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Shashe River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

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The Shashe River is a major left-bank tributary of the Limpopo River in southern Africa, spanning a total length of approximately 362 kilometers. It originates northwest of Francistown in Botswana and flows in a southeasterly direction, defining the international border between Botswana and Zimbabwe for about 200 kilometers. Geomorphologically, the river is characterized by a wide, sandy bed that remains ephemeral, carrying surface water only during the summer rainy season. The Shashe Dam, completed in 1982, is a critical infrastructure component providing water to the city of Francistown and the industrial mining complex of Selebi-Phikwe. The river's catchment area covers approximately 18,900 square kilometers and is ecologically vital for the Tuli Block region, supporting a wide array of wildlife. At its confluence with the Limpopo, it forms the tri-border point between Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, a region of significant geopolitical and conservation importance.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	24	22	19	16	15	19	23	26	27	26
Rain mm	92	81	60	22	4	4	1	0	6	25	66	95

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The area is generally accessed from Botswana towns like Francistown or through the Tuli Block region via unpaved dirt tracks. A reliable 4x4 vehicle is almost always strictly necessary to handle these sandy and frequently rough driving conditions.

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Best season

The dry winter months between May and October are handy, as wildlife congregates at the few remaining water pools in the otherwise dry sand river. During the brief summer rains, the river can swell very rapidly, making local tracks impassable.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape is dominated by wide, sandy riverbeds that lie dry for most of the year, fringed by riverine woodlands and occasional rocky sections. Walking in the deep, fine river sand can be quite strenuous but features expansive, uninterrupted views.

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What to bring

Sturdy, sand-resistant footwear and comfortable outdoor clothing are absolutely essential for exploring the riverbanks. Do not forget to bring abundant drinking water, high-factor sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat, as shade is extremely sparse at midday.

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Parking

Official parking lots do not exist; vehicles are typically left securely at lodges, in designated campsites, or pulled safely off the dirt tracks. Parking anywhere directly within the broad river depression should be strictly avoided due to flash floods.

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Safety

Always maintain a sharp lookout for wildlife, especially the free-roaming elephant herds that frequently cross this border river. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide is highly recommended to move safely and avoid being surprised by sudden water flows.

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Time needed

Most explorations of the river area take place as part of one- to multi-hour game drives or guided bush walks. Spending half a day in the vicinity is usually quite enough to get a strong impression of this unique, ephemeral frontier environment.