Explore the wild heart of Botswana in the Central Tuli region, where nature is peaceful and untouched. Along the Limpopo River, where Botswana meets South Africa and Zimbabwe, this remote area is famous for its stunning landscapes and many elephants.
What makes the Central Tuli region unique?
While most visitors focus on Botswana’s northern parks, the Central Tuli region in the far southeast shows a quieter side of the country. Central Tuli is one of Botswana’s most untouched safari areas. It is known for its raw landscapes, with large sandstone rocks, old baobab trees, dry riverbeds shaped over many years, and many animals roaming across the open land. A safari here is not about crowds, but about feeling close to nature, wide open spaces, and abundant wildlife.
Where is the Central Tuli region located?
The Central Tuli region is located in eastern Botswana. It lies along the Limpopo River, which forms a natural boundary and supports a rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
Geographically, Central Tuli forms an important part of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area: a cross-border initiative that connects protected regions in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. By linking these ecosystems, the region contributes to a larger wilderness corridor that allows animals, especially elephants, to move freely between countries. Its location within this tri-national conservation landscape highlights both its ecological value and its unique place at the heart of southern Africa’s shared natural heritage.
What awaits on a Central Tuli safari?
A safari in the Central Tuli region offers a rare blend of abundant wildlife, dramatic scenery and unhurried wilderness. This remote corner of eastern Botswana is shaped by the Limpopo River and vast open landscapes, creating an ideal setting for travellers seeking a quieter, more intimate safari experience.
- Wildlife: The region is known for its large elephant herds, often seen moving between riverbeds and open plains. Predators such as leopards, lions, and (brown) hyenas thrive here, supported by healthy prey populations. Wildlife at Central Tuli safaris is impressive, also with exceptional birdlife: from soaring raptors and abundant waterbirds to a rich array of colourful species found along the Limpopo River and its surrounding habitats.
- Landscapes: Central Tuli’s scenery is defined by dramatic sandstone rock formations, rugged cliffs and wide valleys. Ancient baobabs and other giant trees punctuate the terrain, while the vast, largely undeveloped plains create a powerful sense of space and solitude.
- Safari styles: Travellers can explore the area through varied safari activities, including day and night game drives that reveal different wildlife behaviours. Walking safaris with expert guides offer a close-up look at tracks, plants and smaller animals, while photographic and horse-riding safaris provide immersive and specialised ways to experience the landscape.
- Atmosphere: With few visitors and limited Central Tuli safari lodges, the region maintains a quiet, unhurried feel. Small, intimate camps keep the focus on nature, offering a peaceful safari experience far from busier destinations.
Nearby safari regions and how to combine?
The Central Tuli region is surrounded by several other known safari and conservation areas, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
- Northern Tuli Game Reserve: Known for vast wilderness and abundant wildlife.
- Mapungubwe National Park (South Africa): Renowned for its archaeological sites, dramatic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
- Kruger National Park (South Africa): Classic big-game destination, accessible via multiple border crossings.
- Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park (Botswana): Often included in longer itineraries, offering water-based safaris and large elephant populations.
Central Tuli is easy to reach from both South Africa and Botswana. Self-drivers can reach the region from Johannesburg in about six to seven hours via the Limpopo border. Charter flights land at airstrips serving Mashatu and other private reserves, while road transfers are also available from major hubs. Its accessibility allows travellers to combine Central Tuli with surrounding parks for a multi-stop safari, offering a rich mix of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences across borders.
What are camps operated by The Africa Experience?
Our camps and Central Tuli block lodges are designed to offer a comfortable and secluded connection with nature. Whether nestled by river, tucked along the bush, or in remote wilderness, each location provides an intimate, immersive escape into the wild.
- Koro River Camp: A secluded safari retreat in the Central Tuli Game Reserve, set along the untamed Limpopo River. With just seven spacious tented lodges, private decks with plunge pool, and personalized service from local staff, Koro River Camp offers a serene space for reflection and a close connection to nature.
- Koro Island Camp: Located on a private island in the Limpopo River and accessible only by suspension bridge. This remote, explorer-focused camp features four en-suite Meru tents and a tented lounge. It provides an intimate base for private groups, mountain bikers, and birders to explore the ancient Central Tuli landscape and its abundant wildlife.
- Harena Trails Camp and Harena River Camp: In partnership with the Molema Community Trust, we are introducing the Molema Safari Experience: two new camps in Central Tuli’s untouched wilderness. Spanning 5,000 hectares, these camps will host the region’s first multi-day walking safaris, offering close encounters with iconic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and ever-changing remote campsites.
Why choose The Africa Experience?
The Africa Experience was founded by Albert Hartog, an entrepreneur and investor in green and environmental technologies, who has spent over 15 years dedicated to leopard conservation and the protection of endangered species. Supported by a team of expert trackers, guides, chefs, managers, and technical staff, The Africa Experience offers authentic, personalized safaris that honor both the natural environment and local culture.
Profits are reinvested through the Timbo Afrika Foundation, which supports long-term conservation and community development projects in Botswana and Mozambique. Guided by the principle that sustainable tourism must go hand-in-hand with empowered local communities, the foundation ensures that every safari contributes to a positive, lasting impact.
This webpage was written by Tracy Pretorius. The following sources were consulted in the creation of this webpage: National Parks Association, Embassy Mozambiqueand Parque Maputo. If you have any questions about this content, please contact us at +27 82 3164363 or send an email to reservations@the-africa-experience.com.
