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> > Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve

1 review

About Mashatu Game Reserve

Country found in: Botswana
Parks total area: 250 km² or 97 m²
Year established: 1964
Park wildlife: 27 animals listed
Anti-malarial: Recommended

What YAS members think of Mashatu Game Reserve

Quality of wildlife:
Crowdedness*:
Quality of lodging:
Most-visited month: October

* Crowded parks have a lower rating

Mashatu Game Reserve map

Mashatu Game Reserve is part of the Tuli Block in Botswana, where the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers flow together. The riverine forests and marshland give way to savannah, rocky outcrops and red sand. Leopards, lions and elephants roam as they did in ancient days, and dinosaur footprints remember even older times.

Mashatu is the Land of Giants. Elephants, giraffes and cheetahs—the largest, tallest and fastest animals on dry land—are all subjects of the kingdom of Mashatu. The largest bird, the ostrich, and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard, drink from the watering hole. The largest antelope, the Eland, is chased by the lion, Africa’s biggest cat and king of the beasts.

The massive baobab with its thick, squat trunk and spindly branches is an odd-looking tree standing all alone—legend says that another of Mashatu’s residents, the hyena, in ancient days was given the task of planting it and, being lazy and not too bright, put its branches into the ground and left its roots in the air! Another unique sight is the Nyala Tree, also called the Mashatu Tree, which grows in flood plains and along the river banks. It can grow taller than the baobab, with a gnarled, thick trunk and spreading branches.

The giants of Mashatu are not limited to flora and fauna. One of the world’s most dramatic natural geographical features is the dolerite dyke called Solomon's Wall, colossal cliffs looming 30 m (98 ft) above the sandy banks of the Motloutse River.

Not everything in Mashatu is the biggest of its kind. Other intriguing highlights include some of the world’s oldest rock art, the dinosaur footprints of Vhembe and ancient stone tool quarries.

In addition to three members of the big five – leopard, lion and elephant – are wildebeest, varieties of antelope including eland, impala, kudu and steenbok, hyenas, aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), African wildcat, honey badger, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, the cape fox and the endangered wild dog. Crocodiles lurk in the river. Over 350 bird species can be found in Mashatu, including some of the most vibrantly colored birds anywhere.

Pete’s Pond is a fascinating feature of Mashatu. In 2005, Pete Le Roux was so upset by the poaching happening along the Limpopo River that he created an alternate source of drinking water for the animals. Excavating a large area and utilizing an old, existing irrigation system, he created Pete’s Pond. A live webcam broadcasts continuously from the watering hole, and people from around the world can witness the enormous variety of animals and birds that visit the pond regularly to rehydrate and cool down.

When to visit Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve is open year round, with good wildlife viewing at all times. The dry season lasts from June to September and features increased wildlife viewing at the water holes. The rainy season from October to May is wonderful for viewing birdlife, baby animals and lush green savannahs.

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Mashatu Game Reserve tour packages

Showing 9 of 9 tour packages. Click here to see all tours.

Self Drive Southern Africa

Afri-can International

Tour by: Afri-can International

Self-Drive Southern Africa For the more adventurous traveller or for those that don’t want to travel in a group...

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From

$552

per person

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Adventure Safari in Botswana and Zambia

Bushtracks Expeditions

Tour by: Bushtracks Expeditions

Even though a safari is an outdoor adventure, it can be moderate to low activity experience if you remain in you...

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From

$11356

per person

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The Limpopo Lodge Ride

Limpopo Horse Safaris

Tour by: Limpopo Horse Safaris

The Limpopo Lodge Ride

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From

$4000

per person

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Tuli Safari for the non-Rider

Limpopo Horse Safaris

Tour by: Limpopo Horse Safaris

Tuli Safari for the non-Rider

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From

$4000

per person

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Encounter the Elephants

Ker & Downey

Tour by: Ker & Downey

At the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, there are herds of elephants in dire need of saving. On this...

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From

$20425

per person

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14 Days Road and Air Safari - Tuli-Block, Mashatu, Makgad...

Isago Tours & Safaris

Tour by: Isago Tours & Safaris

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From

$5306

per person

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The Two Mashatus Ride

Limpopo Horse Safaris

Tour by: Limpopo Horse Safaris

The Two Mashatus Ride

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From

$4000

per person

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The Tuli Safari

Limpopo Horse Safaris

Tour by: Limpopo Horse Safaris

The Tuli Safari

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From

$4000

per person

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7 Night Mashatu and Mala Mala

Jangle Africa Travel

Tour by: Jangle Africa Travel

This popular and exciting, 7 night wildlife package including MalaMala and Mashatu Game Reserves (two different ...

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From

$5930

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