Tuli Game Reserve offers spectacular landscapes, rich and varied wildlife, and a host of historical, cultural, and natural history attractions. Defining this unique and very striking corner of Botswana.
The Reserve was created in 1964 and extends to 72000 hectares. Shared between private landowners and local communities. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Tuli elephants found here are the largest elephant population on private land in Africa. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area with over 350 species recorded.
Tuli is fascinating from a historical perspective. With its Bushmen paintings providing a reminder of the area’s original inhabitants; thousands of years ago. Remains of ancient settlements relating to the Mapungubwe era (circa 1075 – 1220 AD) are dotted throughout the area. With the most significant being the rock art in the area surrounding the Limpopo and Motloutse Rivers.
The reserve also played a role in Rhodes’ Southern African empire building and witnessed several conflicts during the Boer War.
How to get to TuliGame Reserve?
Tuli Game Reserve is in Botswana bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Reserve is within easy access of Johannesburg. Both by car or by air. It is just under two hours by car from Polokwane. Entry into Botswana is through the Pont Drift border post. Alternatively; aircraft can fly straight into Limpopo Valley airfield which has customs and immigration facilities. Flying will take not much more than an hour. To an hour and a half from Johannesburg.
What to expect on a Tuli safari
Sitting on the Shashe, Motloutse, and Limpopo Rivers is the Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR). This is 71,000 hectares of remarkably diverse habitat. Featuring big sandstone cliffs, basalt formations, and unusually shaped kopjes. Making for truly breathtaking scenery. The red sand of the Tuli area is an unforgettable trait. As well as the massive trees that occur along the banks of the Limpopo.
Tuli is one of the largest, privately owned game reserves in Southern Africa. It includes three major private concessions. Namely; Tuli Game Reserve, Nitani Private Game Reserve, and Mashatu Game Reserve.
Home to 48 species of mammals; with an estimated 20 000 animals residing in the reserve, and over 350 species of birds. Common wildlife species are present. Including elephant, kudu, zebra, impala, duiker, wildebeest, waterbuck, steenbok, and warthog. Large herds of eland; often not seen elsewhere in Botswana are present, and these are indeed an awesome sight. There are all major predators; including lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena. Additionally; wild dogs were reintroduced some years ago. While the birdlife is prolific.
Travelers keen for a more active safari experience will delight in all there is on offer. You can hike, cycle, horse ride, and also; hot air balloon safari on the reserve!
Horse riding safari in Tuli Game Reserve (Mashatu)
At Mashatu Game Reserve guests can accompany elephant or predator researchers. To learn about the behavior, feeding habits, territories, social structure of these animals. As well as; critical wildlife conservation issues. Similarly; at Nitani guests come to understand the complexities of a long-term hyena research project.
More information on Botswana’s Attractions and useful information
