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 36 000 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 the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and many more. The reserve is also home to over 300 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 is also home to the renowned Photographic Safari Centre, which offers courses and workshops for all levels of photography, from beginner to professional.

Mashatu Game Reserve Facts

• Size & Location: 305km²
• When to visit the park: April - 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 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 (almost 900) on private land in the world. 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 single elephant population on privately owned land in 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 phenomena: the Limpopo River, African Elephants, lions, giraffes, baobab trees, elands, ostriches, kori bustards 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

• The largest population of privately owned African Elephants
• Wild dog sightings
• Night drives and game drives
• Rugged, unspoilt African landscape
• An exceptional wildlife viewing safari experience
• Wild and remote
• Mountain biking safaris
• Stunning region for landscape photography
• Rugged kopjes and baobab trees
• Excellent safari lodges and camps

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.