Tuli Safari Lodge
Africa, Southern Africa | Botswana | All Inclusive, Family, Group, Honeymoon, Safari, Tailor Made | Safari Tented | Private, Reserve | luxury
Tuli Safari Lodge offers an intimate, luxurious and relaxing retreat that presents a timeless safari experience, rich on soul and character. This unique part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana boasts spectacular wildlife, breath-taking landscapes and remarkable culture. Situated between the mighty Limpopo River and time sculpted sandstone hills, lies ten elegant suites of varying variety nestled in peaceful gardens shaded by ancient trees. Tuli Safari Lodge offers a range of spectacular land-based safari game viewing excursions, from day-to-dusk game drives, fishing experiences, game viewing hides and cultural tours to the closely situated village of Mothlabaneng, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with enriching experiences to impart.
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Tuli Safari Lodge is situated on the northern bank of the Limpopo River amidst the shade of large Nyala trees. Located within the North Eastern Tuli Game Reserve, game concentrations are bountiful, with regular sightings of the iconic Big 5 safari staples and countless other majestic creatures that call Northern Botswana home, including over 500 exotic bird species that thrive among the vast, undisturbed habitats.
Tuli Safari Lodge can be accessed from Botswana or South Africa (the lodge is just 10 minutes’ drive from Pont Drift border post). Flights can be organised via a semi-regular scheduled service (currently only available from Johannesburg) or as a private charter. There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Polokwane, from where you can self-drive or have a road transfer for the final 2-hour journey to Tuli.
- 5-star rated luxury air-conditioned accommodation
- Voted best value safari in Botswana in 2019 – Safari Awards 2019
- All-inclusive rates – including food, beverages and all standard activities
- Abundant Big 5 game viewing land excursion opportunities
- Privately rentable 4×4 safari vehicles for bespoke evening game drives
- Complimentary in-camp WIFI and laundry service provided
- Opportunities to embark on community visits to the closely situated Mothlabaneng village
- In-camp childcare service available
- Children of all ages are welcome
Your adventure begins the second you arrive at Tuli Safari Lodge where you are met with warm smiles, friendly faces, and a host of complimentary refreshments. After a brief tour around the camp and its facilities, including a bar, pool and common area, you’re free to check out your luxury accommodation.
The potential for a unique and atmospheric fishing experience attracts many patrons year-round, much the same with avid birders and nature enthusiasts, in addition to the immense stargazing potential inherent to the vast evening landscapes untarnished by light pollution.
At Tuli Safari Lodge, you’re free to indulge in a range of luxuriously prepared feasts and bottomless beverages, all-inclusive as standard. Atmospheric indoor and alfresco communal dining areas provide the perfect dining platform to indulge in lavish cuisine, comprising a mix of local flavours and western cuisine.
Tuli is situated within the summer rainfall region of Southern Africa and has a semi-arid tropical climate, being on the outer edge of the Kalahari Desert – with an average of 92% rain-free days per year. This makes Tuli a year-round destination with less pronounced and more subtle differences between seasons than in other parts of Botswana.
The best time to visit Tuli is during the ‘greener’ season that last from (approximately) November to March, when the bushland landscape is transformed into a floral paradise. The migrant birds arrive from November onwards and leave from March to April. December to February is the main antelope calving season, with many new-born sightings. The bushland environment dries up and thins out from May onwards, meaning that game is more dependent on the waterholes dotted across the reserve.
In 2019, Tuli Safari Lodge was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Timeless Botswana Safari Experience’ at the Lux Life Travel and Tourism Awards – a Travel Lodge Certified award.
The 10 luxury suites are comprised of 8 pitched canvas en-suite units, elevated on raised decks and 2 classic suites, built from thatch with insulated stone walls, all tastefully designed with cutting edge amenities intended to elevate the guest experience – including complimentary in-camp WIFI.
These 8 canvas luxury tents stand elevated above the ground on raised timber decks, offering spacious and airy interiors with an abundance of character. The interior merges the classic safari aesthetic with a dash of modernity, featuring an island bed, lounge area, freestanding bath, separate wet room shower, double basin vanity and en-suite toilet facilities, accommodating up to 2 guests. Luxury tented suites can accommodate a third adult or three children under the age of 3 years old.
Amenities Include:
- En-suite bathroom
- Detached private bathroom
- Indoor and outdoor shower facilities
- Bath
- Balcony/deck
- Veranda
- Lounge
- Air-conditioning
- Mosquito nets
- Electronical outlets
- Fan
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Dressing gowns
- Complimentary laundry service
- Tea & coffee
Two classic thatched suites with solid walls and air-conditioning, constructed in the classic hut design. Interior closely resembles the tented luxury suites, with a shaded veranda and a host of modern amenities designed to elevate the guest experience. Classic suites can accommodate a third adult or two children under the age of 3 years old.
