acres of landscaped gardens you'll find Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an urban sanctuary right in the heart of Johannesburg. Renowned for its spa treatments, this 5-Star hotel creates an intimate atmosphere where some of the globe’s most vibrant personalities converge.
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Travel
Private transfer from Mashatu Lodge to Polokwane airport. Scheduled flight SA8810 PTGJNB 1155 1250. Private road transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa.
Accommodations
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
Fairlawns is situated just 6 km from central Sandton, and 20 km from the Johannesburg city centre to offer the upmarket traveller a delicate mix of luxury and convenience.
Rooms
Grand Chateau Suite
The chic, upscale suites are individually decorated in varying themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial. These 20 suites are the latest addition to the hotel, echoing the original ideas of the Courtyard and Villa suites, yet with a modern contemporary twist.
Suites include Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Mini Bar, En-Suite, Fireplace, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Safe, Satellite Cable Television, Shower, Tea, Coffee, Underfloor Heating, Hair Dryer, Iron, Ironing Board, Dressing Gowns, Pure Cotton Linens.
Inclusions
Bed, Breakfast, complimentary wireless internet access is available to in-house guests throughout public areas, 24 hour access to the hotel in-house gym is available to in-house guests, complimentary transfers to the Sandton Shopping District between 07h00 19h00, complimentary transfers to the Gautrain Sandton Station between 07h00 19h00, tourism levy and VAT.
Activities & Interests
Spa, Golf, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Relaxation, Shopping.
Restaurants: MUSE Champagne Room & Courtyard, Amuse Bouche Food & Wine, Manor House Bistro, The Terrace, "Into The Woods" Private Dining.
This stop includes a 9 hour go-as-you-please tour on Day 9 to visit anything in the area you would like to see.
Note from Bert :
Fairlawns is a boutique hotel in Sandton, a northern suburb of Johannesburg. On my first visit there, I arrived late and left early the next morning. Not what one needs to do at Fairlawns. Ideally this should be a 2-night stay. Take the time to enjoy this splendid jewel of a property, with an authentic country hotel feel, yet tucked away just a couple of miles from one of the busiest business centers in all of Africa - Sandton City.
On the second visit we were in one of the villa suites - referred to as the Mandela suite – decorated with African artifacts and with walls reminiscent of a light ochre clay. The room itself is massively proportioned in every way: huge entrance foyer with couch, a business nook with adapters and a second phone, a divider, and then a huge middle area with a king size bed facing a large HD television set. Massive bath as well.
Our meals at Fairlawns have been excellent; both dinner and breakfast. The latter consisted of a lavish cold buffet with perfectly ripe fruit, including gooseberries, even prickly pear and our favorite – papaya. There were also many cheeses, cold cuts, smoked salmon, an array of breads and much more. In addition to that you’re free to order one of many hot breakfasts including eggs to order, bacon, sausage, Eggs Benedict, crumpets, oats, omelets and frittatas.
Fairlawns is also renowned for its spa treatments, which we unfortunate did not have time for.
The bottom line on this property is that it is ideal for a little 'mini-vacation' before your safari starts. The perfect spot to chill for a couple of nights and work through the jet lag. If you're feeling energetic or just want to do something while you're there, by all means take a guided tour (we'll arrange it for you) to some of Johannesburg's interesting sights such as Liliesleaf Farm (minutes away from Fairlawns) where the top leadership of the ANC were arrested in 1962, unleashing a chain of events which culminated in the celebrated Rivonia Trial, often referred to as the trial which changed South Africa. Or visit the slightly more remote but no less fascinating Cradle of Mankind for an underground tour to the site where a 2-million year old fossil - the famous Mrs. Ples - was discovered in 1946.
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Hotel Amenities: 24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Airport Shuttle (Available), Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Travel Desk.
Fly to the Sabi Sands for 3 nights at Mala Mala in South Africa’s most famous safari destination. No other Sabi Sand reserve has as much 'river-frontage' as MalaMala, with no fence between it and the vast Kruger National Park to the west. As a result, game-viewing is consistently excellent, with all of the Big Five mammals being sighted nearly every day of the year. Scroll here for more details
Travel
Private road transfer from Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa to O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). Scheduled flight to Skukuza Airport. Scheduled Road transfer from Skukuza Airstrip to MalaMala Rattray's Camp.
