Limpopo Valley Airport
Limpopo Valley Airport: Gateway to Botswana's Wilderness
Mashatu Game Reserve: Land of Giants
Discover Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve: The Land of Giants, offering exceptional wildlife encounters and diverse safari adventures in a unique wilderness.
Mashatu Game Reserve, also known as the 'Land of Giants', is a 29,000-hectare (72,000 acres) private reserve in Botswana that is home to diverse wildlife and landscapes. Here, visitors can encounter Africa's largest mammal, the elephant, alongside the giraffe, lion, eland, ostrich, and kori bustard.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Mashatu Game Reserve
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Driving
The most common way to arrive at Mashatu Game Reserve is by driving from Johannesburg, South Africa, approximately a 6.5-hour drive. The final approach involves crossing the Pont Drift border post. Ensure you have all necessary vehicle documentation, including proof of ownership or a letter of permission from the rental company if applicable. After arriving at the Pont Drift Border Post, you will need to go through customs and immigration. If the Limpopo River is not in flood, you can drive across the riverbed. If the river is flooded, a cable car is available for pedestrians. **Costs:** * **Botswana Vehicle Entry Fee:** Approximately P152 (about $11.50 USD). Payment can be made in Botswana Pula (BWP) or by credit card. * **Cable Car (if applicable):** Approximately R30 or P30 (about $2 USD) per person. **Important Considerations:** * The Pont Drift border post is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Plan your trip accordingly. * A temporary import permit (TIP) for your vehicle can be purchased at the border. * Declare all goods to customs officials. * Ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Flying
For a quicker and more convenient arrival, consider flying directly to Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA), a private airport within Mashatu Game Reserve. Mashatu Connect coordinates flights from Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arrival at LVA, a guide will meet you and drive you to your accommodation within the reserve. **Costs:** * **Flights from Lanseria Airport (JNB) to Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA):** Prices vary depending on the operator and time of booking. Contact Mashatu Connect for current pricing. **Important Considerations:** * Booking flights in advance is highly recommended. * Ensure your passport is valid and you have any necessary visas. * Check baggage allowance with the airline.
Local tips
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Pack layers, as daytime temperatures can be warm, but evenings can get chilly, especially during the winter months (May to September).
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Bring binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing and birdwatching experiences.
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Pre-book activities like horseback safaris and photographic hide sessions to ensure availability.
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If driving from South Africa, ensure you have all necessary vehicle documentation and border crossing requirements.
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Visit during the dry winter months (May to October) for optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources.
Discover more about Mashatu Game Reserve
Mashatu Game Reserve, nestled in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, presents a unique and ecologically diverse wilderness. Known as the 'Land of Giants' for its impressive inhabitants and the towering Mashatu trees, the reserve spans 29,000 hectares (72,000 acres) of privately-owned land. Mashatu shares unfenced borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe, allowing wildlife to roam freely across these boundaries.The reserve boasts a varied landscape, including wide-open plains, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges. This diverse terrain supports a wide array of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 350 bird species. Mashatu is particularly renowned for its exceptional elephant and predator sightings.Visitors to Mashatu can explore the reserve through various activities, including traditional game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided bush walks, horseback safaris, and mountain biking adventures. Photographic hides provide unique opportunities for wildlife photography. Mashatu also holds historical significance, with paleontological and archaeological remains dating back millions of years, including dinosaur footprints and evidence of the Mapungubwe Dynasty.Lodging options range from luxury suites to tented camps, providing comfortable accommodations for all types of travelers. Mashatu's commitment to conservation is evident in its sustainable practices and community engagement, making it a significant contributor to the preservation of Botswana's natural heritage.
A brief summary to Mashatu Game Reserve
Use Mashatu Game Reserve as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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