Mashatu sits within the Tuli Block in a nature reserve at the remote eastern corner of Botswana bordering South Africa, where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers meet. The diverse range of habitats in the Tuli area include savannah, riverine forests, marshlands, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The Mashatu Game Reserve is owned and run by Rattray Reserves (who also run Mala Mala in the Kruger area). Mashatu's name comes from the trees which are found here and the wildlife here includes huge herds of elephant, lions, giraffes, eland, cheetah amongst many others and over 350 species of birds.
Game viewing here can be by traditional open 4x4 vehicles or on horse back or mountain bike. The scenery is stunning and there are many historical and archaeological sites in the area too, most notably the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.
Early morning or late afternoon cycle rides with experienced rangers or on horse back with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris provide the opportunity to experience this beautiful wilderness away from motor vehicles. Note that the riding is for experienced riders only. These activities are in addition to the normal game driving packages and can also be booked with overnight sleep outs using more basic camping.
Several research projects are on-going at Mashatu adding considerable value to the reserve and surrounding areas and it is possible to go out with the scientific staff carrying out studies on elephants and lions and learn a lot more about the lives of these animals. Currently, projects being carried out at Mashatu include the Central Limpopo Valley Elephant Research Project, Mashatu Predator Research Programme, Limpopo / Shashe Trans Frontier Conservation Area, Mashatu Archaeological and Historical Sites, Arachnic Project and the Botswana Cheetah Conservation Programme.
Main Camp has 14 luxury suites all with temperature control. There is a large private lounge and the 'Gin Trap' bar overlooks the bushlands and the camp is elevated around a waterhole. Each suite has huge living areas. There is a swimming pool, air conditioned lounge and a palm enclosed boma for outdoor dining. There is a Discovery Room where you can learn about the animals and history and the research projects of Mashatu. Children of all ages are welcome at Main Camp but those aged five and under are not permitted to dine in the boma or to be taken on game drives, unless their parents have reserved sole-use of their safari vehicle. Special dining arrangements can be made and baby sitting services are provided on request at a nominal charge. Family rooms and triple rooms are available upon request.
Tent Camp is in the remote northern part of the reserve and has 8 en-suite comfortable tents with showers and flush toilets. There is an open sided thatched deck and open boma for dining and a plunge pool. There is limited solar power and fans in the tents. A hide overlooks a waterhole. No children under 12 are permitted here.
