Northern Tuli Game Reserve- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Northern Tuli Game Reserve, an awe-inspiring expanse nestled in the northeastern corner of Botswana, presents an unparalleled safari destination. This majestic 71,000-hectare spectacle boasts an intricate tapestry of landscapes that unfold along the fringes of the Shashe, Motloutse, and Limpopo Rivers, marking natural frontiers with Zimbabwe and South Africa. These landscapes are a harmonious blend of Mophane bushland, riverine woodland, and marshland, accentuated by dramatic sandstone cliffs, basalt formations, and the striking silhouettes of kopjes. It is this setting that provides a backdrop for some of Africa's most fascinating biodiversity. Encompassing major private concessions such as Tuli Safari Lodge, Nitani Private Game Reserve, and Mashatu Game Reserve, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve stands as one of Southern Africa's largest privately owned game reserves. Its habitat supports a myriad of species, including an impressive contingent of 48 mammals and over 350 bird species, estimated to encompass a thriving population of 20,000 animals. From the majesty of large elephant herds and elusive leopards to the sight of the rare and mighty eland, the reserve offers a glimpse into the wild heart of Botswana. Each sighting contributes to the reserve's reputation as a wildlife haven, where all major predators roam freely, accompanied by a chorus of diverse birdlife. This reserve is not just a sanctuary for wildlife. It carries within its bounds the echos of ancient civilizations, seen in the archaeological sites that punctuate the land. These sites offer a window into the lives of the Zhizo, Leopard's Kopje and Mapungubwe peoples, whose advanced skills in pottery, mining, and smelting tell a story of cultural sophistication and extensive trade networks. The artefacts from the Mapungubwe Kingdom, in particular, highlight a civilization that was integral to the history of Southern Africa well before the era of Great Zimbabwe. For those with a spirit for adventure, Northern Tuli Game Reserve promises an array of activities. With options to explore the reserve on game drives, on horseback, by bicycle, or even from the sky in a hot air balloon, visitors are afforded unique vantage points of this spectacular wilderness. The reserve also plays host to immersive conservation experiences, offering guests the opportunity to join elephant or predator researchers. These engagements provide profound insights into the lives of these majestic creatures and the critical conservation issues they face.