DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°1
Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)

Weather…

The Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in eastern Botswana, is often referred to as the 'Land of Giants.' Geographically, this region contrasts sharply with the rest of the country due to its striking basalt formations, sandstone cliffs, and ancient Mashatu trees. Situated at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers, it forms a transfrontier conservation area bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe. The sanctuary supports a significant elephant population along with predators like leopards, cheetahs, and lions. Historically, the region is significant for its proximity to the Mapungubwe archaeological site, once the center of a powerful African kingdom. The landscape is characterized by wide plains and dense riverine forests, providing a habitat for over 350 bird species. Tuli is also renowned for its archaeological treasures, including San rock paintings that date back thousands of years.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272726242018172024262728
Rain mm8368481843116215991

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to visit Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary is the dry season from May to October, when animals congregate around waterholes. In the rainy season (November to April), vegetation is denser and visibility lower.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon are peak wildlife activity times; many species forage or seek water during cooler hours. The hot midday period should be used for a shade break.
📜
Etiquette
Stay in your vehicle when in wildlife areas; only exit at designated spots. Feeding animals is prohibited, and litter must be disposed of properly.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars and a camera with telephoto lens are essential for wildlife viewing from the vehicle. Sun protection, hat, and sufficient water should always be carried.
🧭
Getting there
Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary is in eastern Botswana near the border with Zimbabwe and South Africa. Access is typically via Francistown; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the gravel roads.
🦌
What to expect
Wildlife viewing requires patience; it may take hours for rare species like big cats to appear. Quiet waiting at a waterhole often leads to unexpected encounters.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.15000, 29.20000

Facts

  • The sanctuary hosts the largest elephant herds found on private land.
  • It is located at the strategic confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers.
  • The area is famous for baobab trees estimated to be over 800 years old.
  • More than 350 distinct bird species have been recorded in the reserve.
  • San rock art in the area dates back more than 2,000 years.
  • Tuli is regarded as one of the best locations in Botswana to spot leopards.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tuli Block Farm RegionTuli Block Farm Region6 km · SWExplore →
Shashe RiverShashe River12 km · NEExplore →
Limpopo River Wildlife CorridorLimpopo River Wildlife Corridor15 km · NWExplore →
MapungubweMapungubwe22 km · NExplore →
Fort TuliFort Tuli23 km · EExplore →
Limpopo RiverLimpopo River27 km · SWExplore →
Venetia Diamond MineVenetia Diamond Mine30 km · NWExplore →
Motlhabaneng Rock PaintingsMotlhabaneng Rock Paintings32 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (1)

Maloutswa Hide🌿 nature

The Maloutswa Hide is a camouflaged viewing deck situated perfectly for spotting elephants and predators gathering at the local watering hole.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tuli Block sanctuary?
A spectacular area with rock formations and rich wildlife in eastern Botswana.
Can you go hiking there?
Guided hikes are possible and a great way to experience the landscape.
What animals are characteristic of Tuli?
You often see large herds of elephants, leopards, and cheetahs.
How do you reach the Tuli Block?
Best by car, often via border crossings from South Africa.
Are there historical sites there?
Yes, there are rock paintings and archaeological sites nearby.
Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary: where is it located?
Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Botswana.
Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in eastern Botswana, is often referred to as the 'Land of Giants.' Geographically, this region contrasts sharply with the rest of the country due to its striking basalt formations, sandstone cliffs, and ancient…
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Botswana →

History & landmarks

Moeng College Building — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.
London Missionary Society Ruins — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
London Missionary Society Ruins
The red-brick ruins of the London Missionary Society church are the most iconic landmark of the abandoned Old Palapye settlement.
Serowe Royal Cemetery — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Serowe Royal Cemetery
Overlooking the village from a hill, the Royal Cemetery is a sacred landmark where generations of Bangwato royalty are laid to rest.

More places

Tuli Block Farm Region — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Tuli Block Farm Region
A fertile agricultural region along the Limpopo River.
🗺️
Limpopo River Wildlife Corridor
An important migration path for many animal species.
Motlhabaneng Rock Paintings — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Motlhabaneng Rock Paintings
The Motlhabaneng rock art site in the Tuli Block features well-preserved paintings of animals and human figures.
Tuli Block Cattle Farming — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Tuli Block Cattle Farming
The Tuli Block is a major agricultural zone where large-scale cattle ranching is a central part of the local way of life.
Lepokole Hills — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Lepokole Hills
The Lepokole Hills contain significant rock art and archaeological sites linked to the San people and early Tswana settlements.
Tuli Block Agro-Industry — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Tuli Block Agro-Industry
The Tuli Block is a key agricultural region in eastern Botswana.
Lerala Diamond Mine — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Lerala Diamond Mine
Lerala is a diamond mine situated in the Tswapong Hills region.
Moremi Gorge — Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary (Botswana)
Moremi Gorge
This scenic gorge in the Tswapong Hills is a sacred site for the local community, featuring permanent waterfalls and ancient shrines.