Amenities Include:
- En-suite bathroom
- Detached private bathroom
- Indoor and outdoor shower facilities
- Bath
- Balcony/deck
- Veranda
- Lounge
- Air-conditioning
- Mosquito nets
- Electronical outlets
- Fan
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Dressing gowns
- Complimentary laundry service
- Tea & coffee
Tuli Safari Lodge’s assembly of talented and dedicated catering staff work tirelessly to ensure the ultimate dining experience throughout the duration of your stay. Three set meals are served throughout the day, including a host of lite bites and complimentary snacks to enjoy around the clock. A sumptuous and diverse menu, ranging from classic culinary favourites to exotic delicacies – with everything else in-between, serves to satisfy the appetites of all guests.
Should you have any specific dietary requirements, inform the catering staff and they will be happy to accommodate any special requests. With all-inclusive rates you’re free to enjoy a range of locally sourced and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at your own discretion. Intimate dining areas provide an atmospheric platform with which to dine with friends and family.
High tea presents the perfect opportunity to unwind amidst the junction of a day’s activities with a range of refreshing beverages and sumptuous snacks. Soak in the atmosphere with high tea alfresco for an atmospheric midday refreshment for a classy and memorable reprieve.
Guided game drives provide the opportunity to traverse expansive Tuli landscapes in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Thriving game populations within the concession make for ample wildlife viewing potential as you travel across open landscapes and merging eco systems.
Lion, leopard, lechwe and tsessebe are among some of the major attractions that entice guests year-round, as well as the larger safari staples such as elephant, hippopotamus and buffalo, giraffe, zebra, kudu and wild dog.
Tuli Safari Lodge offers intrinsic game viewing activities exclusive within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. With the opportunity to rent private 4×4 safari vehicles and embark into the night with spotlight-lit drives in search of prowling nocturnal creatures, putting you at the wheel for a bespoke safari adventure like no other.
Guided game walks allow you to take in the sights and sounds of the Tuli landscape at a more intimate and leisurely pace than is applicable with other modes of safari game viewing. Seasoned guides, armed in case of emergency, will lead you safely through the undisturbed terrain of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve while brushing elbows with scores of wild game.
Guided walks allow you to get up -close-and-personal with meandering elephants, frolicking zebra and all the big cats indigenous to the Tuli Concession, culminating in a unique and insightful wildlife viewing experience.
Catch and release fishing is one of the many additional activities offered at Tuli Safari Lodge. Situated within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, the likes of tilapia and spotted and silver catfish are plentiful, allowing avid fishers to cast a line and unwind amidst the backdrop of the rocky Savanah landscape. Avid fly-fishers are advised to supply their own equipment.
Birding at Tuli Safari Lodge is a unique and insightful experience that attracts wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike from every corner of the globe. Over 450 species make for a unique and unparalleled viewing experience.
Knowledgeable guides, familiar with the many indigenous birds and their beckoning calls will familiarise you by pointing out different species as you progress. Some of the rarer avian species include the illusive Pel’s fishing owl, endangered wattled crane and the majestic African fish eagle.
Game hides are carried out at an external camp location amidst the encompassing bush, presenting the perfect opportunity for wildlife photography. Concealing yourself amidst a camouflaged structure within the environment, predominantly near a waterhole frequented by varying species of game comprising predator and prey alike, you’re free to sit back and enjoy the theatre of the bush as scores of animals, none-the-wiser to your presence casually stroll into view.
No children under the age of 12 are permitted on game hides
Embark on an afternoon community excursion to the local village of Mothlabaneng for the chance to greet village elders and meet local children. See for yourself the impact of community projects as you visit the local school and partake in local activities, such as lala-palm wine tasting and traditional basket weaving.
No-less than 50% of all community visit activity fees are donated to a community fund aimed at assisting village projects and quality of life initiatives. Community visits usually last a duration of 2 hours.
The Tuli Conservation Trust (TCT) is an organisation that seeks to facilitate the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife within Notugre, Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Great emphasis is placed on protecting the land and the wildlife that thrives within it. Here are some of the ways that the Tuli Conservation Trust are working to safeguard the environment and progress towards a more sustainable future.
The threat that poachers pose on indigenous wildlife populations has increased dramatically in recent years, with increased demand for illegal bushmeats and ivory persisting for use in pseudo-medicinal practices across Africa and East Asia. The poaching trade is one that has evolved rapidly and continues to do so at an alarming rate. To combat this, The TCT has established a highly trained and motivated anti-poaching unit (APU) that engage in gathering intelligence, conducting surveillance and patrolling in both targeted and random operations.
In addition to their anti- poaching responsibilities, the APU also responds to reports of human-induced wildlife injuries or deaths. These highly trained, mobile and armed units act throughout Notugre to ensure it remains safe for people and wildlife.
This initiative funds the training and employment of 12 APU officers and 12 APU gate guards, in addition to the construction of APU basecamps, fly camps and supplying of vehicles and equipment necessary to undertake such operations. The APU have since conducted operations alongside the Botswanan Defense Force and continues to assist them in anti-poaching operations.