Day 13 Departure: Scheduled Road transfer from MalaMala Rattray's Camp to Skukuza Airstrip. Scheduled flight to either Johannesburg or Cape Town for your departing flight home.
Accommodations
MalaMala Rattray's Camp
Rattray's is the most luxurious of MalaMala's camps, and offers a glimpse of an era long past when distant travellers to Africa married the magic of the wild with an elegance and refinement that have been immortalized in the epic tale of Karen Blixen in 'Out of Africa'.
Rooms
Luxury Suite
Each suite functions as an inclusive home, resplendent with hand-selected furnishings, lavish his-and-hers bathrooms, a secluded outdoor shower and a private heated plunge pool.
Suites includes Air Conditioning, Balcony/Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Complimentary Mini Bar, Private Pool/Jacuzzi, Plunge Pool, Outside Shower, Detached Private Bathroom, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Underfloor Heating, Pure Cotton Linen, Satellite Cable Television, Shower, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Tea, Coffee, Verandah
Inclusions
All meals and snacks, drinks (excluding premium brands), game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by an experienced ranger, nature walks, transfers to and from the MalaMala Game Reserve airstrip, limited laundry,and a compulsory per person per day community levy of $14.00, complimentary wi-fi.
Activities & Interests
New Photographic Vehicles available (includes sliding camera mount per row, lighting, and dedicated photographic ranger), Game Drives, Bush Walks, Wedding/Honeymoon activities, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine.
Note from Bert :
For a true ‘Big Five’ mammal game reserve (where you will see lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant), MalaMala has few rivals. There are many private lodges in and around Kruger Park, but MalaMala wins out over any of them because of location and all-round expertise.
The MalaMala guides know their area backwards, understand the Sabi Sand and pass that knowledge on in a very professional manner. They treat you as if you ‘get’ the bush, without condescending while they carry on searching for animals and habitats. The rooms at MalaMala Camp and Sable Camp (which have all recently been refashioned) are spacious and luxuriously appointed with air-conditioning (very welcome in their summer) and everything is kept in 100% working condition. Rattray is the deluxe MalaMala option with massive rooms with his & her bathrooms, a high level of sophistication in terms of food & beverage offerings, and the same high quality game-viewing and guiding. Rattray Camp take fewer persons per vehicle on game drives: usually 4, occasionally 5.
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Virtual Tour
Hotel Amenities: 24-hour Security, Bar, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa.
Hotel Services: Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Pricing
13 day / 12-night safari
$13,900 pp
Inclusions
All accommodation on a shared basis;
Meals as specified;
Excursions and transfers as included in the quote;
Most safari camps/lodges include two game activities per day in their rate – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Private activities and guide may be booked, at an additional cost, for sole use or special interest activities. Please advise if you would like additional information on this service;
Services of the camp/lodge guides and staff;
Relevant park fees and entrance fees as specified in the quote;
Drinks as specified – drink inclusions may differ between camps/lodges;
Laundry can be done at most camps/lodges and hotels. In some cases this is included in the rate as quoted;
Air transfers as specified, including Departure Taxes as relevant on Wilderness Air in Botswana;
Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST).
Exclusions
Meals not specified in the quote such as lunch and dinner in city hotels;
Any drinks, park fees, entrance fees, porterage, tours/excursions and transfers not specified in the quote;
Any scheduled commercial flights and related taxes;
Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance;
Staff gratuities;
Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control;
Visa fees where relevant. Should a visa payment be required, this will need to be made in US Dollar cash. Change is often not provided and thus the exact amounts payable are essential (with small denominations encouraged for easier and quicker transactions). Travellers Cheques and credit cards are not usually accepted for this purpose;
Any items of a personal nature.
Notes
Price based on minimum 2 persons traveling.
Excludes airfare unless specified.
Documents delivered via email: no charge
Additional cost for scheduled intra-African flights CPT-MUB, PTG-JNB, JNB-SZK-JNB: $1,100.00 per person
Customize
Fish Eagle Safaris Tours can all be customized to your ideal itinerary. We offer extra days, more activities, and upgraded amenities suited to your tastes. Below are a few additional options and reach out to bert@fisheaglesafaris.com for more travel ideas.

