Important archaeological sites such a Mapungubwe - possibly the oldest city in Southern Africa - lies just across the border in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Evidence of the Mapungubwe era can be seen on the Shalimpo Island. During the Anglo-Boer War, two important engagements took place in the Tuli Block.

The old road from Pretoria to Bulawayo ran through the area, and control of Rhodes' Drift across the Limpopo and for Bryce's Store was vigorously fought over. The remains of Bryce's Store can still be clearly seen, as well as the positions of the Boer gun emplacements overlooking the store.

The Reserve is accessible by air via the Limpopo Valley Airfield (30km from Shalimpo) or the Santhata landing strip (20 minutes from Shalimpo).