Mashatu:
BOTSWANA’S
HIDDEN GEM IN THE TULI BLOCK
RUSSEL WASSERFALL
In the south-eastern corner of Botswana, an area known as the Tuli Block, lies a 29,000 hectare game reserve that is seldom visited by international guests. With its towering baobab trees, red sandstone outcrops and lush subtropical forests, it has an otherworldly quality that begs to be explored.
With a skyline dominated by majestic Baobabs, Mashatu offer incredible opportunities for landscape photography.
The Limpopo River winds its way through the reserve, ensuring that it is well watered, so this landscape boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in Southern Africa. At the heart of this breathtaking region lies Mashatu Game Reserve, a 29,000-hectare paradise.
Crossing the border from South Africa into Botswana, the landscape transforms itself, with towering baobab trees dotting the horizon. Wildlife is everyehre and with over 350 species recorder in the Mashatu Game Reserve, the place is a riot of colour and twitching life. From the vibrant lilac-breasted roller to the elusive Pel's fishing owl, birders will find plenty to keep them entertained.
From riverine forest, to sandstone outcrops, flat savanna forest and sandy desert further east, Tuli Block can seem a surreal landscape.
Crossing the border from South Africa into Botswana, the landscape transforms itself, with towering baobab trees dotting the horizon. Wildlife is everyehre and with over 350 species recorder in the Mashatu Game Reserve, the place is a riot of colour and twitching life. From the vibrant lilac-breasted roller to the elusive Pel's fishing owl, birders will find plenty to keep them entertained.
Elephant sightings are a common occurrence, with the reserve boasting one of the largest populations of these gentle giants in Southern Africa. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog also roam the reserve, making Mashatu a prime destination for big cat enthusiasts.
When it comes to accommodation, Mashatu offers a range of options to suit every traveler. The Mashatu Main Camp provides a classic safari experience, with comfortable tented suites and a communal boma area where guests can gather for evening meals. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Mashatu Tent Camp offers a more rustic and authentic feel, with en-suite tents nestled in the heart of the reserve.
From comfortable tented accommodation to more formal structures, concessions within Mashatu Game Reserve offer a range of comfort levels.
Mashatu also falls within the Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), a collaborative effort between Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to protect the region's natural resources and promote sustainable tourism. This initiative ensures that the reserve remains a pristine and untouched wilderness for generations to come.
So, while getting there might be a little more complicated than visiting the better-known tourist destinations in Botswana, Mashatu offers a true sense of adventure. The almost surreal landscapes of the region and the fact that visitor footfall is so low means you will find an unforgettable adventure few travellers will ever get to experience. Tuli Block in the Limpopo TFCA awaits.
Built to blend in with the natural vegetation, travellers are never far from true nature in Mashatu.
If the plains of Africa and exploring the wilderness get too much, there is always the option of cooling off by the pool.
Les de andre artiklene fra Botswana her:https://www.matogdrikke.no/botswanaintro