Every once in a while, a lodge so spectacular appears on your radar that it becomes a bucket list item. With some clever planning, the reality of a trip to Euphorbia Mashatu, situated in a remote southeastern corner of Botswana, materializes on a Tuesday morning.
A flight from Lanseria International Airport to Limpopo Valley Airfield with Mashatu Connect has an arrival time of just before 1 pm. The airfield is positioned seamlessly within the reserve, and clearing passport control and customs, the game drive has already started before we’ve even reached the lodge, seeing a Marabou stork, some giraffe and a herd of zebra. Driving to the top of the hill, Euphorbia Mashatu’s arrival area comes into sight. An architectural marvel, the lodge was designed and constructed by South African firm Savile Row with Design Director Adrian Davidson leading the project.
“Euphorbia’s exclusive location, situated on an elevated ridge overlooking the Majale River, with superb visibility to the savannah beyond, set within a forest of ancient Euphorbia trees makes it such a special property,” Adrian tells me. “A combination of craft, comfort and a characteristic design idiom enhances the distinctive position, combined with the spirit of the bush experience. Each of the eight villas was designed to maximize the breathtaking views whilst creating private, luxurious spaces for the Euphorbia Mashatu guest.”
My domicile for the next two nights is Villa 8, a short walk from the main area. Opening the door, I’m rendered speechless by the size of the dwelling and the vistas over the bushveld. A baobab is standing proud amongst the Euphorbias. The use of khaki and acacia greens, russet and ochre tones and savannah-hued neutrals add to the wow-factor as I take in the magnificence of the space.
With an understated nod to the safari theme, ebony and darker shades ground the palette in the Villas to provide vital variance and definition. Textured contrast was essential to Savile Row’s interior design and layered onto locally available materials. Aged copper and timber combined with soft mohair, woven rope, canvas paneling and the rich patina of antiqued leather creates an elegant yet relaxed design language. Wooden floors make for a refreshing change from carpets, tiles or concrete floors, bringing about a sense of style. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and high ceilings let in lots of natural light, something that’s a major aspect for Savile Row, which they achieved with a combination of architectural features and interior selections.
Intricate detail and bespoke artistry is seen all around the lodge and Villas, with custom feature lights and paneling that is hand-woven from bands of copper. Artworks in themselves, many of the pieces have been made in Africa by local craftsmen and manufacturers. Design inspiration for Euphorbia Mashatu came from the surrounding wilderness for both architectural and interior finishes, which is visible in the interplay between the structure and its environs. The indigenous flora and fauna allowed the design throughout, making generous use of local materials to echo the setting – rock and raw stone, and roughhewn timber.
Working closely with Euphorbia Mashatu, the architect team carefully mapped out designing the buildings and walkways to minimize the impact on the site while retaining the beauty of the wilderness. Green technology was incorporated with the use of thermal insulation, solar power and grey water recycling systems. Sustainability is important, and the large solar plant at Euphorbia Mashatu guarantees that the lodge is completely off-the-grid, with a backup generator providing electricity on cloudy days.
Building in a remote locale can present many obstacles, particularly logistics-wise. The construction of Euphorbia Mashatu was one of the most challenging Savile Row had faced as a design team, not only due to the presence of wildlife, but with the fabrication nearing completion, the pandemic hit and the entire project came to a grinding halt.
Everything came together once restrictions started lifting, albeit slowly, with finishing materials and teams making their way back to wrap up what they had started, a whole year later in 2021. The result? An awe-inspiring lodge that pays homage to the Mopane tree found in Mashatu Game Reserve, and the Villas shaped like the pods of said tree. In the main area, eye-catching copper chandeliers draw the gaze upwards as they follow the silhouette of the encircling Euphorbia candelabra. On the walls of the dining room and lounge, consideration was given to fashioning an impression of larger-than-life mopane pods as lights, and leaves were done in gold, casting an illuminated glow over dinners or drinks enjoyed here.
Meals at Euphorbia Mashatu are, simply put, incredible. Head Chef Maggie is responsible for crafting menus, with choices that cater to every palate. The day starts with a pre-game drive continental breakfast, followed by brunch upon your return, High Tea before heading out on safari again, and then the pièce de résistance, dinner in a different spot when you get back at around 7 pm. The food is sensational, and attention to detail with presentation makes the cuisine even more delicious. You have to try the Botswana beef fillet, and if it’s not on the menu during your time here, ask Chef, as nothing is too much effort for her.
What would a sojourn at an extraordinary safari lodge be without going out to see what wildlife you can find? Field Guide Cedric with the assistance of Tracker Pontsho are keen to show me what is out there. Euphorbia Mashatu forms part of the 104,000 acre privately owned Mashatu Game Reserve, and apart from the varied terrain, the birdlife is amazing, with in excess of 350 different bird species and counting. A wonderful sighting and sound is seeing a Woodland Kingfisher on our afternoon game drive. This medium-sized Kingfisher has a red beak and bright blue, black, wing panel, and tail. It’s high-pitched ‘tuui’, with a crescendoed ‘trrrrrrrrr’ is unmistakable, so look out for a medium-sized iridescent bird as they are really striking.
Known for their unrivalled leopard sightings, we encounter a number of different individuals, starting with the Euphorbia male sitting uncomfortably in a Shepherd’s tree, then the Mathoja female on the fallen branch of a Mashatu tree, the Lepako male also in a Mashatu tree, and lastly the highlight for each and every guest, spending time with the White Cliffs leopard and her two female cubs. Considering how elusive these cats are, it’s a privilege to see them up-close out in the wild going about their business.
Mashatu Game Reserve is owned by Steve and Maggie Lansdown, who have a vested interest in all things reserve and lodge related. “I remember standing on the outcrop at Euphorbia Mashatu amongst the Euphorbia candelabra, before it was all started,” co-owner Maggie recalls. “The idea was to create a special place. Elevated to make it different from the other lodges, and in keeping with the setting. All involved desired for a few if any plants to be disturbed. The villas all needed to be placed so that they had privacy, facing different ways and hidden from each other’s view from the decks, whilst offering astounding panoramas. The materials needed to be natural – stone, metal, wood, and leather. We wanted to include some water, not least to assist with cooling. The request was for a contemporary feel with plenty of light and air and making use of any cooling breeze.”
Taking heed of her sentiments, I stroll to my Villa as it’s time to leave and return to South Africa. Pausing every so often to appreciate the scenery, the magic that is found in this unique part of Botswana, spending time here is really something that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Opening the door to my Villa, I look around – I’ll miss this exceptional place and know that the enchantment of Euphorbia Mashatu will stay with me forever.
For more information, visit www.mashatu.com
