BOTSWANA HIGHLIGHTS NORTHERN TULI GAME RESERVE


Land of the giants S


ituated in the northeast corner of Botswana at the confl uence of the Shashe and Limpopo


rivers, this area is a collection of privately-owned game reserves and concessions covering over 300,000 hectares. It is one of the largest privately- owned game reserves in southern Africa. A land of big vistas, huge skies, giant trees and great herds of game, it is a place where the present echoes with footsteps of the past. Scenically the landscape differs from the rest of Botswana, with dominant basalt formations rising from the Mophane bush, towering sandstone hills and ridges and complex networks of riverbeds. Riverine forests as well as open grasslands and marshy areas also are part of the terrain. From vantage points on top of


the rock formations Botswana's seemingly endless bushveldt stretches into the distance. It is at its most evocative when the day ends with an amazing sunset. Game viewing in the Tuli Reserve is excellent. For a relatively small reserve there is a high density of elephants – around 600 – while the rocky terrain provides the perfect habitat for leopards. Other predators include lion, cheetah and wild dogs, while klipspringer antelope and rock dassies are not seen anywhere else in Botswana.


NOCTURNAL CAST Whilst night game drives are forbidden in Bo- tswana's national parks and game reserves, they are allowed in private reserves and concessions. Setting out into the bush as afternoon turns into twilight then to the charcoal-grey of evening reveals a changing cast of animals. Night drives offer a view into the world of nocturnal creatures such as serval, genet, porcupine, civet, bush baby and hyena, while a variety of owls – most commonly pearl-spotted, spotted eagle owls and barn owls – and nighthawks perch watchfully on acacia trees. For something different, mountain biking com- bined with game viewing provides an alternative wilderness experience. Similarly, unique safaris can be experienced on horseback or on foot.


VILLAGE AND SCHOOL TOURS The Tuli area is also rich in archaeological and historical sites with the remains of ancient settlements relating to the Mapungubwe era (1200 -1270 AD) dotted throughout the landscape. An integral part of the Tuli experience is a half-


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With a diff erent look and feel to the country's other wildlife reserves, Tuli off ers unique experiences from night game drives to spotting animals seen nowhere else in Botswana


Clockwise from top: For a relatively small reserve Tuli has a large concentration of elephants; Characteristic rocky outcrop; A rare wild dog; Open grasslands are a feature of Tuli


day village tour to one of the three villages near the reserve. Visitors will tour the Kgotla (village court and meeting place) and meet the local chief. Also available are visits to the local primary school, where children give a moving performance of traditional dancing, and an excursion to a local homestead where the traditional way of life will be explained. Visitors can also enjoy a demonstration of the art of basket weaving. •


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