Contact Us | Kaelo Destinations

GETTING THERE

Location, Transfers & Directions

Mashatu Game Reserve,
Eastern Botswana

LOCATION

Located in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers meet, Mashatu Game Reserve forms part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. With a private airport strategically situated within the reserve, travel is accessible and seamless.

GETTING THERE – TRANSFERS

By Air – Lanseria to Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA)

Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes flight time
Scheduled departures:
Lanseria → LVA: 11h30
LVA → Lanseria: 14h30
Shuttle offered between OR Tambo and Lanseria: ± 60 minutes

Important timing notes:

International arrivals into OR Tambo: before 09h00
Domestic arrivals: before 10h00
Onward flights:
Domestic departures: after 19h00
International departures: after 20h00

Flight times cannot be altered to accommodate passenger’s connecting flight plans – please inquire on a charter option to accommodate individualized itineraries.

Flight rates available via the Limpopo Valley Access rate sheet (previously Mashatu Connect).

By Road – Johannesburg to Pont Drift Border Post

Approx. 6.5 hours drive
Departure from Johannesburg: no later than 07h00

Scheduled transfer times:

Collection: 13h00
Drop-off: between 11h00 – 13h00

Border hours: 08h00 – 16h00 (strict)

Road transfers available between Johannesburg and Mashatu through our partner, Limpopo Valley Access. Rates are available on the Limpopo Valley Access rate sheet.

By Air & Road – Via Polokwane

Flight: Johannesburg → Polokwane
(Agents and guests to book the Airlink flight directly).
Transfer time: Approx 1 hour flight time
Road transfer: Polokwane → Pont Drift Border (Mashatu)
Transfer time: 2.5 – 3 hours drive
Please double check flight schedules with Airlink and ensure you arrive/depart with enough time to get to the Pont Drift Border within the operating hours (08h00 – 16h00).

GETTING THERE – SELF-DRIVE & DIRECTIONS

Guests choosing to self-drive can access Mashatu via Pont Drift Border Post, Mathathane Village, or Platjan Border Post. Below is essential information for each route.

Pont Drift Border Post (South Africa -> Botswana):

Approx. 6.5 hours drive
Departure from Johannesburg: no later than 07h00
Scheduled transfer times at Pont Drift Border:
- Scheduled pick-up time is at 13h00
- Scheduled drop off time is between 11h00 and 13h00
- Should you wish to arrive outside of our scheduled pick up time, this special transfer has to be arranged prior to arrival with reservations.
Border operating hours: 08h00 – 16h00 (strict)

What to expect:

Vehicles are parked between South African immigration and the Limpopo River (at own risk).
A Mashatu ranger will meet you, assist with border formalities, and transfer you into the reserve.

Important:

All vehicles must carry registration papers.
Rental or company vehicles require a letter of authority from the provider.
In the event of flooding, river crossings are done via cable car.

Road Conditions Notice

The routes between Polokwane, Alldays and Pont Drift currently have significant road damage and potholes.
Please allow extra travel time and drive with caution, particularly in wet conditions.

Mathathane Village (Botswana Access):

Meeting point: Mathathane turnoff (±47km from Bobonong)
Parking: opposite Mathathane Primary School
Scheduled pick-up: 12h00
Transfer time to Mashatu: approx. 2 hours
A Mashatu guide will meet you at the turnoff and escort you to the reserve.

Platjan Border Post:

Border hours: 06h00 – 18h00
Access requires a 4×4 vehicle
Transfer time to Mashatu: approx. 3 hours

Parking:

Available on the Botswana side only
Cost:
P260 per vehicle
P340 with trailer
Payable at immigration (card or cash)
Parking is unsecured and at own risk

Navigation:

We recommend using GPS navigation to your chosen access point.
Detailed, turn-by-turn routing is not provided, as conditions and routes may vary.

Pambele Beach House
Vilanculos, Mozambique

LOCATION

Pambele Beach House is located within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, on the San Sebastian Peninsula, overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.

GETTING THERE – TRANSFERS

By Air (Recommended Route)

Flight: Johannesburg → Vilanculos (VNX)
Flight time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Recommend flying with Airlink Airlines

From Vilanculos to Pambele:

Boat transfer: approx. 45–60 minutes
(included in your stay – via our privately owned catamaran)
or
Helicopter transfer: approx. 10 minutes (quoted on request)

Pambele is not accessible by standard self-drive routes. All arrivals are coordinated via Vilanculos, with onward transfers arranged in advance via boat or helicopter.

Important Travel Information

Guests are responsible for:

Valid passports and visa requirements
Travel insurance
Health requirements and vaccinations

Kaelo Destinations assists with:

Accommodation bookings
On-site experiences/activities
Air and road transfer arrangements via our preferred partner,
Limpopo Valley Access