Luxury Safari Magazine interviews Stephen Lansdown, shareholder, and director of Mashatu Game Reserve. Here we find out more about the man and the game reserve and exactly what makes Stephen tick:

What is the biggest aspiration/goal you would like to reach?

That anyone who is looking to organise a luxury safari experience will always consider Mashatu first.

Can you create bespoke experiences?

We can certainly create bespoke experiences, especially around our adventure activities – cycling, horse riding, and photographic safaris.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day – rise with the sun, explore and experience the bush and wildlife, brunch, relax (swim, study in our discovery centre), afternoon tea, evening game drive, sundowner, evening meal (perhaps a bush dinner!).

We know sustainability is a huge part of Mashatu, how so?

Tourism must set an example in looking after the environment. Our Reserve not only protects the habitat for wildlife but naturally offsets our guest’s carbon footprint.

What is your favourite place to be and why?

Anywhere on the Reserve.

What is the best part of being the director and shareholder of Mashatu?

Working with our staff and providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our guests. Conserving the habitat and protecting the wildlife whilst at the same time enhancing our local communities.

How many countries have you visited, and which is the one you liked most?

Numerous – Botswana and Mozambique.

What was the vision behind your company?

Our Vision is to protect the Reserve for the benefit of our local communities and the wildlife for generations to come by providing a top-quality tourism destination.

What role do you think social media plays in the safari business today?

Social media is a great way to communicate with the world at large, bringing the Reserve into your life wherever you are in the world.

What is the best sighting you’ve ever had in the bush?

You can never beat seeing lionesses and their baby cubs or large elephant herds, but there are too many sightings to single out just one.

What is your strongest passion?

After conservation, it is a sport. Particular interest in Football and Rugby. Sport brings people together.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Success in business has allowed me to invest in Conservation.

Is there anything else you would like to add or want people to know?

I hope this does the trick.

W: Mashatu Euphorbia Villas