Mashatu and Bristol Bears Announce Ground Breaking Partnership

Cliant NewsMashatuCocoon CollectionBushtopsThe CavernOngumaMosetlhaWilderness CollectionOurAfrica.TravelTravel PromotersUmlingo news

Feb 14

Written By Claire Roadley

Bristol Bears announce Mashatu as new front of shirt partner for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season on February 12, 2025 at the Bears High Performance Centre in Bristol, England. (Photo by Rogan/Bristol Bears)

Mashatu in Botswana has become the first private game reserve to sponsor a professional rugby team, aligning with English club Bristol Bears for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. This revolutionary collaboration merges elite rugby and African wilderness with the shared values of community, sustainability, and a maverick spirit.

Nestled in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Mashatu, known as the “Land of the Giants”, spans 42,000 hectares of pristine, privately owned and conserved wilderness. Home to the largest elephant herds on a private game reserve in Southern Africa, as well as renowned predator sightings, ancient baobabs, and an untouched landscape, offering a luxury safari experience.

Mark Kelly, Director of Mashatu Investments, said: “Mashatu is redefining the boundaries of what a modern safari experience can be - an exclusive, tailored, and transformational journey. Beyond traditional game drives, Mashatu offers immersive safari experiences setting it apart, including safari walks, photographic hides, nights under the stars, cultural community visits and more. This partnership is about creating meaningful impact. As part of the same ownership group, both Mashatu and Bristol Bears share a deep-rooted commitment to community and sustainability.”

From youth programmes across Bristol run by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation to Mashatu’s conservation and local empowerment initiatives in Botswana, both organisations are grounded in the same foundations of giving back.

Bristol Sport CEO and Bristol Bears Board Member Gavin Marshall said: “We are proud that Mashatu will be our principal partner for the rest of this season. As with Mashatu, community sits at our core, and we share the same vision to inspire and to leave a lasting positive legacy.”

Bears fans can experience an array of exciting activations throughout the season, including the chance to enter competitions to win safari experiences at Mashatu’s luxury accommodations.

Mashatu Nature Reserve Director Wendy Du Toit said: “Guests can travel with purpose to a destination that embraces sustainable tourism and minimal environmental impact. Mashatu has a mission to inspire adventure and drive sustainable change. Whether it’s supporting wildlife conservation and empowering local communities, we share a common vision, and this collaboration celebrates the power of bringing together two worlds to inspire what’s possible.”

You can also Watch this video on the Bristol Bears’ website, where Director of Rugby, Pat Lam talks about Mashatu Game Reserve becoming the Principal Partner to Bristol Bears for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Notes: Team members featured in photos and videos include:

Men: Bill Mata, Gabriel Oghre and Kalaveti Ravouvou

Women: Ilona Maher, Reneeqa Bonner and Sarah Bern

MashatuBristol BearsBotswana

Claire Roadley

Umlingo is a Travel PR company specialising in Africa.

Claire Roadley has over 25 years of experience promoting safaris and hotels in Africa including iconic brands such as The Blue Train, MalaMala, Sabi Sabi, Serena Hotels and Machaba Safaris to name but a few. She has also worked with hotels in Europe and beyond. Current clients include Bushtops In Kenya and Tanzania, Onguma in Namibia, Mashatu in Botswana and Mosetlha and The Cavern in South Africa.

“Umlingo” means magic in Zulu - as well as wisdom or knowledge in English. “Lingo” also means language or words. So we are all about building reputation through the magic of words…

http://www.umlingo.co.uk