Mashatu Game Reserve
Botswana Travel Guide

Introduction

In one of Botswana's unique corners more than 90,000 acres of exceptional game land has been set aside for this reserve. The Mashatu Game Reserve, originally known as the Tuli enclave is a remarkable wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone cliffs. In the remote eastern corner Botswana, in the Tuli block at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.It is the largest of the Rattray Reserves. Mashatu Game Reserve with its rugged, unspoilt African landscapes gets its name from the massive Mashatu tree Xanthocercis zambesiaca which occurs throughout this vast expanse of privately owned land.

Wildlife of Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve is a sanctuary to the largest, single population of Elephant on privately owned land. The population on Mashatu alone, is estimated at approxiametly 700. Some of Africa's other giants are the Baobab tree, the Eland, the Ostrich, the Kori bustard, and the majestic Limpopo River.The wildlife experience at Mashatu is very personalized with dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers, enthusiastic to show you their world. The four-wheel drive safari vehicles set out at late afternoon and again at early morning in search of the different species which inhabit the reserve.Over 350 species of birds can be spotted, while the cheetah, zebra, giraffe, eland, impala, steenbok and the breeding herds of elephants are encountered out on the plains. There is also a diverse variety of fauna and flora which flourishes throughout the year.

When is the Best Time To Visit Mashatu?

©Shem Compion

Mashatu Game Reserve is an excellent year-round wildlife safari destination, due to the fact that there is no traditional "green season" and the animals do not migrate.

January - February
Hottest months (35ºC to 40ºC) - the lush, green rainy season is a good time to see Cheetahs which are enticed by the impala are lured out by the tender new grass shoots, which cover the plains in delicate shades of green and yellow flowers. Afternoon thunderstorms add some excitement. Animals are more active in the afternoon as they rest during the midday heat.

March - April
Warm (30ºC) Bright green short grass changing to autumn colours in April. Good game viewing. Flocks of migratory birds also begin to congregate in the treetops.

May - July
Warm (29ºC) pleasant weather and bright blue skies. In these winter months at Mashatu Game Reserve, it is lovely and warm during the day but gets chilly after sunset (9ºC). Bring warm clothes for night drives. Excellent predator viewing. leopard is easier to detect due to thinning vegetation. Elephants and wildlife start to frequent waterholes.

August - October
Dry and hot (31ºC to 39ºC) Floodplains and grasslands are dry and barren however many trees begin to blossom providing treats for baboons and other animals. October is the toughest season for herbivores and predators take advantage of their weakness.

November - December
Warm (35ºC) The start of summer and rain brings with it relief for the wildlife of Mashatu. In December flash floods often come bursting down the rivers sweeping away the accumulation of dirt and debris and leaving fresh, clean channels once again. Colourful flowers start to appear. Impala and wildebeest give birth to their young. Migratory birds return.

Mashatu Euphorbia Villas

Mashatu Euphorbia Villas offers luxury accommodation for those wanting an adventure safari in Mashatu Game Reserve but with all the creature comforts you could expect from a luxury lodge.

Your own luxury villa has solar air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, indoor and outside showers and toilets, and a private plunge pool. Gorgeous views combined with luxury facilities and superb service make Mashatu Euphorbia Villas an excellent Mashatu Game Reserve accommodation choice.

Stay at Mashatu Euphorbia Villas

Mashatu Main Camp

Mashatu Main Camp is well-known for its hospitality. Enjoy supper around the fire in the lala palm boma under a starlit sky overlooking the flood-lit waterhole. Relax around the pool or under the thatched verandah, and experience the hospitality and service for which Mashatu is renowned.

Mashatu is a haven of supreme 'bushveld' comfort and service, blending in pleasantly with the savannah that abounds with wildlife. There are 17 rooms at Mashatu Main Camp, of which 12 bedrooms are insect-proofed. French doors open onto a shaded veranda surrounded by Africa's flora and faunas.

A double and extra large single bed, complete the well-appointed superior rooms. The 5 standard rooms located within the central area of the camp consist of 2 extra large single beds, and 1 bathroom en-suite. Mashatu Main Camp hosts therefore thirty four guests.

Stay at Mashatu Main Camp

Mashatu Tented Camp

Mashatu Tented Camp lies in the remote northern area of the reserve. With never more than fourteen guests, this idyllic refuge offers accommodation in the form of seven twin tents. Although a bit rustic in character every facility is provided. The tents are insect-proofed, have comfortable beds and each has an en-suite shower and W.C. facility.

There is an open-sided thatched deck where meals are served, and a traditional boma for intimate campfire dinners. This camp also contains a plunge pool. Your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While on game drives, or mountain biking safaris, you will be taken care of by your ranger and on your return to camp, the staff will happily attend to your every need.

Stay at Mashatu Tented Camp

Things To Do in Mashatu Game Reserve

  • Exciting biking safaris
  • Horseback safaris
  • Photographic safaris
  • Exceptional year-round game viewing
  • Adventurous day and night game drives
  • Spectacular bird-watching

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