Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve
Botswana Mashatu Game Reserve: A breathtaking adventure

In the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. It is here that the largest of the Rattray Reserves is situated - Mashatu Game Reserve. The name comes from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which are found  throughout this immense tract of privately owned land.

You'll know when you have arrived.	One of the "giants" of Mashatu, the ostrich.

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 safe keeping.

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 and experience the unspoilt African landscape either in the open 4-wheel drive vehicles, on walking safaris, on mountain bicycles, or by horse back, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers.

Stay out of their way!	Zebras roam the Mashatu.

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.

There is always something new to see around the corner.
Vala is in good hands it must be said...	And always someone or something on the lookout!

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.

A sturdy vehicle, armed and able guides and you are on your way.	Breakfast is served....

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.

Mashatu is 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.

	They may look lazy...and they are! But be warned.....
Their utter size always amazes.	Dinner is takes outdoors of course.

The African Elephant, Africa's largest mammal. By nature, elephants are essentially family orientated creatures and may be found in herds of 10 to 20 and up to 50 and more. Bulls usually have larger tusks than cows and a more rounded forehead; the cow is more angled.

An elephant's trunk can hold up to 15 litres of water. It uses its trunk to locate food by touch and smell, as an elephant cannot see down its trunk. If an elephant loses the use of its trunk it will die.

The Lion, Africa's largest cat. To avoid the heat of the day lions are most active at night. They are highly social animals and found in small prides of up to twenty individuals. A pride consists of related females and cubs residing in a home range or territory. The males are nomads that have gained custody of a pride through competition with other males.

The Giraffe, Africa's tallest mammals, are gregarious animals with keen scent, hearing and sight. They move at speeds up to 50 km/h.  Both sexes have horns and a their . tongues can reach up to 18"! Females and their young live in maternal herds, whilst males separate from their mothers in, approximately, their third year to join bachelor herds, gradually becoming solitary with maturity.

The majestic Baobab trees have obviously been here a while.	The Hyena is beautiful in its own right.

The Baobab Tree. Like the elephant in the animal kingdom, the massive baobab tree easily eclipses its fellow species in size and age. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and can live for several thousand years. The baobab is leafless for nine months of the year. The leaves are about 5 inches long and have three to seven glossy leaflets. It produces 5 to 7 inch flowers with five white petals and numerous purplish stamen.

The Eland, Africa's largest antelope. Eland are shy inoffensive animals, and excellent jumpers. Eland stand almost 6 ft (1.8 m) high at the shoulder and may weight up to 2,000 lb (910 kg). Its oxlike body is light brown, with a few narrow white stripes running across the back and down the sides. It has a hump between the shoulders, a short, erect, black mane, and a long tail with a short, black tuft.

The Ostrich, Africa's largest bird, with their gentle eyes, superb plumes and vicious kick occur throughout Southern Africa from the bushveld in the east to the dunes on the Atlantic coast in the west.

The Kory is huge and its flight is a sight to behold.	There is always something thrilling going on.

The Kori Bustard, Africa's heaviest flying bird - the male Kori stands about 90 centimetres tall and can turn the scales at 23 kilograms. They are seen single, in pairs or groups in woodland, grassy plains and Kalahari scrub. Kori bustard walks slowly with measured strides and flies reluctantly, although they are remarkably strong fliers.

In addition to the game drives conducted in 4 wheel drive safari vehicles by experienced rangers and trackers, Mashatu Game Reserve is also able to offer activities conducted by research scientists and concessionaires based on Mashatu Game Reserve. The applicable fee assists in the funding of the scientist’s research.

A glimpse of the luxurious lodgings.	Comy bedrooms are a must and a feature.

We suggest that these are pre-booked prior to arrival at the camps to ensure availability of the activity. On site reservations may be made on check-in at the camps but no guarantee can be given that the scientists or concessionaires will be available.

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.

Andrei Snyman,  who is based on Mashatu Game Reserve, is the predator researcher of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. His study specializes in the lions and leopards of this area.  Andrei has extensive experience working with large carnivores, covering aspects such as capture, radio tracking, monitoring and censusing.

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.

We were hiking and came accross this beautiful leopard.

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.

"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.