Tuli Safari Lodge provides an idyllic base from which to explore the Northern Tuli Game Reserve – a unique, timeless corner of Africa where nature and culture combine in spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history. 

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 lodge traces its origins back to 1964 when the Northern Tuli Game Reserve was created, and as such it is unconventional in design and layout

Accommodation

Eight tented suites with draped canvas over timber frames are spacious, airy and elevated

Large wrap-around decks are designed to provide a relaxing outdoor space with views over the Tuli grounds and surrounding bush.

All suites feature an island bed, lounge area, freestanding bath, separate wet room shower, double basin vanity area, toilet and lots of all-important hanging and drawer space plus tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer and safe.

Tented suites are called Phofu (Eland), Phala (Impala), Thutwa (Giraffe), Manole (Kingfisher), Kgokong (Wildebeest), Kgaka (Guinea Fowl), Letlhakela (Lilac-breasted roller) and Lekototo (Mongoose)

luxurious interiors

The interiors are a modern take on classic ‘out of Africa’ décor, with a flowing open plan design.

Two classic suites are furnished and designed to the same high standard, with very similar internal layouts and features to our tented suites. They are thatched with solid walls, air conditioning and a shaded veranda area.

Classic suites are Kolobe (Warthog) and Nkwe (Leopard). Tlou (Elephant) is ideal for anyone wanting to stay close to the main lodge

pool and lounge area

We pride ourselves on a personalised approach, and do our utmost to accommodate our guests’ particular interests or requirements – so if there’s something particular you’d like to do please just let us know

Daily Safari Activities

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

Early morning guided game activity (drive or bush walk*) with stop for refreshments

game walk

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 (for more info please see our lodge facilities page).

High tea (including savoury and sweet options) served in the lounge or on the bar deck.

Afternoon guided game activity (drive or bush walk*), with snacks and sundowners before a twilight drive back to the lodge
* 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.

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.

 In addition to the ‘normal’ activities above which are included in your stay, there are many other things that you may wish to do whilst at Tuli.  Please note that children must be aged over 12 to participate in bush walks.

Hides – there are several hides situated at key sites across the Tuli reserve. You can spend time in these with your guide as part of a morning or afternoon drive, or if you prefer you can spend some time on your own at the hides with just your binoculars, some drinks and snacks for company. There is also the option of sleeping out at the hides overnight, subject to availability.

After dinner drive – an optional extra if you are particularly keen to try and spot some nocturnal species.

Visit to the confluence – a morning trip across the Eastern section of the reserve to the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers, the scenic spot where two African rivers and three countries (Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe) meet. A picnic lunch is included.

Additional activities at Tuli

In addition to the activities which are included in your stay, there are many other things that you may wish to do whilst at Tuli. Please note there is an additional charge for some of these activities

Tuli Block landscape

Additional bush walks – two guided game activities per day are included in your stay, but subject to availability we can arrange additional guided walks for you.

Community visit – an opportunity to visit the village of Mohlabaneng. Our tour includes a visit to the school, a wine-tasting experience with a difference (at the lala-palm ‘distillery’) and a chance to see traditional basket-weaving, as well as the opportunity to see some of our community projects in action. Guests also have the option to visit the village of Lentswe-le-Moriti with its traditional culture house, where they can learn more about local customs, enjoy a traditional Setswana meal, see the ‘kgotla’ (court) and visit the local school. Community visits are normally in the afternoon and last approx. 2 hours. 50% of the community visit charge is allocated to our community fund. 

Horse rides – we can arrange for morning/afternoon or day rides with a well-established horseback safari operator based a few minutes from the lodge.

hore riding at Tuli safari lodge

Getting There – Self Drive

When the Limpopo River is flowing the river is crossed by cable car (P35 per person per crossing) and vehicles left at the border post.

 Please always contact the lodge prior to travel in order to check on the status of the Limpopo River.

Road transfers

Road transfers can be arranged from Johannesburg, Polokwane, Gaborone or other locations. Please enquire for more information.

Getting There – By Air

 Flights are available with Flying Mission from Gaborone to Tuli on Friday afternoons and from Tuli back to Gaborone on Sunday afternoons. SA Airlink operates several flights a day from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg to Polokwane (Pietersburg). Depending on your itinerary, you can then hire a car and drive to the lodge (approx 2 hours) or we can arrange for a transfer

Charter flights to the Limpopo Valley Airfield, located 5 minutes from the lodge, can also be arranged. GPS coordinates: S22 11 21 E 290737. The runway is 1500m long and has a tarmac surface.

Border facilities

The closest border facilities for those arriving by road from South Africa are at Pont Drift, opening hours 08.00-16.00. Border facilities are also provided at the Limpopo Valley Airfield for those arriving by air.

visa requirements

There is a third party permit required for all foreign registered vehicles. Directions

Limpopo river

NB: please contact us prior to travel to check on the status of the Limpopo and other rivers so that we can advise the best route available at the time of your travel.

