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Mashatu Game Reserve comprises 31,000 hectares (76600 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.

The reserve offers amazing photographic safaris, especially with their hide by the water-hole. They have 3 of the Big Five, namely the leopard, the lion and the elephant which 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.

Your 5-Day Itinerary

Outside porch seating | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

Inside couch seating | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

Bedroom interior | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

Walkway through bush, showcasing how safe Botswana is

Snacks and drinks table | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

Seating area with sunset | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

Leopard being observed on a safari | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

Cycling safari | Photo credit: Mashatu Lodge

You arrive at OR Tambo airport and are met by the representative for the road transfer to the lodge - this is about 6.5 hours drive. You will be driven to the border post at Pont Drift, where you meet with the Mashatu safari guide who will take over and transfer you to the lodge. The border crossing includes a "cable car" transfer across the Limpopo River, the adventure will start right there!

* Alternatively you can fly to the lodge, contact us for the supplement.

Arrive at Mashatu Lodge and relax before dinner and night. The lodge is situated on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert and water is its most precious resource. The lodge is in close proximity to water, and in thickets of vegetation, which forms an enclave populated by birds and animals. 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.

Mashatu Lodge

The 4 nights stay at Mashatu includes your meals, selected beverages, and 2 game drives per day (option of a guided walk). Chat to us as per your preferences and we can add optional activities such as horse riding, cycling, full day walking safari for example.

At 720 square kilometres, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is an extensive conservation area that encompasses the extreme southeast corner of Botswana. It is an area of great scenic diversity, fascinating history and rich wildlife. It is the largest privately owned conservation area in Southern Africa, with the largest elephant population on private land.

The area is sometimes called 'The Land of Giants', which refers to the presence of the world's largest terrestrial mammals (elephants), the world’s tallest mammals (giraffes), the world’s largest antelopes (elands), the world’s largest birds (ostriches), the world’s heaviest flying birds (kori bustards) and the world's broadest trees (baobabs). The headline species here are undoubtedly leopards, lions and elephants.

Mashatu Lodge

Last morning in the bush and transfer to the airstrip after breakfast. The seat in charter flight is included, you will fly to Lanseria airport (in South Africa) and a road transfer to OR Tambo on time for your flight back home. Or contact us to extend your trip.

Every itinerary can be crafted to your needs, from adjusting the length of your stay to including different accommodation and refining the route. Your safari is yours, shaped around your idea of a dream experience.

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My husband and I went to Southern Africa for our honeymoon and it was unbelievable and truly the trip of our dreams. We wanted to visit Cape Town, Botswana, and Zimbabwe on a middle range budget but still getting as nice of things as possible and Megan made it happen. Megan was so on top of everything and so organized I couldn’t believe it! I felt so safe knowing that we were in her hands.

We stayed at the Victoria and Alfred hotel right on the waterfront and got to see the penguins and national parks in Cape Town. Then, in Botswana we did safaris in both the Okavango Delta and Chobe. We stayed at Kadizora Camp in the Delta first. This camp was so quaint, beautiful, peaceful, secluded, and the food and staff were beyond amazing. We didn’t see even one other jeep while we were out and saw the big 5 minus Rhinos which don’t live in that area.

The second place we stayed was Elephant Valley Lodge in Chobe and the there was a watering hole right in front of the camp where elephants and other animals would come to drink right in front of the camp that you could enjoy while drinking coffee or eating dinner. We also saw 3/5 there minus cheetahs and rhinos. This view was incredible and made the camp so special.

In Zimbabwe we saw the breathtaking Victoria Falls and did the funnest zip line. Even though we had several COVID tests while we were there it was all worth it and we respected each country keeping their people safe but still allowing us to visit. I cannot say enough about Megan she is truly incredible and we will be using her when we come back to different parts of Africa.

"We had an amazing safari experience in Botswana thanks to Chrizaan! She planned everything perfectly and was very professional, honest, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She supported us every step of the way and was always available whenever we..."

Mojgan Owliaey, Germany · 18 May 2026 ·

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"Magic tour, the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in all my life, I really love this ancestral land: nature, wise animals, and humans with very big heart."

Griselda Woo Gonzalez, Mexico · 12 Nov 2025 ·

"My experience was terrific. From the help I received to planning it, to the actual trip and the organization of the trip. There were no surprises. Susan Veldman expertly and promptly addressed all my concerns, before and while I was..."

Ed, United States · 5 Jun 2024 ·

"Fellow travelers, I had not a worry ! as the itinerary went so went our adventure! From the Drivers to the Hotel staff to the small aircraft pilots! Wonderful! Always there to make our travels smooth and refreshing ! I..."

Xenia, United States · 11 Nov 2022 ·

"My husband and I went to Southern Africa for our honeymoon and it was unbelievable and truly the trip of our dreams. We wanted to visit Cape Town, Botswana, and Zimbabwe on a middle range budget but still getting as..."

Tahnee and Clifton, United States · 23 Sep 2021 ·

"The itinerary options developed and information provided by Matthys allowed us to design a fantastic first time safari for my family. Every detail was considered and we were very well taken care of by the Desert and Delta staff in..."

Rhona, United States · 15 Aug 2020 ·