This far eastern corner of Botswana is historically known as the Tuli Block and is an extremely picturesque and diverse wilderness. It has river-hugging forests, savannah plains, open marshlands and boulder strewn rocky outcrops, all punctured by huge peculiar-looking Baobab trees.
It used to be farmland, until it became obvious that tourism and game farming were better options. Farms were consolidated and became privately owned reserves, such as Tuli Game Reserve and Mashatu - which became the largest privately owned game reserve in Southern Africa. Fences are few and animals like Impala, Wildebeest, Kudu and Zebra, migrate on historic routes along a large section of the Limpopo River.Mashatu Game Reserve is also a refuge for the largest Elephant population on privately-owned land: approximately 700 - with plenty in Tuli as well. You are almost guaranteed to see Leopard and Lion here and possibly Cheetah, as well as herbivores like Impala, Eland, Zebra, and Giraffe. Bird life is prolific with 350 bird species recorded, from majestic Black Eagles and Eagle Owls, huge terrestrial Kori Bustards to colourful bee-eaters and darting kingfishers.As this is private land, you are privileged to go on guided foot safaris and thrilling night drives, which may reveal such shy nocturnal animals as Porcupine, Aardvark and Kangaroo-like Springhare, plus smaller predators like Bat-Eared Fox, spotted Genet and tufted-ear Lynx. The Tswana rangers and trackers of Mashatu and Tuli have vast tracts of land at their disposal to show guests some really exciting game viewing.Game drives are not the only option and mountain biking and horse riding safaris are a speciality of this area. A quote from a guest of the Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris says. 'There is nothing on earth that can beat this place.' While another said, 'An experience I will never forget.' Let these impressions by people who have been here, unleash your own sense of adventure.Mashatu and Tuli are right on the South African / Zimbabwe border and 4 to 5 hours drive from Johannesburg. It is also only a short flight from Johannesburg International - which is the gateway airport for all Southern African safaris.