Gems worth travelling for

Right on the river

Limpopo River Lodge, Tuli Block, Botswana

As the name suggests, this tranquil and romantic hideaway is perched on the northern bank of the Limpopo River in the Tuli Block section of Botswana. A wide array of accommodation options includes a campsite, chalets, a bush camp and rondawels, meaning this riverside retreat caters to all types of travellers. 

If it’s available book rondawel #4. Not only does it have the most privacy, but one of the most beautiful views too, which stretches a few hundred metres upstream. The rondawels have a well-equipped kitchen including crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, a gas stove and a fridge so you only need to bring food and drinks. The kitchen is open to the bush, so be on the watch for the local vervet monkeys, who are likely to try and raid your Rooibos when you’re not looking.  

Don’t forget your binoculars ­– it’s not just monkeys that frequent the lodge surrounds. Twitchers should look out for the ever-elusive Pel’s fishing owl in the large trees along the river (be careful of crocs too), while other visitors could include antelope, elephant, leopard, cheetah and lion. 

At 510 kilometres, Limpopo River Lodge is just a 4.5 hour drive from Johannesburg (via Alldays and Platjan Border) and is one of the most relaxing riverside escapes in the region.

Good to know:

While we had no trouble getting there in a Renault Sandero Stepway in April (after the rains), it is recommended to travel in a 4×4 in the rainy season. Consult the lodge before you go about whether the quiet (and friendly-staffed) Platjan border post is in use, as this low-lying river crossing could be submerged. Depending on your route, make sure to fill up with fuel and last-minute food at Alldays (South Africa), Bobonong or Sherwood (Botswana), as there are no shops, restaurants or petrol stations near the lodge.

Cost: ±R1000 per person sharing per night for rondawels. ±R250 per person per night for camping.

Book: Online: www.limpoporiverlodge.co.za | Email: lrl@wildattuli.com | Phone: +267 721 06098