Location:

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. Mashatu Game Reserve gets its name from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which occur throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. 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 700. The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalized.

Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. Radio-linked four-wheel drive vehicles set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound throughout the reserve.

In an area approximately 4 1/2 hours drive north from Johannesburg between the confluences of the Motloutse and Shashe Rivers in Botswana lies an area known as the "Land of the Giants". The 66 000 acre Mashatu Game Reserve is situated in the Tuli Block so named for its distinction of being an area of Africa that enjoys the Seven Giants of Africa:

The Elephant - The Earths largest land Mammal
The Lion - Africas largest Cat.
The Ostrich - The worlds largest Bird
The Kori Bustard - The worlds heaviest flying bird
The Giraffe - The worlds tallest mammal
The Eland - Africas largest antelope
The Baobab - Africas largest tree

Mashatu Main Camp is elevated around a waterhole and offers excellent game viewing opportunities from within the camp itself. The dining area, stunning day lounge and "Gin Trap" bar provide diverse lookouts from which to enjoy and appreciate the environment. Facilities within the camp include a swimming pool, an air-conditioned lounge and dining room and a lala-palm enclosed African boma, in which sumptuous dinners are savoured under the magnificent African night sky and around a blazing fire. A well appointed curio shop complements the facilities.

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. Children under 12 years of age, sharing with full paying adults, pay 50% of the quoted adult tariff.

• Capacity = 28 guests.  - 14 Luxury double/twin suites.
• En-suite luxury bathroom per suite. - Purified water.
• Lala-Palm enclosed boma where dinner is held under the stars.
• Facsimile, telephone and e-mail facilities available at the border post.
• 24 - hour electricity (with standby generator).
• Safari Boutique.
• Maximum number of guests per game viewing vehicle is 7.
• 24-hour temperature control.
• Insect proof screening on all windows and sliding doors.
• Separate tour guides accommodation (B grade).
• Insect repellent supplied in all bedrooms and on all vehicles.
• Laundry service. - Safari Bar featuring an international selection of beverages.
• Discovery/Educational Centre. - Full range of guest amenities.
• A limited number of mountain bicycles for participation in cycling safaris.

Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles in the 90 000 acre Mashatu Game Reserve. The rangers are in constant radio communication with one another and to keep each other informed about the location of the game. Headsets are used for this purpose so as not to disturb the sounds of the African bush.

Beside elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and Hyaena, general game like giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and a variety of antelope, the nocturnal species like spring hares, bat eared fox, civet cat, genet cat, honey badger and mongoose etc occur throughout the reserve. The bird life is prolific with Mashatu Game Reserve recording over 350 different species.

The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the rangers to leave the road and provide guests with up close game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights brings the bush to life at nights.