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Mashatu Game Reserve: Land of Giants

Explore Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve: the 'Land of Giants' offers exceptional wildlife sightings, diverse landscapes, and thrilling safari adventures.

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Mashatu Game Reserve, also known as the 'Land of Giants', is a 42,000-hectare private reserve in Botswana's Northern Tuli Game Reserve. It's home to massive herds of elephants and a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and over 350 bird species. The reserve boasts varied landscapes, from open plains to rocky hills, offering a unique safari experience.

A brief summary to Mashatu Game Reserve

Local tips

  • Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, especially during the winter months (April to August).
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and birdwatching, as Mashatu is home to over 350 bird species.
  • Consider booking a night drive for a chance to see nocturnal animals not often visible during the day.
  • A small amount of Botswana Pula (BWP) can be useful for smaller purchases, though major establishments accept credit cards.
  • Respect the wildlife and follow your guide's instructions to ensure a safe and sustainable safari experience.
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Getting There

  • Road

    Most visitors drive to Mashatu from Johannesburg, South Africa, approximately a 6.5-hour journey. The final approach involves crossing the Pont Drift border post between South Africa and Botswana. If the Limpopo River is low, vehicles can drive through; otherwise, a cable car is used. Ensure passports are stamped at the border post. Note that the Pont Drift border post operates strictly from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  • Air

    The quickest way to reach Mashatu is by flying into Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA), a registered international airport within the reserve. Mashatu Connect coordinates flights from Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival, a guide will transfer you to your accommodation within the reserve.

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Discover more about Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve, nestled in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, is a captivating wilderness often called the 'Land of Giants'. This nickname comes from the towering Mashatu (Nyala berry) trees and the impressive creatures that inhabit the 42,000-hectare reserve. As part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Mashatu shares unfenced borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe, allowing animals to roam freely across national lines. The reserve boasts a remarkable ecological diversity, with landscapes ranging from wide-open plains and savannahs to riverine forests, rocky hills, and dramatic sandstone ridges. This variety supports an abundance of wildlife, including the 'giants' that give the reserve its name: the African elephant, giraffe, lion, eland, ostrich, and kori bustard. Mashatu is particularly known for its large elephant population, the biggest on privately owned land. Visitors can explore Mashatu on traditional game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, led by experienced Tswana rangers and trackers. The private reserve status allows for exciting night drives, offering glimpses of nocturnal creatures like the springhare and bat-eared fox. For a more intimate experience, guided bush walks and horseback safaris provide a chance to connect with the land and its inhabitants. Mashatu also actively contributes to conservation and community development through the Tuli Conservation Trust and NOTUGRE. Conservation levies paid by guests support anti-poaching efforts, wildlife management, and community projects.

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