Of an estimated 3-year project target of 14,900,000 BWP funding, a total of 5,418,710 BWP has currently been met. As a direct result of this funding, a total 14 APU rangers and 6 gate guards have been employed, up to 6182 snares have been removed from the wild and 2 base camps have seen construction.
For humans and wildlife to coexist as productive and harmonious neighbours, the importance of a boundary between protected conservation areas and agricultural areas is essential. Elephants’ close proximity to humans is provoking increased incidences of human-elephant conflict. These interactions result in the injury and death of elephant and local people alike, as well as the loss of their crops. So far, the TCT have implemented 24km of circa 28.8km of fence. This fence is essential to keeping both communities and elephants safe.
The Tuli Fence Upgrade is critical in preserving Notugre’s sanctuary role and signifies the Trust’s dedication to sustainably protect wildlife and enhance the lives of surrounding communities – which has thus far provided training and employment for 12 community members. Of an estimated 3-year project target of 8,100,000 BWP, 4,040,335 BWP has currently been met. As a direct result of this funding, 72,000 hectares have been covered, with 24km of fence erected, with a remaining 4.8km left to be erected – as of 31st March 2021.
Farming communities living in close proximity to Notugre’s wildlife are facing real challenges protecting their crops, livestock and livelihoods. The Tuli Conservation Trust help local communities engage with nature and share fairly in its benefits through education and empowerment. This is achieved by broadening existing community outreach projects within the area, providing support and input to these initiatives to further enhance existing programmes while liaising with charitable organisations. Notugre is a large local employer that makes significant contributions to the local economy.
Many individuals and individual properties undertake a range of community outreach programmes here. Education is a key factor within the community outreach programme, targeted towards all age groups, it seeks to increase understanding and engagement, as to reduce human-wildlife conflict and help inspire future wildlife custodians. Empowerment is equally important, as the TCT aim to provide skills development to enable local communities in Notugre to participate economically, through direct employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship. A total of 25 employment rolls have been created for local people.
Mashatu Safaris has partnered with Pack for a Purpose – a non-profit organisation that provides travellers with up-to-date information about required supplies for community-based projects. All guests travelling to Tuli Safari Lodge who wish to contribute are invited to view the needs list for Tuli’s community projects on the Pack for a Purpose website. For instance, items may range from stationary, relevant books and texts, children’s clothing and toys, or inflatable balls and pumps.
Children in the Wilderness is an educational programme designed to educate and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders by teaching them life skills and encouraging an awareness of environmental issues. This programme aims to “create a network of learning sanctuaries that uplifts and cares for our children and conserves the planet.”
Great numbers of children are involved in these programmes – 2,500 children attend rural, school-based clubs per year; more than 300 children per year are granted a scholarship which pays for their education. Mashatu Safaris and their partner destinations host annual camps, which more than 500 children attend.
In accordance with Mashatu Safaris eco-centric tourism model, properties such as Tuli Safari Lodge promote none-consumptive forms of tourism that pose little detriment to the lands and ecosystems in which they operate. For instance, game hunting is strictly forbidden, as well as other activities that would in any way disrupt the land or negatively affect the wildlife.
Through the implementation of numerous initiatives, such as those aimed at single use plastic reduction and eco-friendly energy alternatives and subsidies, Tuli Safari Lodge has made great strides in aligning itself with the prestigious standards of the ecotourism industry.
This willingness to adapt is best exemplified through the implementation of the Tuli Safari Lodge solar power scheme, whereby all camp facilities and energy requirements will be facilitated using solar electricity, estimated to take effect within the next 2-3 years. Actions such as these seek to negate the use of conventional, ecologically detrimental energy sources such as diesel-powered generators and set brighter prospects for the ecotourism industry as a collective effort.
Mashatu Safaris is constantly searching for innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint amidst the theatre of ecotourism. One such initiative is the distribution of insulated water bottles which keep beverages hot or ice-cold for up to 10 hours, thereby greatly reducing the consumption of single use plastics in their operations. Despite the comprehensive efforts of staff and diligent, eco-conscious guests, plastics do unfortunately find their way into the natural environment and cause ecological distress, suggesting that the only way to avoid disruption is to forego the use of single use plastics completely in ecologically sensitive environments.
Tuli Safari Lodge welcomes all families with children of all ages. However, due to the potentially hazardous and unpredictable nature of the environment, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
If you are travelling to Tuli Safari Lodge with children, please note that both the Botswana and South African border authorities require parents to provide certified copies of their children’s full unabridged birth certificates.
If a child is travelling with one parent, with another adult or unaccompanied, the parent or parents who are not present will need to provide verification of given consent for the child to travel. Children under the age 12 may not participate in bush walks. Game drives with children under the age of 12 will require an exclusive vehicle booking.