Set in spacious gardens along the banks of the Limpopo River against a backdrop of stunning sandstone outcrops, Tuli Safari Lodge is also unique. Here the welcome is genuinely warm and the ambience is charmingly ageless.
The echo of ancient cultures resounds at the many sites of archaeological and spiritual significance, whilst meaningful visits with local communities showcase contemporary rural Botswana life.
Each day brings a new adventure as Tuli offers a truly authentic wildlife experience. NTGR is an unfenced wilderness extending to 72000 hectares, at the heart of the proposed Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Here roams the largest elephant population on private land in Africa, together with leopard, cheetah, wild dog and lion, vast herds of plains game and over 350 bird species. Not forgetting the resident bushbuck and mongoose families that make the lodge their home, or the elephant shrews that frequent one of our favorite sundowner spots! At Tuli, you set the pace... with varied activities to enjoy and idyllic grounds to relax in.
Game drives and bush walks with exceptional guides, hides tucked away in the bush (where you can also stay overnight for the ultimate back-to-nature experience!) and horse rides in the wild
with eight cosy suites, a sparkling pool, a culture and heritage centre, waterhole and star-deck awaiting your return to the lodge.
Rooms:
All our suites have double or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms with bath and/or shower, indoor and outdoor sitting areas, air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities.
We have two grades of suites which we call 4 and 5 ele - with our 5 ele suites being the more luxurious, spacious and private. The 5 ele suites are all slightly different in size, layout and position in the lodge but all provide the same quality and facilities.
Activities:
In addition to the normal game activities (guided game drives and bush walks) which are included in your stay, theres plenty to do within the lodge:
* Enjoy a refreshing dip in the large swimming pool. Spot the wildlife visiting the pretty waterhole at the back of the lodge.
* Enjoy panoramic views of the reserve from our star deck atop one of the sandstone kopjes. Sit by the banks of the Limpopo to soak up the atmosphere and spot passing wildlife.
* Stroll the two hectares of lawns comprising large riverine trees and water features. Discover our secluded reading areas. Visit our curio shop.
Visit our Heritage and Cultural centre opening in October 2010
You can also do the follwing:
* There are several hides situated at key sites across the Tuli reserve where you can spend time. Tuli can arrange for morning/afternoon or day horse rides.
* Spend a night under canvas if you'd like to get a little closer to nature. Visit the village of Motlabaneng. Visit the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers.
* Take a day visit exploring the Western section of the reserve. Visit Mapungubwe - the World Heritage Site.
* Hides, for the ultimate wilderness experience, guests can opt to dine in the bush and stay overnight at our comfortable hid, equipped with bathroom and a light to spot nocturnal wildlife.
How to get there:
See Map Selfdrive:
Driving from Johannesburg guests should follow the N1 to Polokwane then the R521 to Alldays. At Alldays take a right turn signed to Pont Drift. Cars can be left at the Pont Drift border post, and the short transfer to the lodge is free of charge.
If guests prefer to drive to the lodge, the lodge is approx 5km away and signed from the Botswana border post. When the Limpopo River is flowing the river must be crossed by cable car (P35 pp one way) and vehicles left at the border post.
Road transfers:
Road transfers can be arranged from Johannesburg, Polokwane, Gabarone or other locations.
Air:
SA Airlink operates several flights a day from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg to Polokwane (Pietersberg). You can then hire a car and drive to the lodge (approx 2 hours) or Tuli can arrange for a transfer (about R1800 per vehicle one-way).
Clothing & Accessories:
In Winter youll need warm clothing for early morning and evening activities. In Summer hats & sun-block are essential. Its worth having some sturdy walking shoes with you. The dress code at the lodge is casual.
Health & Climate:
It is hot in summer (October through March) and moderate in winter (April through September).
Temperatures in summer will range from 20 degrees C at night to higher 30's during the day. Hats and sun-block are recommended for protection against the sun.
During winter temperatures could get close to 10 degrees C in the early morning. Warm clothing (jacket, scarves and gloves) is vital for the morning and sundowner game drives. It will quickly warm up during the day to comfortable temperatures.
It is also advisable to bring along sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots.