Mashatu Game Reserve is located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana bordering South Africa.

It is the embodiment of all that defines Africa. Space so open and vast, taking it all in is almost too much; an array of wildlife from the gigantic to the miniscule; majestic skies open to the universe and unfettered by smog; a quiet so loud it thrums with life; and unexpected adventure beyond the game drive with horse-back safaris, cycling safaris and walks in the wild. Experience the lives of Africa's big cats, as well as on of the world's largest mammals - the elephant - through the mesmerizing Mashatu Research Programme.

Mashatu?s camps are an expression of the warm hospitality of Africa?s people. Relaxation is key, regardless of whether your choice is the luxury of Mashatu Main Camp, or the rustic appeal of Mashatu Tent Camp.

Safari vehicles meander into the bush twice a day, bringing visitors into close contact with an Africa that is largely known only in wildlife documentaries and glossy books. But this Africa is real, and distinctly tangible through all six senses.

Mashatu Game Reserve is a place to connect you to the essence of what life is meant to be. Uncomplicated, bold, and beautiful.

Mashatu Main Camp

Mashatu Main Camp is the larger and more luxurious of Mashatu's camps. Completely refurbished during 2002/3, the camp offers 14 tastefully and authentically decorated suites. Each suite is furnished with two three-quarter beds, a day bed, expansive en suite bathroom with shower, bath, his and hers basins, and a second W.C.

A private lounge area overlooks the unfenced surrounding bush and 24 hour temperature control completes the comfort of each suite. Mashatu Main Camp is elevated around a waterhole and offers excellent game viewing opportunities from within the camp itself. The dining area, stunning day lounge and "Gin Trap" bar provide diverse lookouts from which to enjoy and appreciate the environment. Facilities within the camp include a swimming pool, an air-conditioned lounge and dining room and a lala-palm enclosed African boma, in which sumptuous dinners are savoured under the magnificent African night sky and around a blazing fire. A well appointed curio shop complements the facilities.

The "piece de resistance" at Main Camp is the Discovery Room: base for the scientific research conducted at Mashatu and a magnifying glass though which the animals and history of Mashatu can be examined. A fascinating insight into the world that is Mashatu - the Land of the Giants.

Mashatu Main Camp offers a fully air-conditioned conference room, with seating for up to 48 delegates “Boardroom Style” and includes: VCR and TV monitors, overhead projectors, slide projectors, screens, flip charts and white boards. No additional charge is levied for the use of the conference room.

Mashatu Tented Camp

Nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp. With never more than sixteen guests, this idyllic getaway provides accommodation in the form of eight twin tents. Although 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 thatch deck where meals are served and a traditional boma for intimate camp­fire dinners. This camp also contains a very welcome plunge pool. Your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While on game drives, you will be taken care of by your ranger and on your return, the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need.

Mashatu has a lala-palm enclosed African boma, in which sumptuous dinners are savoured under the magnificent African night sky and around a blazing fire.

The name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which occur throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home of no less than seven of Africa's giants: the African elephant, the lion, giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard. It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres / 30,000 hectares of pristine game land, be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, unspoilt African landscapes either in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles, on a walking safaris, on mountain bicycles, or horse back, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers a view of Africa, unchanged since the days of early visitors such as Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. Historic and archaeological sites abound; notable are the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.

The excitement of Mashatu has not changed over time. It is still home to large herds of elephant, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat-eared fox, African Wildcat and the magnificent leopard search for prey.Some 366 species of birds may be seen. Mashatu Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest, single population of elephant on privately owned land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo valley. Today, the population on Mashatu Game Reserve alone, is estimated to number in excess of 500.

The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalised. Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. Radio-linked 4-wheel drive vehicles, groups of mountain bicycles or horses set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound throughout the reserve. Whether you visit Mashatu for the excitement of the big game viewing, the relaxation of unspoilt Africa or the quiet luxury of the camps, you will not be disappointed.

