Overview – Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu is situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana which is situated between the Tuli Safari Area, a national park in Zimbabwe and the Mapungubwe National Park, a World Heritage Site in South Africa. It's one of the biggest private reserves in southern Africa. The riverine forests and marshland give way to savannah, rough outcrops and red sand. Mashatu is the Land of Giants. Elephants, giraffes and cheetahs—the largest, tallest and fastest creatures on dry land—are on the whole subjects of the realm of Mashatu. The largest bird, the ostrich, and the world's heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard, drink from the watering opening. The largest antelope, the Eland, is pursued by the lion, Africa's biggest cat and king of the beasts.

  • Wildlife27 Animals

  • High SeasonMay to September

  • Best Time to GoMay to Oct & Dec to Jan

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing wildlife viewing experience (especially leopard and elephant)
  • Off-road driving is allowed which facilitates quality sightings
  • Game drives, walking safaris and night drives are available
  • horse riding and mountain biking are also available
  • Large private reserve with 3 small & exclusive lodges
  • Beautiful arid scenery
  • Slight expensive; all-inclusive packages are available
  • Three out of Big 5 animals are present except Buffalo and Rhino

Mashatu Game Reserve Map in Africa

Mashatu Game Reserve Safari Reviews

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Wildlife & Animals – Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu is the Land of Giants. Elephants, giraffes and cheetahs—the largest, tallest and fastest creatures on dry land—are on the whole subjects of the realm of Mashatu. The largest antelope, the Eland, is pursued by the lion, Africa's biggest cat and king of the beasts. This is perhaps the best spot to draw near to these giants and observe their behaviour and interactions. Leopard is frequently followed along the riverbeds and rough terrain through the hedge. 

Wildlife Highlights

Apart from Big five animals; there are varieties of antelope including wildebeest, eland, impala, kudu and steenbok, hyenas, aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), African wildcat, honey badger, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, the cape fox and the endangered wild dog. Crocodiles hide in the waterway. Wild dogs were once again introduced into the reserve and have been set up incredibly well.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing in Mashatu is at the end of the Dry season, generally from May to September, when animals assemble in the riverbeds. The summer months are very hot, but December to February is a good time to see big herds of elephants, eland, zebra and other ungulates.

Birds – Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu has excellent bird-watching opportunities with more than 350 species recorded so far including the absolute most vibrantly coloured birds anywhere. Throughout the cold weather months, these birds can be spotted accumulated around the little pools of water that remain from the wet season, and throughout the late spring months colossal huge flocks of birds show up from far north to camp out for the season.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Mashatu Game Reserve is an excellent park for bird-watching throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is in the Wet season from November to April, when migratory birds are available. For mammals and other wildlife viewings, the Dry season months of May to September are better.

Best Time to Visit – Mashatu Game Reserve

Mashatu Game Reserve is open all year, with great wildlife viewing consistently. The dry season endures from June to September and features expanded wildlife viewing at the water openings. The rainy season from October to May is awesome for viewing birdlife, baby animals and lavish green savannahs.

  • Best Time

    May to September

  • High Season

    May to Oct & Dec to Jan

  • Low Season

    January to April and November

  • Best Weather

    March to May

  • Worst Weather

    November to February

May to September (Dry Season)

  • Animals gathered near water openings which makes it easier to spot them
  • Leopards are easier to spot in dry riverine bush
  • Warm clothes are recommended for the early morning & night chill weather
  • The sky is hazy with a lot of dust in the air

May to September (Wet Season)

  • Plenty of baby animals that attract predators
  • Birding is best as migratory birds are present
  • The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush
  • Elephants and elands can be spotted easily as they are attracted to new vegetation
  • Very Hot climate
  • Few wildlife viewing opportunities as compared to dry season as animals are scattered

Activities – Mashatu Game Reserve

Safari Reviews – Mashatu Game Reserve

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