Directions via Pont Drift from Johannesburg to Tuli Safari Lodge

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 Tuli Safari 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 at Pont Drift … please note that this is not possible when the Limpopo River is flowing, in which case guests can either leave their vehicle(s) at Pont Drift on the SA side and utilise the cable car to cross the Limpopo River and we’ll then transfer them to the lodge/camp; alternatively for those that wish to self-drive directly to the respective camps, please see

the below directions via Platjan border (4×4’s required).
When the Limpopo River is flowing the river must be crossed by cable car  at Pont Drift (P35 per person per crossing – approx. 3 people and their luggage can be carried on the cable car) and vehicles left at the border post. Please note the Pont Drift border facilities open at 08:00 and close at 16:00 daily. There is a third party permit required for all foreign registered vehicles. The cost is approximately P130 per vehicle, payable at the border (vehicle registration papers required).

Directions via Platjan from Johannesburg to Tuli Safari Lodge
please note that the Limpopo River crossing at Platjan is only a 3m wide causeway. If the Limpopo River is flowing too strongly, it cannot be crossed  – the alternative then is to drive down to Martin’s Drift which is approximately three to four hour’s drive from Tuli Safari  Lodge.

The Platjan border facilities open at 06:00 and close at 18:00 daily. There is a third party permit required for all foreign registered vehicles. The cost is approximately P130 per vehicle, payable at the border (vehicle registration papers required). Follow the N1 north past Pretoria to Polokwane (Pietersburg). Turn left onto the R521 (sign post – Dendron). Follow the 210 km route (north-west) Dendron-Vivo-Alldays. Drive through Alldays past the Bosveld garage. After 4kms there will be a sign post “Platjan” on the right hand side of the dirt road.

Follow the sign to Platjan border post. From the turnoff to the border is approximately 30kms.

Cross the Platjan border post … at the T-junction turn right towards Tuli Wilderness / Talana farms.  At the beginning of the tar road (on the left hand side), follow the tar road until you reach the sign Motlhabaneng, through the village of Motlhabaneng, past the graveyard on your left, then you get to a fork in the road stay right. You will cross over into the North Eastern Tuli Game Reserve; carry on with the road until you get to a four way intersection.  Turn left here, follow the road and you will go through a veterinary gate.  

Drive until you get to the Tuli Safari Lodge sign on a wooden board.  Here you will

turn right and follow the road that leads into the lodge.

Directions via Martins Drift from Johannesburg to Tuli Safari Lodge

Driving from Johannesburg guests should follow the N1 to Mokopane (Potgietersrus), once in Mokopane follow the signs to the  N11, once on the N11 continue on this road straight to Martins Drift /Groblersbrug. Please note the Martins Drift border facilities open at 06:00 and close at 22:00 daily. There is a third party permit required for all foreign registered vehicles. The cost is approximately P130 per vehicle, payable at the border (vehicle registration papers required). Once through the border post follow the road northwest out of Martins Drift, then turn right after 19.7kms on the road to Selebi-Phikwe / Sefhophe.  

From Sefhophe follow the signs to Bobonong … drive straight into Bobonong, at the circle … go round and keep to the right, follow the road straight past the Co-op and Aunty Dorah’s.  At the  T-junction turn right, cross over the bridge and carry on for a few metres then turn left on the main road.  You will drive past Molalatau and Mathathane … and then you will get to a sign on the left to Motlhabaneng turn left onto the dirt road.  

Drive through the village of Motlhabaneng, past the graveyard on your left, then you get to a fork in the road stay right. You will cross over into the North Eastern Tuli Game Reserve; carry on with the road until you get to a four way intersection.  Turn left here, follow the road and you will go through a veterinary gate.  

Drive until you get to the Tuli Safari Lodge sign on a wooden board.  Here you will turn right and follow the road that leads into the lodge.

Directions from Gaborone to Tuli Safari Lodge
From  Gaborone drive to Bobonong via Mahalapye, Palapye and  Sefhophe following the signs to Bobonong … drive straight into Bobonong, at the circle … go round and keep to the right, follow the road straight past the Co-op and Aunty Dorah’s.  At the T-junction turn right, cross over the bridge and carry on for a few metres then turn left on the main road.  You will drive past Molalatau and Mathathane …and then you will get to a sign on the left to Motlhabaneng turn left onto the dirt road.  

Drive through the village of Motlhabaneng, past the graveyard on your left, then you get to a fork in the road stay right. You will cross over into the North Eastern Tuli Game Reserve; carry on with the road until you get to a four way intersection.  Turn left here, follow the road and you will go through a veterinary gate.  

Drive until you get to the Tuli Safari Lodge sign on a wooden board.  Here you will turn right and follow the road that leads into the lodge.

Directions from Francistown to Tuli Safari Lodge

From Francistown drive to Selebi-Phikwe, and then follow the signs to Bobonong … drive straight into Bobonong, at the circle … go round and keep to the right, follow the road straight past the  Co-op and Aunty Dorah’s.  At the T-junction turn right, cross over the bridge and carry on for a few metres then turn left on the main road.  You will drive past Molalatau and Mathathane … and then you will get to a sign on the left to Motlhabaneng turn left onto the dirt road.  

Drive  through the village of Motlhabaneng, past the graveyard on your left, then you get to a fork in the road stay right. You will cross over into the North Eastern Tuli Game Reserve; carry on with the road until you get to a four way intersection.  Turn left here, follow the road and you will go through a veterinary gate.  

Drive until you get to the Tuli Safari Lodge sign on a wooden board.  Here you will turn right and follow the road that leads into the lodge.