MASHATU GAME RESERVE

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. The name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which occur throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home of no less than seven of Africa's giants: the African elephant, the lion, giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard. It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres / 30,000 hectares of pristine game land, be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, unspoilt African landscapes either in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles, on a walking safaris, on mountain bicycles, or horse back, guided by expert rangers and experienced trackers. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers a view of Africa, unchanged since the days of early visitors such as Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. Historic and archaeological sites abound; notable are the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.

The excitement of Mashatu has not changed over time. It is still home to large herds of elephant, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat-eared fox, African Wildcat and the magnificent leopard search for prey.Some 366 species of birds may be seen. 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 500. The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalised. Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. Radio-linked 4-wheel drive vehicles, groups of mountain bicycles or horses set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound throughout the reserve. Whether you visit Mashatu for the excitement of the big game viewing, the relaxation of unspoilt Africa or the quiet luxury of the camps, you will not be disappointed.

It's from any towering vantage point on Mmamagwa Hill that the great, primal stillness of Africa has an archaic spiritual impact on one.  Far down in the valley, to the north and south, east and west, lie the flattened and sweltering Mopane plains of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, 'Land of Giants.' For 360 degrees this sweeping wilderness spreads out, steadily and spartanly, merging into breathtakingly clean horizons of imagined, endless wild land.  This land is lovelier than any description of it. and to those who stand on Mmamagwa Hill, also silenced by it's untouched magnificence - for the 'Land of Giants' is an utterly unpeopled wilderness in eastern Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.  But if one listens carefully to the silence, one can feel the rhythms of a land that beats to a vibrant drum and you'll soon unearth a diverse paradise thrumming with birds, plants, wild animals and insects.  One that unfolds, like an intricate tapestry, into savannah, riverine forests, marshland, endless plains and sandstone outcrops.