Tuli Safari Lodge
The Northern Tuli Game Reserve is a hidden gem. Tucked in the easternmost corner of Botswana, it is a unique, timeless part of Africa with spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history. Between Tuli’s time-sculpted kopjes and the legendary Limpopo River lies a most welcome surprise: Tuli Safari Lodge. A verdant oasis in a ruggedly beautiful wilderness.
Tuli Safari Lodge Introduction
Tuli Safari Lodge is the ‘grande dame’ of the safari world. It celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014/5, making it one of Africa’s longest established photographic safari lodges. Tuli Safari Lodge was once a farm, originally registered in 1957. The history is a little sketchy, though we know attempts were made at farming cash crops (including peanuts) under irrigation. The heart of the lodge is little changed, retaining the charm and character of the era. The bar is built around the base of a 500 year old Nyala berry tree – one local lady recalls being lifted up into the branches of this tree by her grandfather to protect her from lions!
Looking even further back, there is a rock shelter not far from the lodge, from where two charcoal samples were recently taken for carbon dating. These indicate that the site was occupied around 1000 years ago. The shelter also contains rock paintings which may date back even further.
Bush walks give a real opportunity to experience Africa at ground level, taking in the sounds and smells of the bush as well as the sights. They aren't strenuous hikes, but gentle strolls. The slower pace also enables your guide to explain fascinating facts such as the traditional medicinal use of plants, or to understand more about the dramatic geology or interesting history of the area.
Other Activities include including night drives, community visits, a day trip to Mapungubwe National Park & World Heritage site, half day horseback safaris and an excursion to the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers (a unique and scenic spot where three countries and two great rivers meet).
Tuli Safari Lodge Game Viewing and Activities
Each day brings a new adventure as Tuli Safari Lodge offers a truly authentic safari experience. You can set the pace and decide how much or how little in the way of safari activities you want to do.
A ‘normal’ day at Tuli Safari Lodge is as follows, with timings adjusted to meet our guests’ requirements and to suit the time of year:
Tea/coffee served in the lounge followed by an early morning guided safari activity activity (game drive or bush walk* or a combination of the two). Enjoy brunch on your return – followed by time to rest, swim, soak up the sun, spot the wildlife around the lodge or take a stroll around our self-guided walking trail. Start your afternon with hhigh tea served in the lounge or on the bar deck and then head out on your afternoon guided safari activity (game drive or bush walk* or a combination of the two), with snacks and sundowners before a twilight drive back to the lodge for dinner!
