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The Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR) is a significant wildlife conservation area located in northeastern Botswana, covering approximately 71,000 hectares. It is characterized by its diverse habitats, which include mopane bushland, riverine woodlands, and marshlands. The reserve is bordered by the Shashe, Motloutse, and Limpopo Rivers, which serve as natural boundaries with Zimbabwe and South Africa. This geographical positioning contributes to the NTGR’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The NTGR is home to an impressive array of wildlife, boasting around 48 species of mammals and over 350 species of birds. An estimated 20,000 animals inhabit the reserve, making it one of the largest privately owned game reserves in Southern Africa. Notable wildlife includes large herds of elephants, kudu, zebra, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, and eland—species that are often not seen elsewhere in Botswana. The presence of major predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas further enhances the ecological significance of this area.
Activities Available
Visitors to the Northern Tuli Game Reserve can engage in a variety of activities that promote both adventure and education. These include:
Additionally, specialized experiences such as accompanying researchers studying elephant or predator behavior are available at certain lodges within the reserve.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The NTGR also has a rich historical context. Archaeological sites within the region reveal evidence from Iron Age civilizations such as the Zhizo and Mapungubwe peoples. Artifacts from these cultures demonstrate advanced skills in pottery and metallurgy. The Mapungubwe Kingdom (1220-1290 AD), known for its extensive trade networks reaching as far as Egypt and India, adds another layer of historical importance to this area.
From: $152 to $651 pp/day
From: May to September (Winter)
From: July to December (Higher rates apply but not busy)
From: 720km² / 278mi²
Northern Tuli Game Reserve offers great wildlife viewing. Big herds of elephants gather at the dry riverbeds and dig for fresh water, and there are good numbers of zebra, wildebeest, and eland as well. Leopards are tracked daily and sightings are on a par with those in well-known Sabi Sands. Wild dogs have been reintroduced and have settled in well.
Wildlife Highlights
Night drives are conducted daily, and several interesting nocturnal species can be spotted including aardvark, aardwolf, civet, and African wild cat. More usual sightings are those of bush baby, genet, and Springhare. Night drives increase the chances of witnessing leopard, lion, and spotted hyena hunting.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Northern Tuli has seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time is in the dry winter months, from May to September, when water is scarce, and animals gather to drink. At this time the vegetation is also thinner making sightings easier.
The climate in Northern Tuli Game Reserve is semi-arid. Rainfall is little and unpredictable, measuring 300mm to 350mm/11.8in to 13.8in annually and restricted almost entirely to the summer months, from October to April. Summers tend to be hot, while winters are mild.
Dry Season –May to September – winter
Temperatures are mild, and conditions are dry during winter. It is advisable to bring a warm jacket for early game drives, as it does get chilly in the morning.
Wet Season –October to April – summer
Conditions during summer are very hot. Fortunately, the humidity is fairly low. Rain is usually a welcome relief. Afternoon showers are common, but it rarely rains all day. Temperatures are at their most brutal before the rain breaks the heat.
Northern Tuli Game Reserve sits in a remote, eastern corner of Botswana. The reserve is visited more frequently from South Africa than from Botswana.
You can rent a car in Johannesburg and drive yourself – the trip takes about 7 hours*. Alternatively, there are scheduled flights to Polokwane Airport (PTG) in South Africa, and from there, it’s a 2-hour transfer*.
Overland from South Africa, you’ll cross the border at Pont’s Drift. Leave your car at the border and the lodge will pick you up. The border has strict opening times, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
From Gaborone, you can drive a rental vehicle to the lodge through the western boundary of the reserve, which takes about 8 hours*.
Entry into Botswana is usually through Maun Airport (MUB), Kasane Airport (BBK), or Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone.
Entry into South Africa is usually through O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), near Johannesburg and Pretoria.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Botswana or South Africa, and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
The easiest way to get to Northern Tuli is by charter plane to the Limpopo Valley Airfield. You have a choice of flying from Maun, Kasane, or other parks and reserves in Botswana, or from many destinations in South Africa.
The Limpopo Valley Air Taxi offers a daily semi-regular scheduled service from Lanseria, Johannesburg, into Limpopo Valley Airfield (a short drive from the lodges). Scheduled flights to Polokwane can be booked with SA Airlink.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Botswana page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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