Northern Tuli Private Game Reserve

Situated in the Tuli Block, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NOTUGRE) is the largest privately-owned game reserve in Botswana. The formation of the Limpopo Game Protection Association by owners and nature conservationists in 1964 was the beginning of NOTUGRE as we know it today. In 2006, the governments of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding, to create the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTCA), inclusive of NOTUGRE, the Tuli Safari Circle in Zimbabwe, and the Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa.

NOTUGRE is located in Botswana's eastern corner, at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers; the Motloutse River partly forms the reserve's western boundary. The area has dry winters (May to Oct), while afternoon thunderstorms mark the summer rainy season. Both the Shashe and Motloutse Rivers dry up in winter, whereas deep pools of permanent water are present throughout the year in the Limpopo River.

Mashatu Private Game Reserve, the most eastern reserve in NOTUGRE, is home to the largest herd of elephants on private land. Game lovers can also look forward to possible sightings of African Wild Dog which have been reintroduced here.

The main gravel transit road running parallel to the border with South Africa is open to the public but only lodge residents have access to the game drive areas on the private game reserves. Solomon's Wall is a basalt dyke that once stretched across the Motloutse River forming what must have once been a great lake. The 'wall' is approximately 10 meters wide and more than 30 meters high, and stands on either side of the sandy riverbed.

The lodges offer game drives, guided walks, horse riding safaris, hot air balloon safaris, a Shashe-Limpopo Confluence Tour, and cultural trips to nearby villages and rock heritage sites. Cyclists can look forward to the annual Tour de Tuli, a 140 km mountain bike race over three days that crosses the borders of all three countries.

ACCESS & BORDER:
The Northern Tuli Game Reserve is easily accessed via Pont Drift Border Post, open 08:00 -16:00 daily. This is the most eastern border crossing into Botswana and certainly the most unusual. There's no formal road crossing the Limpopo River at this point - you simply drive across the sandy riverbed. Naturally, an off-road vehicle is required, even in the dry season.

Travellers moving onward towards Zimbabwe can make use of the new Mabolwe/Mulambapele border post east of Mabolwe. This is another adventurous riverbed crossing and one that won't be passable if the Shashe River is flowing. Call ahead to confirm that the border post is operational. This is a challenging crossing requiring low-range and good ground clearance, even in the dry season. If you're towing something, find another border post.

ACCESS & RAIN:
After heavy rains, when the Limpopo River is flowing, crossing the river is a bit more challenging, but still doable in a good off-road vehicle. But soon the water levels become too high for a safe crossing and travellers have to choose between using the alternative border posts of Platjan or Martin’s Drift. Another option is to park your vehicle in no-mans-land, load yourself and your luggage into a tiny little cable car, and head for Botswana with a smooth, steady glide over the Limpopo River.

The cable car is small, holding just 2-3 people and their luggage; you'll have to make arrangements with your accommodation facility to meet you on the other side and transfer you to your destination, as there's no permanent taxi service. The cable car costs BWP80 per person, BWP 160 per load (at time of writing), paid in cash to the cable car operator.

MONEY:
Most lodges will accept Visa or Mastercard but travellers are advised to check on this prior to arrival.

USEFUL NUMBERS:
Pont Drift Border Post (Botswana): +267 264 5260.
Pont Drift Border Post (South Africa): +27 (0)15 575 9908.
Mabolwe Border Post (Botswana) +267 263 0057 (seasonal, open 07:30 - 16.30).

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