There really is an Eden on earth, and it’s called Tuludi. Deep in the exclusive Khwai Private Reserve in the Okavango Delta of northern Botswana, wildlife wanders freely across 200 000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness. The iconic landscape and all that lives on it is simply idyllic, and impossible to grasp until you experience it in person.
Tucked in a grove of old Apple-leaf and Leadwood trees, their ‘dappled shade’ gave the lodge its musical name: Tuludi. The whole camp is open and airy, the spacious suites all connected by wooden walkways raised above the sweeping delta flood plains. This is where the wildlife lives, along with vibrant birdlife. Breeding herds of elephant, vast congregations of buffalo, endless antelope, plenty of big cats and more can all be seen right from the lodge – be it from the sunken lounges, lazy fireside conversation pit, or your personal leisure deck. You can even game watch from your private plunge pool or while lying in bed. Leopards are relaxed, lions are lazy and wild dogs rush past regularly.
The treehouse-like suites are all under shade and beautifully refreshing, with contemporary furnishing and pops of unexpected colour. There’s plenty of space to swing a leopard inside, with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, private pools and endless breathing space. Calmness pervades. You feel thoroughly happy here.
Until you take a peaceful mokoro ride down the tangle of Delta waterways and see wildlife from water level, or enjoy a slow boat cruise to soak up the absolute magic of the place, or sip a sundowner in the hippo hide and watch wildlife wander by. Of course there are guided game drives and bush walks too. Actually, there’s so much to do it’s easy to stay a week – to enjoy the enchanting activities as well as savour the profound stillness that is only found deep in the wilderness of Africa.
What we love!
- When you open the tent sides, you may see game passing by in the early morning.
- The inspiring treehouse library is unique, and so too is taking the slide back to lodge level.
- The mosaiced bar is a unique feature of the lodge.
- Relaxing in the pool lounge and gazing out over the flood plains is thoroughly relaxing.
What you need to know…
- Children over 6 years are welcome.
- The lodge is not wheelchair friendly.
- There is wifi and electricity at the main lodge.
- Lodge suites have fans
- Water-based activities are dependant on changing water levels through the year.
- South Africans don’t require visas.
- It’s a low risk malaria area.
- Wildlife is seen easiest in the dry season from May to September. The green season from October to April is idyllic and verdant with excellent birding.
- Getting there: Fly Air Botswana or Airlink to Maun, then a 35-minute charter flight into Khwai Private Reserve, and a 45-minute scenic drive to the lodge. There is also a helicopter transfer option from Maun.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey