Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Why visit Mashatu | the Tuli Block?
Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the Tuli Block, is an arid wilderness where huge baobabs dominate the landscape, herds of elephants and eland roam, sightings of big cats are a common occurrence on safari, and leopards are relaxed.
The Tuli Block is a cornerstone of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, spanning parts of Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It covers nearly 6,000 km² (600,000 hectares) and centres on the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.
One of the best places in Africa to see relaxed leopards
In the words of our CEO, Simon Espley, in this travel diary and photo gallery:
"We also spotted six leopards in the first two days, a cheetah mom and her adolescent cubs on a kill, hyenas and many lions."
READ MORE about Mashatu Game Reserve and the Tuli Block.
Tuli Block | Mashatu quick facts
A dramatic arid landscape of open plains, rocky ridges with huge baobabs, and sandy riverbeds with towering mud banks or rocky cliffs.
Activities include game drives to night drives (not permitted in Botswana's national parks), an underground hide for photographers, guided nature walks, mountain biking and horseback safaris.
Visits to historical sites littered with reminders of a turbulent past – from ancient stone tools and San rock paintings to corroded ammunition casings left over from wars and the passage of hunters.
Easy access via flights and road transfers within Botswana and from South Africa
What wildlife can I expect to see in Mashatu | Tuli?
Tuli offers regular sightings of leopard, lion, cheetah, brown and spotted hyenas, as well as large herds of elephant - the largest population on private land.
You will also find giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, impala, waterbuck, kudu, and large herds of eland. Dry season sightings of honey badger, African wild cat, aardvark, spinghare and aardwolf are particularly good.
As a transition zone between the Kalahari Desert and Lowveld bushveld, Tuli offers varied and exciting birding opportunities, with over 350 recorded species. The large riverine trees hide Pel’s fishing owls, and the kori bustards (Botswana’s national bird) pick their way through the grasslands while lanner falcons swoop through rocky valleys.
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Mashatu | Tuli FAQs
The best wildlife-viewing months are from June to mid-November, coinciding with Botswana’s dry season. Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, maximising wildlife sightings. The cooler, dry season climate provides comfortable safari conditions. However, note that September to November can be warm to hot, whereas May to August offer mild temperatures.
The rainy season months (December to March/April) are excellent for bird-watchers looking to make the most of the influx of migratory species, as well as for seeing plenty of wildlife babies and predator action, as the big cats focus on young prey.
Peak season bookings require 12–18 months advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.
Safaris to Mashatu | Tuli typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. Our packages offer excellent value with transparent pricing.
Our safari prices typically include accommodation, all meals and described activities, park fees, experienced guides, airport transfers and 24/7 support from our team. Specific inclusions vary by package – contact us for detailed itineraries.
You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.
We have been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest - all the nitty-gritty detail and admin is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.
Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will inherit mistakes and problems that arise.
Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.
YES, by booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:
We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level
Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it
Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!
Start planning your Mashatu | Tuli safari
Our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!