Mashatu Game Reserve

When to Visit

As with elsewhere in Southern Africa, the rainy season really dictates best times to travel. Very similar to South Africa, the rainy season is in the summer months from December through March. During this time the thunderstorms build up during the heat of the day and release their rain in the afternoons. The grasses begin to grow and wildlife is more spread out due to the amount of freely available water sources making wildlife viewing challenging. The landscape is covered in lush green grass and yellow flowers that make for incredible photos - especially in comparison to the drier, dustier months that follow. From April and May the dry season begins and the grasses begin to shrink in height making viewing easier. June through September is peak wildlife viewing season as the short grass and limited water sources make photography and spotting and viewing wildlife easier. Wildlife congregates around the river bed (often dry but where pools of water still can be found) or waterholes. It can be bitterly cold though in the early mornings and evenings to layering up is important though daytime temperatures will be pleasant. October and November bring the heat again but without the release of rain in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing is still very good as animals congregate around limited water sources and impalas feed on the fallen Masahtu tree flowers as the last of the nutrients (encouraging rare leopard hunting behaviour, dropping from the tree above).