Mashatu Game Reserve
Getting There
Botswana Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.
Mashatu Game Reserve is located in a remote eastern corner of Botswana. The reserve is visited more frequently from South Africa than from Botswana.
From Johannesburg, you can rent a car and drive yourself. The trip takes about 7 hours*. Alternatively, there are scheduled flights to Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in South Africa, and from there it’s a 2-hour transfer.
Overland from South Africa, you’ll cross the border at Pont’s Drift. Leave your car at the border and the lodge will pick you up. The border has strict opening times, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
From the Botswanan capital of Gaborone you can drive a rental vehicle to the lodge through the western boundary of the reserve, which takes about 8 hours*.
Entry into Botswana is usually through Maun International Airport (MUB), Kasane International Airport (BBK) or Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone.
Entry into South Africa is usually through O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), near Johannesburg and Pretoria.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Botswana or South Africa, and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
The easiest way to get to Mashatu is by charter plane to the Limpopo Valley Airfield, near to the lodges. The Limpopo Valley Air Taxi offers a daily flight from Lanseria, Johannesburg. There are also twice-weekly flights available from Maun and Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Scheduled flights to Polokwane can be booked with SA Airlink.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Botswana page to learn more about passport, visa, COVID-19 and other entry requirements.