A new luxury hide, one designed specifically to conceal wildlife photographers from their subjects, is set to open in October at Mashatu, located within Botswana's Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
The Lala Limpopo Sleepout Hide (Lala means sleep), described as a "one-of-a kind" sleep-out safari suite, is a joint project between Mashatu and C4 Photo Safaris. Built into the ground at a waterhole formerly known as Pete's Pond, the hide offers ground-level views of animals coming for a drink, often just a few feet away.
Lala Limpopo will be available to book for exclusive use and will sleep
up to four photographers or guests at a time. There is also a small
kitchen and lounge/dining area, full bathroom with shower facilities and
a separate bedroom for the tour leader, Mashatu ranger or C4 guide who
is always available for safety, advice and tips.
Innovative, nonintrusive lighting is also being introduced around the waterhole to ensure the best possible conditions for both daytime and nocturnal photography, with sensors to alert you to activity during the night and full control panel, enabling adjustment of the side, front and back lighting as well as color temperature and angle.
Additional suite features
Lala Limposo features facilities for editing photography between filming and shooting. There is also a small outdoor courtyard to the rear entrance should guests wish to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors without disturbing the wildlife.
C4 PhotoMashatu's other underground hide, Matebole, is renowned for the numerous award-winning shots taken there, including Greg du Toit's "Essence of Elephants" portrait, which earned him Wildlife Photographer of the Year honors in 2013.
There will be an opening special of 50% for booking in October and November. Lala Limpopo, as with the other hides in Mashatu, will then close for the rainy season, which runs from December until the end of February. The rate for this additional activity will be $450 per person sharing per night or $650 to book one room. To book the whole hide for exclusive use will cost $1,600.
Lala Limpopo is booked as an additional activity for guests staying at one of Mashatu's camps including Euphorbia Mashatu, Kolokolo Safari Home, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, Mashatu Tent Camp and Shalimpo Safari Home.