Mashatu Game Reserve: Land of Giants

4.7 (59)

Discover Botswana's 'Land of Giants': a diverse wildlife haven with dramatic landscapes, conservation efforts, and thrilling safari adventures.

Home
Botswana
Tuli Block
Mashatu Game Reserve

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, diverse wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. Sharing unfenced borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe, animals roam freely across this protected area.

A brief summary to Mashatu Game Reserve

Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially during the winter months (April-August) when nights can be chilly.
Bring binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing and birdwatching experience.
Consider booking activities in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability for game drives, horseback safaris, and photographic hides.
A valid passport is required, and it's advisable to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
If driving from South Africa, be aware of the Pont Drift border post's operating hours and the possibility of crossing the Limpopo River via cable car during flood conditions.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

The Untamed Beauty of Northern Tuli Game Reserve

Mashatu Lodge

Mashatu Lodge: A Luxurious Botswana Safari Experience

Solomons Wall

Solomons Wall: A Geological Marvel

Getting There

Road

To reach Mashatu Game Reserve by road from Johannesburg, South Africa, allow approximately 6.5 hours of driving time. The route leads to the Pont Drift border post, where you'll cross the Limpopo River into Botswana. If the river is not in flood, you can drive across; otherwise, a cable car provides transport. After clearing customs and immigration, a Mashatu guide will meet you and drive you to your accommodation within the reserve. Keep in mind that the Pont Drift border post typically operates from 8 AM to 4 PM. Cable car fees are included in the transfer costs.
Air

For a quicker arrival, consider flying directly to Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA), Mashatu's private airport. Mashatu Connect offers scheduled charter flights from Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg. Upon arrival at LVA, a Mashatu guide will transfer you to your chosen camp within the reserve. Flight times are approximately one hour from Johannesburg. Contact Mashatu Connect for current flight schedules and pricing.

Discover more about Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve, nestled in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, is a unique and breathtaking safari destination. Often called the 'Land of Giants,' it earns its name from the towering Mashatu trees and the impressive creatures that inhabit its diverse terrain. Here, you'll find the largest mammal (elephant), tallest mammal (giraffe), Africa's largest cat (lion), largest antelope (eland), heaviest flying bird (kori bustard), and largest bird (ostrich). The reserve boasts a dramatic landscape unlike the rest of Botswana, featuring wide plains, lush forests, rugged hills, and ancient sandstone ridges. The confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers creates a haven for wildlife, including over 350 bird species. Mashatu's commitment to conservation is evident in its support for anti-poaching efforts and community development. The reserve also plays a vital role in protecting significant paleontological and archaeological sites, including dinosaur footprints dating back millions of years. Visitors can explore Mashatu on traditional game drives, guided walks, horseback safaris, and mountain biking excursions. Night drives offer the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like the springhare and bat-eared fox. For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at one of Mashatu's lodges or tented camps, each offering its own unique charm and access to the wonders of the African bush.