Safari in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Compare Parks in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Ecosystem - Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

We love the raw, untamed beauty of the Tuli Block. The air here feels thick with history, and the sheer scale of the landscape is breathtaking. You’ll find yourself dwarfed by ancient trees and mesmerized by the dramatic kopjes that punctuate the horizon. The sunsets are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over the rugged terrain, and we always feel a profound sense of discovery exploring this less-trodden corner of Botswana.

A dramatic landscape of rugged hills, rocky outcrops, and ancient basalt formations defines the Tuli Block.

Getting There - Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

While flying into Tuli Airstrip via charter is the most seamless option for reaching the prime camps, we love the sense of adventure that driving offers. Just be aware that the final approach roads can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season, so a robust 4WD is non-negotiable if you choose this route. Always check road conditions before you depart.

Weather & Climate in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

The warmest temperatures in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands occur in November, averaging 26.3°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 16.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 1.9mm. Average humidity: 50.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 25.7°C (rainfall: 99.1mm)
• February: 25.3°C (rainfall: 89.9mm)
• March: 24.7°C (rainfall: 20.1mm)
• April: 22.2°C (rainfall: 16.3mm)
• May: 19.3°C (rainfall: 6.2mm)
• June: 16.3°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
• July: 16.0°C (rainfall: 2.3mm)
• August: 19.1°C (rainfall: 1.9mm)
• September: 23.0°C (rainfall: 2.1mm)
• October: 24.9°C (rainfall: 17.6mm)
• November: 26.3°C (rainfall: 44.4mm)
• December: 25.9°C (rainfall: 100.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

The best months to visit Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands are April, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Great, temperature 25.7°C, rainfall 99.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 59.4%
• February: Great, temperature 25.3°C, rainfall 89.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 61.8%
• March: Great, temperature 24.7°C, rainfall 20.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 55.7%
• April: Great, temperature 22.2°C, rainfall 16.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 54.8%
• May: Great, temperature 19.3°C, rainfall 6.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 52.2%
• June: Great, temperature 16.3°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 50.6%
• July: Great, temperature 16°C, rainfall 2.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 46.1%
• August: Great, temperature 19.1°C, rainfall 1.9mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 42.8%
• September: Great, temperature 23°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 39.8%
• October: Great, temperature 24.9°C, rainfall 17.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 42.6%
• November: Great, temperature 26.3°C, rainfall 44.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 48.8%
• December: Great, temperature 25.9°C, rainfall 100.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 59.7%

Recommended Packing List for Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Based on average temperature of 22.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 51%.

• Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
• Binoculars - essential for every game drive
• Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
• Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
• Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
• Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
• First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
• Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
• Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Wildlife in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Home to 136 recorded species including 40 iconic birds, 37 waterbirds, 32 birds of prey, 6 antelope & gazelle, 5 big herbivores, 5 big five.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands FAQs

When is the best time to visit the Tuli Block for optimal wildlife viewing, and what unique species might I encounter?

The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for visiting Tuli Block as animals congregate around the Limpopo River, making sightings more frequent. You can expect to see large elephant herds, excellent leopard opportunities, and species unique to the region's varied terrain like eland, nyala, and klipspringer.

How does the safari experience in Tuli Block differ from more well-known Botswana regions like the Okavango Delta?

Tuli Block offers a more intimate, less crowded safari experience, often featuring unique activities such as walking safaris, cycling safaris, and even horseback riding, which are less common elsewhere in Botswana. Its diverse landscape allows for a focus on tracking and appreciating smaller details, complementing traditional game drives.

Given its eastern border location, what are the typical travel logistics for reaching the Tuli Block, especially for international visitors?

Most international travelers fly into Johannesburg (JNB), South Africa, and then take a connecting charter flight directly to one of Tuli's private airstrips. Alternatively, self-drive options are available via border posts like Platjan or Pont Drift, making it a convenient add-on to South African itineraries.

Is a safari in the Tuli Block generally more affordable compared to other premium safari destinations in Botswana?

Yes, Tuli Block often provides a more budget-friendly entry point into Botswana safaris while still offering high-quality wildlife encounters and accommodation. Its private concessions allow for competitive pricing compared to the more exclusive and expensive Okavango Delta or Chobe regions, without compromising on the wilderness experience.

What should I know about safety and the environmental conditions when planning a safari in the Tuli Block?

The Tuli Block is a very safe safari destination, with lodges maintaining high security standards within their private concessions. Visitors should be aware of the arid conditions during the dry season and the potential for flash floods during the summer rains (November-April), which can temporarily affect river crossings.

Recommended Books

• The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
• Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
• Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
• Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
• Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
• Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
• Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
• The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
• Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
• Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
• The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
• The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
• Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
• Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
• Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
• African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
• Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
• Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
• Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
• The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
• The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
• Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
• When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
• Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
• Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
• Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
• Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
• Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
• Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
• Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
• Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.