In October, a new luxury hideout designed specifically to help wildlife photographers hide animals from their subjects will open in Mashatu, within the Tuli Game Reserve in northern Botswana.
Described as a “unique” outdoor safari suite, the Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide (Lala means sleep) is a joint project between Mashatu and C4 Photo Safaris. Built on the grounds of a waterhole formerly known as Pete’s Pond, the hideout offers ground-level views of the animals that often come to drink just a few feet away.
Lala Limpopo can be booked for exclusive use and can accommodate up to 4 photographers or guests at a time. It also has a small kitchen and lounge/dining room, bathroom with shower, and a separate bedroom for the tour leader, Mashatu ranger or C4 guide, who can always provide safety, advice and tips.
Additionally, to ensure the best conditions for taking photos during the day and at night, we have introduced innovative and unobtrusive lighting around the waterhole, installed sensors to alert you to activity at night, and a full control panel with adjustable side, front and back lighting, as well as colour temperature and angle.
Additional Suite Features
Lala Limposo has facilities to edit photos between shoots. There is also a small outdoor patio at the back for guests who want to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors without disturbing the wildlife.
Another of C4 Fotomashatou's underground hideouts, Matebole is famous for the many award-winning photographs taken there, including Greg Du Toit's portrait “Essence of Elephants”, which won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2013.
In October and November, there is a 50% opening discount on bookings. Like other Mashatu hideaways, Lala Limpopo is closed during the rainy season from December to the end of February. The cost for this extra activity is $450 per person per night or $650 for a single room. Booking the entire hideaway privately costs $1,600.
Rara Limpopo is booked as an additional activity for guests staying at Mashatu camps including Euphorbia Mashatu, Kolokolo Safari Home, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, Mashatu Tent Camp and Shalimpo Safari Home.
