Central Tuli

Central Tuli is a protected area in Botswana.

Central Tuli at a Glance

Location
Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-22.335104, 28.867150
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to Central Tuli

Nearest airport: Kwa-Tuli Airstrip, 11 km away.

Nearest international airport: Polokwane International Airport (PTG), 178 km away.

Big Five in Central Tuli

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard, Leopard Tortoise, Lion.

Weather & Climate in Central Tuli

The warmest temperatures in Central Tuli occur in November, averaging 27.1°C (up to 33.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 1.8mm. Average humidity: 50.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.5°C (rainfall: 112.1mm)
  • February: 26.0°C (rainfall: 103.8mm)
  • March: 25.4°C (rainfall: 19.8mm)
  • April: 23.2°C (rainfall: 14.1mm)
  • May: 20.3°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • June: 17.5°C (rainfall: 1.8mm)
  • July: 17.1°C (rainfall: 4.0mm)
  • August: 20.0°C (rainfall: 2.6mm)
  • September: 23.5°C (rainfall: 3.5mm)
  • October: 25.4°C (rainfall: 13.7mm)
  • November: 27.1°C (rainfall: 43.4mm)
  • December: 26.6°C (rainfall: 100.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Central Tuli

The best months to visit Central Tuli are March, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.52°C, rainfall 112.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 58.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.99°C, rainfall 103.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 62.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.43°C, rainfall 19.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 56.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.19°C, rainfall 14.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 54.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.34°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 52.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.53°C, rainfall 1.8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 50.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.12°C, rainfall 4mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 47.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.02°C, rainfall 2.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 45%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.48°C, rainfall 3.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 42.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.44°C, rainfall 13.7mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 44.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.08°C, rainfall 43.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 48.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.61°C, rainfall 100.4mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 59.9%

Wildlife in Central Tuli

Home to 109 recorded species including 30 iconic birds, 30 waterbirds, 30 birds of prey, 4 big herbivores, 3 antelope & gazelle, 3 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Central Tuli

Based on average temperature of 23.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 52%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°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

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Central Tuli

1 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Central Tuli FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Central Tuli for optimal wildlife viewing and weather?

The prime time to visit Central Tuli is during the dry winter months, from May to October. During this period, wildlife congregates around the permanent water sources of the Limpopo River, making sightings more frequent and easier as the vegetation thins out. The cooler, dry weather also makes for very pleasant safari conditions.

What unique wildlife and landscape features can I expect to see in Central Tuli that differentiate it from other Botswana parks?

Central Tuli is famously known as the 'Land of Giants' due to its impressive herds of elephants, often seen along the Limpopo River. Beyond the large pachyderms, you'll encounter a dramatic landscape characterized by ancient sandstone formations, giant baobab trees, and lush riverine forests, offering a distinct visual experience compared to Botswana's northern wetlands. It's also a great place to spot species like eland and brown hyena.

What kind of safari activities and experiences are unique to Central Tuli's private concessions?

Unlike some national parks, Central Tuli's private concessions often allow for a wider range of activities, including exhilarating walking safaris and thrilling night drives, which provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals. Many lodges also offer cultural visits to local communities or hide-based photography, enhancing the intimate and diverse safari experience. Rest assured, all activities are conducted by highly trained and experienced guides who prioritize guest safety and provide insightful interpretations of the wilderness.

How accessible is Central Tuli, and what are the typical travel arrangements for reaching the park?

Central Tuli is conveniently located in southeastern Botswana, often accessed via road from South Africa, particularly through the Pont Drift or Platjan border posts. Many visitors self-drive from Johannesburg, while others opt for charter flights to local airstrips, which can be arranged by your safari operator for a seamless transfer to your lodge.

What is the general cost expectation for a safari in Central Tuli compared to other Botswana destinations?

While still a premium safari destination, Central Tuli generally offers a more accessible price point compared to the high-end camps of the Okavango Delta or Chobe. You can expect excellent value for money, with high-quality guiding, exclusive game viewing, and comfortable accommodation, often at a lower per-night cost than Botswana's more famous northern parks.

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.