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Home to some of the more interesting scenery in southern and eastern Botswana, the Tuli Block combines Limpopo River frontage with a series of kopjes (rocky outcrops) in the riverine hinterland. It’s here that I managed some of my favourite sunset photos in all Botswana, with rocky outcrops and umbrella thorn framing blood-red African skies. Four of the Big Five are here – lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – while cheetahs, brown hyenas and even African wild dogs are all possibilities. The reserve is actually a series of private concessions that have grouped together to form the reserve (there are also long-term plans to extend the reserve south and even across the border to create a transfrontier park). And because this is largely private land, night drives should be possible – if they are, this is one of the best places in Botswana to try one.
Impressive by Day, Intriguing by Night
The Tuli Game Reserve is part of the Tuli Block, a swathe of land wedged against the South African and Zimbabwean borders in Botswana’s eastern spur. The reserve comprises several private concessions, roamed by a satisfyingly broad mixture of wildlife species. Those who associate the words “private concession” with “beyond my budget” needn’t worry – there are accommodation options to suit most pockets.
Night drives are permitted here (a rare treat in Botswana, where driving after dark isn’t allowed in the state-run parks and reserves). This, for me, is an excellent reason to visit. There’s no way of knowing what your beam will pick up, but if you’re lucky, aardvarks, aardwolves or leopards may materialise. By day, the scenery is dramatic, with nyala trees, fever trees and sculptural rock formations adding grandeur to the wilderness.