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.

MASHATU GAME RESERVE
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. It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres/30,000 hectares of pristine game land, be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, un-spoiled African landscapes in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers a view of Africa, unchanged since the days of early visitors such as Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. Historic and archeological sites abound; notable are the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.

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.

The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalised. Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. Radio-linked 4-wheel drive vehicles set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound throughout the reserve.

For the adventurous at heart, Mashatu is certainly the place to be. We have expanded our portfolio of activities to include horse-back safaris (ad-hoc rides also available for guests at either Mashatu Main Camp or Mashatu Tent Camp); specialized walking safaris and mountain-biking safaris. Our resident scientists are also on hand to guide guests through an intimate experience with Mashatu's elephants, as well as of the numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout the property. 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.

MASHATU MAIN CAMP
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. Relax around the pool, or on the thatched verandah
and experience the ‘at home’ friendliness and service. Mashatu is a refuge of unparalleled ‘bushveld’ comfort and service, blending in harmoniously with the game lands and teeming wildlife surrounding the camp.

Accommodation at Mashatu Main Camp includes insect-proofed luxury suites with a large comfortable en-suite bathroom. Large panoramic windows open onto the African bush where guests can relax and savour the sights and smells from their own suites. Two large beds complete the well appointed rooms. This camp has a magnificent viewing deck directly off the bar or “gin trap”, together with an elevated lounge overlooking the water-hole. The capacity at Mashatu Main Camp is twenty eight guests in fourteen newly renovated luxury suites.

MASHATU TENT CAMP
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 provided. The tents are insectproofed, have comfortable beds and each has an en-suite shower and W.C. facility. There is an open-sided thatch deck where meals are served, and a traditional boma for intimate campfire dinners. This camp also contains a very welcome plunge pool. Your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While on game drives, you will be taken care of by your ranger and on your return to base, the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need.

THE COACH HOUSE
The Coach House at Agatha, just 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. Another route was the one to Bulawayo which went through the Tuli Block, where Mashatu Game Reserve is now situated.

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 45 elegant and luxuriously spacious rooms, most with wood burning fireplaces for occasional chilly evenings and all have their own private verandahs. Recreational facilities include a sparkling pool, gymnasium, sauna, mountain bikes, floodlit croquet lawn, snooker tables and hiking trails.

The Agatha Spa at The Coach House is designed with vast glass doors that slide open to frame spectacular mountain views. This sensorium boasts a full equipped gym, hydro-jet heated pool and his-and-hers sauna and steam rooms set against classical murals. The team of professional beauty therapists offer a wide range of health and beauty treatments that combine sheer indulgence and natural healing. The spa offers a comprehensive range of health and beauty therapies, from relaxing massages and facials to aromatherapy and invigorating Vichy showers, mud and seaweed wraps, reflexology and spa bronzing, and many more.

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.
Optional add-on

MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
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. 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 colour 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.

The individually decorated, spacious and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching (including luxury rooms, luxury suites and family rooms), enjoy spectacular views and are equipped with “his” and “hers” bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains an authentic camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world famous is obvious.

Dinner, where one may enjoy venison specialties and sumptuous bush cuisine is served in the grand old African manner, under the stars in a reed enclosed boma, a MalaMala tradition for over 60 years. Seated around a log fire, under the starry African sky, enjoying superb food and outstanding South African wines is yet another highlight of the MalaMala experience.