The Territory > Botswana > Locations > Tuli Block and Mashatu Game Reserve

Tuli Block

The remote far eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, is historically known as the Tuli Block. It forms a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops.

In past times this area was populated by a civilisation that we know very little about. Some of the ruins at Mashatu pre date the nearby mysterious Great Zimbabwe ruins and there is a permanent on-site archaeologist to enlighten you as to its ancient inhabitants.



The Tuli block became its awkward long narrow shape when it was given to Cecil John Rhodes in the late 1800's to build a railway line. There were far too many small rivers to cross, so the line was eventually constructed further west. 

The area used to be farmland until in the 1960's it became obvious that game farming and tourism were the better options. Farms began to consolidate into conservation areas, which became privately owned reserves, including the Mashatu Game Reserve.

There are few fences in the entire Tuli area, which permits unrestricted travel for animals along a large section of the Limpopo River.

Mashatu Game Reserve

Located in the north-eastern Tuli Block, Mashatu Game Reserve - historically known as the Tuli enclave - is the largest privately owned game reserve in southern Africa covering an expanse of 75,000 acres. Mopane veld and open acacia savannah stretch southwards to the thick riverine vegetation of the mighty Limpopo River.

The name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which occur throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Two of Africa's giants are found here: massive time-worn baobab trees stud the plains where huge herds of elephant roam. Indeed, Mashatu 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.



Mashatu is also home to prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra. As night falls, the bat-eared fox, African wildcat and magnificent leopard search for prey. Some 366 species of birds may be seen.

This area of history and legend is a place of exceptional beauty where one can enjoy guided explorations of the rugged, unspoilt African landscape either by 4x4 vehicle, on walking safaris or on mountain bicycles or horse back.

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. Interwoven with this natural tapestry are reminders of man's presence in ancient times. In the north-eastern part of Mashatu, black eagles nest at the Motloutse Ruins, the remains of an ancient civilisation thought to be connected to the dynasty of Monomatapa.