Tuli Farms

Tuli Farms is a protected area in Botswana.

Tuli Farms at a Glance

Location
Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-22.757338, 28.109428
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 Tuli Farms

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 6 km away.

Nearest international airport: Polokwane International Airport (PTG), 183 km away.

Big Five in Tuli Farms

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Tuli Farms

The warmest temperatures in Tuli Farms occur in November, averaging 26.6°C (up to 32.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.7mm. Average humidity: 42.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.0°C (rainfall: 78.4mm)
  • February: 25.6°C (rainfall: 77.2mm)
  • March: 25.2°C (rainfall: 20.9mm)
  • April: 22.6°C (rainfall: 9.1mm)
  • May: 19.4°C (rainfall: 4.0mm)
  • June: 16.3°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • July: 16.0°C (rainfall: 1.3mm)
  • August: 19.2°C (rainfall: 0.7mm)
  • September: 23.2°C (rainfall: 2.1mm)
  • October: 25.3°C (rainfall: 12.6mm)
  • November: 26.6°C (rainfall: 44.0mm)
  • December: 26.0°C (rainfall: 101.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Tuli Farms

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.97°C, rainfall 78.4mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 58.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.65°C, rainfall 77.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60.8%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.16°C, rainfall 20.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 53.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.56°C, rainfall 9.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 53.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 19.43°C, rainfall 4mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 51.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.28°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 50.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 15.99°C, rainfall 1.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 46%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.22°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 42.9%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.23°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 39.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.29°C, rainfall 12.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 41.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.56°C, rainfall 44mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 48.5%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.97°C, rainfall 101mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 60%

Wildlife in Tuli Farms

Home to 20 recorded species including 5 birds of prey, 4 iconic birds, 4 reptiles, 3 waterbirds, 1 primates, 1 small mammals.

Recommended Packing List for Tuli Farms

Based on average temperature of 22.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 51%.

  • 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 Tuli Farms

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Visitor Tips - Tuli Farms

The Tuli Block, often called the 'Land of Giants,' offers a vastly different safari experience from the Delta, with its dramatic landscapes, ancient baobabs, and impressive elephant herds; the sunsets here are sensational. We love the feeling of raw wilderness, where the Limpopo River forms a natural boundary, creating a unique ecosystem that feels both ancient and vibrant. It's a truly underrated gem for those seeking a more rugged, intimate encounter with Botswana's wild heart.

Gate Times

We recommend confirming specific gate times with your chosen lodge, as access to the Tuli Block is primarily through private concessions. Generally, entry is permitted from sunrise to sunset, but pre-arranged bookings are essential. Permits are typically handled by your lodge, so ensure all details are confirmed well in advance of your arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. We suggest around USD 10-20 per guest per day for your safari guide, USD 5-10 per guest per day for general camp staff (placed in a communal box), and USD 5 per guest per day for trackers if applicable. Always tip in local currency (Botswana Pula) or US dollars. Present tips discreetly, ideally at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Tuli Farms FAQs

What makes Tuli Farms a unique safari destination compared to other areas in Botswana?

Tuli Farms offers a distinctive safari experience, characterized by its dramatic sandstone formations, ancient riverbeds, and a blend of riverine forests and open plains along the Limpopo River. Unlike the delta regions, it provides a more rugged and intimate wilderness encounter, often with fewer visitors, allowing for a deeply personal connection with the landscape and its wildlife.

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter at Tuli Farms, and are there any particular highlights?

Tuli Farms is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen congregating along the Limpopo River, and is an excellent area for spotting predators including lion, leopard, and cheetah. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avifauna, while the unique terrain also supports species like eland, gemsbok, and the elusive brown hyena, making for varied and exciting sightings.

When is the optimal time to visit Tuli Farms for the best wildlife viewing and overall experience?

The dry winter months from May to October are generally considered the best time to visit Tuli Farms. During this period, wildlife is more easily spotted as animals gather around permanent water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. The weather is also cooler and drier, providing comfortable conditions for game drives, walking safaris, and exploring the reserve.

Are there unique activities or ways to experience Tuli Farms beyond traditional game drives?

Absolutely. Tuli Farms is particularly well-suited for guided walking safaris, allowing guests to explore the intricate details of the bush and its smaller inhabitants on foot. Many lodges also offer night drives for nocturnal wildlife viewing, and some even provide horseback safaris or mountain biking excursions, taking advantage of the diverse terrain and low vehicle traffic for a more adventurous experience.

What are the typical accommodation options and cost considerations for a safari at Tuli Farms?

Tuli Farms offers a range of intimate and often eco-conscious accommodation options, from comfortable tented camps to luxurious lodges, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. While costs can vary significantly based on the level of luxury and duration of stay, visitors can expect a premium for the exclusive, low-density safari experience, which typically includes guided activities, meals, and park fees.

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.