This might be the best place to see big cats in Africa: Photos

I didn’t expect to see all three of the top big cats in Africa in one day.

But there they were.

Lions basking in the early rays of the sun amongst the sage bushes.

A leopard panting because her belly was too full.

And the rarest sighting of all – – a family of cheetahs.

Indeed, my African safari week at the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana continued to be like heaven for cat ladies.  Astonishingly so.

Why Botswana is one of the best places to spot big cats in Africa

If you’re wondering where to see big cats in Africa, there’s a good concentration of them in Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

But there’s something special about Botswana.  Here’s why:

• It has a low population
• 40% of its land is set aside for conservation
• Zero tolerance for poaching.  It recruits members of the armed forces to deal with poachers.

As a result, Botswana has the highest density of wildlife in Africa.  It’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to visit.

What makes the Mashatu Game Reserve so great  for seeing big cats on your African safari?

This private game reserve has 42,000 hectares of privately-owned land in the corner where Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe come together.  It has diverse landscapes – – open areas for cheetahs to run, tall trees for leopards to climb and plenty of grasses and sage brush for lions to hide and sleep.

We also saw plenty of other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hyenas and more.  It kept my camera clicking on a week-long safari in Africa.

Here are just some of the big cat photo highlights:

Seeing leopards in Botswana on safari

Leopards are one of the most elusive animals to see on an African safari.

Considered a vulnerable species, I felt incredible fortunate to see them every day on safari at Mashatu.

The endangered cheetahs of Africa

Although listed as vulnerable, cheetahs are the most endangered of the big cats.  At high risk of extinction, there are only 7000 left in the world.

Our guide didn’t expect to see cheetahs during our winter safari, as they usually move north in search of water and prey.

And then we found this family – – a mother and two cubs.  A rare African wild cat sighting indeed!

Lions in the wild:  Still kings of the big cats in Africa

Lions are also considered vulnerable because of the decline in their population.

But you wouldn’t know it at the Mashatu Game Reserve where we had the pleasure of watching several lion prides as well as a number of single males.

A Final Note on the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana

After my photo safari, I feel very comfortable recommending the Mashatu Game Reserve.

I was impressed with the experience, which was not sponsored.  Highlights include:

• Twice daily safari drives with incredibly knowledgeable guides,
• A photography hide at a water hole
• Gourmet meals served with a view
• Exceptional service (e.g. they tuck a hot water bottle in your bed at night)

I stayed in a comfortable glamping tent, but there are also luxury accommodations.

Since the Reserve is located in a true wilderness area, it’s a bit of a hike to get there involving a small plane flight from Johannesburg, a long drive and a river crossing.  This can be arranged with Mashatu or a tour company.

If you’re looking for unforgettable wildlife viewing (and especially if you like big cats), this is the place.

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