Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Land of the Giants and amazing landscapes

Mashatu Lodge

Mashatu is the epitome of all that defines wilderness areas in Africa.

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.

Mashatu Game Reserve is situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and it is here where the three countries; Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe converge. In addition to this large conservation area, Mashatu Game Reserve offers refuge to the largest elephant population on a private reserve on the African continent.

Situated in the centre of Mashatu Game Reserve and in close proximity to the Majale River, Mashatu Lodge is an oasis in this desert landscape.

For the client who is accustomed to luxury, this camp will meet every expectation. 14 luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter, and are designed to allow absolute privacy and a communion with the bush and its inhabitants. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher on a branch overhead, smell the grassy scent of the bushveld, and touch the bark of an ancient tree and inhale a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating.

The Mashatu Game Reserve Mashatu Game Reserve comprises 29,000 hectares (72000 acres) of privately owned land in the conserved wilderness area known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. The reserve lies in the eastern extremity of Botswana where the great Limpopo and Shashe Rivers converge. This exceptionally diverse landscape includes wide open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland and majestic sandstone ridges.

Because of the exceptional diversity of landscapes of the reserve, Mashatu enjoys an ecological biodiversity uncommon in other game reserves. Three members of the Big Five, namely the leopard, the lion and the elephant are complimented by some lesser well-known, but interesting, species, including the aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), the bat-eared fox, the African wildcat, the honey badger, the spotted hyena and the black-backed jackal. For visitors who are interested in bird life and bird photography, Mashatu is home to more than 350 bird species, including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller. The lilac breasted roller has striking plumage which made up of eight different colours. Mashatu is also home to the largest flying bird native to Africa, the Kori Bustard, which is the national bird of Botswana.

Accommodation at Masahtu Lodge

14 luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and a communion with the bush and its inhabitants.

Each of the air-conditioned suites at Mashatu Lodge is tastefully decorated and includes impressive black and white prints of Africa’s most beautiful animals. A double bed and an extra-large single bed, together with a seating area that includes a single day bed, comfortably accommodates families. The ample en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower facilities and a separate W.C. complete the well-appointed suites.

From your suite watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher on a branch overhead, smell the grassy scent of the bushveld, touch the bark of an ancient tree and inhale a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating.

Lodge Facilities

The Discovery Room is the portal through which curious visitors get a glimpse of another world – one that existed long before the appearance of man. The animal specimens and relics will fascinate and educate visitors of all ages.

Curio shop For a touch of retail therapy, the fully stocked curio shop showcases a variety of African crafts, clothing and jewellery. Fear not – if you run out of sunscreen or your battery runs flat, you can replace these too.

Lodge deck Please feel free to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature on the deck overlooking a waterhole.

Swimming pool A large swimming pool is a focal point where Mashatu Lodge visitors cool down and relax between game activities, both lodges have swimming pools.

Mashatu Lodge Boma Meals are a sumptuous celebration of traditional African Cuisine - flavoursome and homely. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home-made breads and pies, succulent meat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal to a guest who appreciates informal cuisine at its best. Dinners are served around a blazing fire in the reed-enclosed boma, exposing diners to the glorious night sky above.

Enjoying the lodge

Uniqueness

Private land in Botswana with 29000 hectares of traversing
A true wilderness with a diversity of ecosystems and a variety of interesting landscapes
Excellent predator and elephant viewing
Adventure safaris; walking, cycling and horse safaris
Incredible vistas, unusual topography and wide open terrain with beautiful sunrises, sunsets and night skies
Photographic hides
Two very different camps and 92% rain-free days a year over 23 years
Easy access by road and air

Safari activities

Mashatu Lodge offers many authentic safari experiences.

Game Drives 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 Walking Safaris A walking safari means coming closer to the roar of the lion, the howl of the hyena, the cry of the jackal and the whistle of the pearl-spotted owl and sightings simply not possible from a vehicle or the comforts of a lodge. The Mashatu Walking Safari can be enjoyed as an ad-hoc activity from Mashatu Lodge or Tent Camp, or as an overnight multi-day adventure.
Horse Safaris Surrounded by a multitude of Africa's flora and fauna, come and explore this breath-taking terrain from horseback, in the company of experienced African equestrian hosts who have extensive knowledge and experience of the bush. There is nothing more exhilarating than galloping on horseback alongside herds of antelope, over the wild open plains of Mashatu, kicking dust into the sunset sky. The Mashatu Horse Safari can be enjoyed as an ad-hoc activity or as an overnight multi-day adventure.
Mashatu Photographic Hides The photographic hide is a structure built to maximise the photographic potential of the animals that visit them. The hide can be used to view wildlife in the normal manner, but have been positioned with consideration of the angle of the sun, the background and the angle which the viewer occupies in relation to the animals and birds. The most famous of these hides is the 'elephant hide', renowned for the photographic images taken of elephant and other animals drinking from the water's edge. The PhotoMashatu hide offers both the amateur or professional photographer the most unique and delightful opportunities to record a memorable safari at Mashatu.
Mashatu Cycle Safaris Cycle Mashatu operates the cycling concession on Mashatu Game Reserve. Cycling is offered to guests from both Mashatu Lodge and Tent Camp as an experience to be enjoyed during their stay on a more traditional vehicle safari. The more adventurous may join a mountain bike safari in the company of an armed and highly experienced guide. On a bike, the cyclist is, in effect, conducting his/her own safari and gets to enjoy the reserve and its inhabitants from a completely different perspective. The groups of cyclists meander along ancient elephant paths. The exhilaration of cycling amongst the ‘Giants of Mashatu’ is awesome, and should be enjoyed at least once on a safari for anyone with a little interest in cycling. Rides are generally enjoyed early morning.
Kids on Safari The Children’s programme is geared for children aged 4–12 years. Activities depend on the time of year, and the number of days the children will be staying in camp. Each child is given a Mashatu backpack containing an interactive checklist, bird colouring book, coloured pencils and sharper, a compass and thermometer. The children’s programme is subject to availability and needs to be pre-booked prior to arrival. Please inform your Mashatu reservationist that your children are interested in participating in the programme.

A day at Mashatu Lodge and Mashatu Tented Camp

Game drives are planned for mornings and evenings as this is the time when the animals are most active. The game drives last for about three hours and include a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening. Mashatu generally adjusts safari times accordingly to the seasons in order to maximise game-viewing opportunities and ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable experience.