Mashatu Game Reserve
Experience The True African Wilderness, A Haven For Wildlife And Photography Enthusiasts
Mashatu and the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, unspoilt African landscapes teeming with both game viewing and birdlife. The area is steeped in history and legend and makes for exciting wildlife viewing and stunning landscape photography opportunities.
Mashatu is the largest private game reserve in Southern Africa, covering an area of 42 000 hectares. The reserve is situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana, bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mashatu Game Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, zebra and many more. The reserve is also home to over 350 species of birds, making it a paradise for birders.
Mashatu Game Reserve is a great place to get away from it all and experience the true African bush in southern Africa.
Mashatu is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience the true African wilderness. Visitors can explore the reserve on game drives, walking safaris and night drives, or take to the tracks mountain biking or on a horseback adventure. No matter how you choose to experience it, Mashatu is sure to leave you with lasting memories of your time spent in this magical place.
Mashatu boasts several luxury lodges and tented camps, each offering a unique African safari experience. The reserve features exceptional photographic hides, such as the award-winning Matebole Hide and the one-of-a-kind Lala Limpopo Overnight Hide. These hides provide an extraordinary opportunity for photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, to capture stunning shots while benefiting from expert guidance tailored to their skills.
Mashatu Game Reserve Facts
- Size & Location: 402km²
- When to visit the park: March - September (cooler winter months - preferred)
- Climate: Hot, dry conditions. Day: may exceed 40°C. Night: may drop below -14°C
- Rainfall: 200mm per annum varying
- Altitude: 900m - 1100mm above sea level
- Location: South East Botswana, Northern Tuli Game Reserve, directly on South Africa's border
Where is Mashatu Game Reserve located?
The Mashatu Game Reserve or Tuli Block is located in the far eastern corner of Botswana, bordering both South Africa (Limpopo River) and Zimbabwe (Shashe River). The region is accessible via light aircraft into the Limpopo Valley private airport situated within the reserve and 4x4 vehicles (although we would recommend the fly-in option).
The nearest main towns to the game reserve would be Francistown, Palapye and Serule; all three are over 200 kilometres away from the reserves entrance gates.
To view the location from a HERE Map, click here: HERE Maps - Mashatu Game Reserve
Information On The Mashatu Game Reserve
Situated in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, it is an area of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. Mashatu has the largest elephant population on private game reserve in Southern Africa. The Mashatu Reserve gets its name from the enormous Mashatu trees, round-topped leafy giants, which occur throughout this immense tract of privately owned land.
The most popular activities in the Tuli Block include is game viewing either in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles, walking safaris, mountain bike safaris, horseback safaris, all guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers. The Mashatu Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest elephant population on privately owned game reserve land in Southern Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo valley.
The Mashatu Game Reserve is home to seven of Africa's giant’s: African elephant, lion, giraffe, baobab tree, eland, ostrich, kori bustard and of course, the endless African sky! Other popular wildlife includes spotted hyenas, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, cheetahs, kudu, Burchell's zebras, bushbuck, baboons, spotted genets and civets, impala and steenbok.
Night drives are permitted to enable the visitor to witness rare and elusive nocturnal creatures such as aardwolf, caracul, porcupine, leopard, lynx and wild cat.
Over 350 bird species have been identified in the wildlife region in Southern Africa.
Best Time to Visit The Mashatu Game Reserve?
The winter months in Southern Africa (or dry season) are by far and away the best time to visit the Tuli region, the reserve is still accessible in summer, but with the rains, the wildlife does disappear into the surrounding bushveld.
Summer is not absolutely terrible; one will end up game driving longer to find the wildlife. Luckily for those travelling in summer, the days are long.
For birders, we recommend the summer months.
Main Attractions Of The Mashatu
- Private land in Botswana with 42000 hectares of unfenced traversing
- Uniquely situated in the eastern corner of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve where the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers converge, weaving together Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa
- A true wilderness with a diversity of ecosystems and a variety of interesting landscapes
- Largest herds of elephant on privately owned game reserve in Southern Africa
- Incredible cat and predator sightings
- Over 350 bird species
- Boasting a range of 6 distinctive camps
- Unique adventure experiences including walking, cycling and horseback safaris
- Archaeological ruins - sister ruins to Mapangubwe and archaeology that dates back over one million years
- Eight perennial and non-perennial rivers on the property
- Incredible vistas, unusual topography, and wide open terrain
- Beautiful sunrise, sunsets, and night skies
- Award-winning photographic hides
- Guides boasting an average tenure of 14 years, with some guiding the way for an impressive 43 years
- 93% rain-free days
Mashatu Game Reserve is one of the most popular and well-known game reserves in Botswana. With an abundance of wildlife, visitors are able to enjoy a variety of safari experiences while being immersed in Africa's rugged landscape.
The reserve offers excellent photographic opportunities and some of the best safari lodges and camps in the country.
Combine with Botswana's Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve or Chobe National Park or a South Africa safari option.
If you're looking for an authentic African safari experience, Mashatu Game Reserve is the perfect destination.
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