Ivory Drives

Mashatu has the largest free roaming, flourishing elephant population on private land in Southern Africa. Join our resident elephant specialist and researcher, Jeanetta Selier, on a morning drive to learn more about these amazing creatures. Learn how to identify, as well as age and sex the different herds, which Jeanetta has come to know so well over the years. Getting right up close and personal with these fascinating pachyderms enables guests to learn more about their behaviour, their complex social structure and their communication skills. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

Archaeological Drives

Join us on a visit to the Mmamagwa ruins on the Motloutse River. Here you can explore ancient civilisations long forgotten by modern man and relive this bygone era. These trips will include a visit to Solomon's Wall, exploration of the archaeological site, and a walk to the top of Mmamakwa Hill. Pottery, beads and stonewalls dating back a thousand years are visible at the site. These ruins, only available to guests staying at Mashatu Game Reserve are of the same dynasty as the famous Mapungubwe Ruins, the World Heritage Site in South Africa, where the sacred Golden Rhino was discovered. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

Mountain Bike Safaris

For the more adventurous - join a mountain bike safari and see the bush from a completely different perspective. The experienced rangers will accompany you as you pedal your way along ancient elephant paths. The exhilaration of cycling amongst the “Giants of Mashatu’ is awesome and a lifetime experience. Early morning and late afternoon rides are available. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

Horse Safaris

"Take a ride on the wild side." A horse safari in the Land of Giants will arouse the explorer in you. Allow the spirit of your horse to carry you in rhythm with the African beat, to return you to an age-old Africa. Join Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris for a morning or afternoon ride from Fort Jameson's Camp on the Limpopo River. Note: this is a fast, advanced ride - only experienced riders permitted. (Min 01 pax & Max 08 Pax) (including transfers to and from Fort Jamesons)

Predator Drive

Hi, my name is Villiers (a.k.a. Catman) and I study the movement patterns of the reserve’s leopard population. Join me on a Predator Drive as we track down and follow these elusive animals with advanced telemetry equipment, whilst the sun sets over the African bush. Learn more about the study, as well as the ecology and behaviour of all the large predator species that call Mashatu home. This is an opportunity to spend the afternoon and early evening hours with one of the world’s most attractive cats, whilst at the same time funding a project, which is of great importance to leopard conservation. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

Walking Trails

The Land of Giants offers an African experience ranging from the biggest to the smallest, from the obvious to the subtle, when walking with an experienced ranger and trail guide. Paul Grobler worked as a trails guide in the Kruger National Park and is now based at Mashatu and is available to offer guests a fascinating insight into the biology and ecology of the area.

Kgothla Evening

Enjoy a magical evening under the stars in the “Kgotla”, the log-enclosed, open-air boma (an African tribal court that has been rebuilt on Mashatu). After an afternoon spent exploring the ancient Mmamagwa Ruins (exposing the seat of African civilization of almost 1000 years ago, pre-dating the Great Zimbabwe Ruins), enjoy sundowners under the gigantic baobab tree which stands majestic over the endless African plains beneath. You will return to the Kgotla and feast on a hearty meal prepared over an open fire. This outdoor experience offers an evening at one with the elements but with the comforts of a WC and hot showers. As the day reaches its’ end, reflect on your experience as you drift into slumber amidst the orchestra of sound of our true Africa .

(Must be booked in advance and in conjunction with an activity booked with a concessionaire, and is only available between the months of April and October inclusive and Sunday to Thursday inclusive. Min 4 pax and Max 08 pax)

Mapungubwe Day Trip

The flat topped hill of Mapungubwe, proclaimed a National Monument in 1984, is an archaeological heritage site that will tantalise you with tales of royalty, gold and mysterious artefacts discovered near ancient burial sites. Some of the world’s oldest rock art (dating back AD 1050) is on view in this area. Research revealed Mapungubwe to be the predecessor of the illustrious lost civilisation of Great Zimbabwe. There are various walks in Mapungubwe National Park, beautiful views of the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, and interesting archeological diggings. Recently proclaimed a World Heritage Site, Mapungubwe will become part of the Trans Frontier Park, which includes Zimbabwe and Botswana (and Mashatu Game Reserve). Enjoy a guided tour of Mapungubwe including a picnic brunch at one of the magnificent lookout points over the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers. Guests will be transferred from Mashatu to meet their guide at the Pont Drift Border Post at 09h00, returning to Mashatu at approximately 14h30 in time for the afternoon game drive. (Min 02 pax & Max 08 Pax)

Children under 12 years, sharing with full paying adults, pay 50% of the quoted adult tariff at Main Camp and there are no children permitted at the Tent Camp.