Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Kgatleng District Travel Guide

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Explore Botswana's Northern Tuli Game Reserve: a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, rich history, and unforgettable safari experiences.

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Northern Tuli Game Reserve

The Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR), also known as Notugre, is a 72,000-hectare private reserve in eastern Botswana, bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe. It boasts diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a rich history, offering an exceptional safari experience.

A brief summary to Northern Tuli Game Reserve

V4CC+CQ, Pont Drift, BW
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Northern Tuli Game Reserve.

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to September) when animals gather around water sources.
Pack neutral-colored clothing for safaris to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting unwanted attention from wildlife.
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities.
A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season (October to April), for navigating the terrain.
Check the opening hours of the Pont Drift border post (currently 7:00 to 16:00) if entering from South Africa.

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Explore Northern Tuli Game Reserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Northern Tuli Game Reserve, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The most common approach to Northern Tuli Game Reserve is by vehicle from South Africa, typically from Johannesburg. The journey takes approximately 7 hours, crossing the border at Pont Drift. Note that Pont Drift border hours are 7:00 to 16:00. Vehicle access is sometimes limited to a cable car crossing when the Limpopo River is in flood. Check with your lodge regarding current river conditions and border crossing options. A third-party permit is required for foreign-registered vehicles, payable in Botswana Pula (BWP) or by credit card at the border. Expect to pay around P152.00 per vehicle. If a cable car is in operation, expect to pay around R30 or P30.
Flying

The easiest way to access Northern Tuli Game Reserve by air is via charter flight to Limpopo Valley Airfield (LVA), which is located a short drive from most lodges. Limpopo Valley Air Taxi offers semi-regular scheduled services from Lanseria, Johannesburg, to LVA. Alternatively, scheduled flights to Polokwane International Airport (PTG) are available via SA Airlink. From Polokwane, a 2-hour road transfer to your lodge can be arranged. Contact your lodge to arrange transfers from either airport.

Discover more about Northern Tuli Game Reserve

The Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR), also known as Notugre, is a hidden gem in eastern Botswana, where Botswana meets South Africa and Zimbabwe. Spanning 72,000 hectares, this privately-owned reserve showcases diverse habitats, from Mopane bushland and riverine forests to marshlands, punctuated by sandstone cliffs and basalt formations.Known as the "Land of Giants", NTGR hosts large herds of elephants, estimated to be around 1,200, and is known as the best area to view leopards. Other wildlife includes kudu, zebra, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, eland, and major predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Birdlife is also prolific, with over 350 recorded species.NTGR's history dates back to the Stone and Iron Ages, with archaeological sites revealing the presence of the Zhizo and Mapungubwe cultures. The Mapungubwe Kingdom, which thrived from 1220-1290 AD, established trade networks reaching as far as Egypt and India. The reserve also played a role in Cecil Rhodes' vision of a railway from Cape to Cairo and witnessed conflicts during the Boer War.Today, NTGR offers a range of activities, including game drives, walking safaris, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Visitors can also engage with local communities and learn about their culture. The reserve forms the heart of the proposed Shashe/Limpopo Trans-Frontier Conservation Area, a vast wildlife conservation area spanning Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.