THE AREA
THE AREA
Tswehe Wildlife Reserve spans over 11 000 hectares across the Tuli Block Region. The Tuli reaches from the southeast corner of Botswana, where the Shashe and the Limpopo Rivers meet, all the way down to the Notwane River north of Olifants Drift in the South West. The entire conservancy area, including the adjacent safari area bordering the Tuli Circle, comprises about 800,000 hectares.
The Tuli Block is quite different from anywhere else in the country. It is referred to as the Hardveld because of the rocky outcrops and the abundance of stones and pebbles of all shapes and sizes. The red sand of the Tuli area is an unforgettable trait, as well as the massive trees that occur along the banks of the great, grey-green Limpopo River.
Much of the area is unfenced allowing the animals to roam freely between the Motloutse River, bordering Zimbabwe, and the Limpopo River. The vegetation is spectacular, the scenery diverse. Gigantic nyala trees (commonly known as Mashatu trees) and the yellow barked fever trees grow along the riverbanks. Gaunt sesame trees take root in rocky outcrops. Characteristic baobab trees are ubiquitous amongst the rock koppies. Animals flourish in the wild terrain.
Wildebeest, kudu, eland, impala and waterbuck move through the area. Lions (some of them black maned), leopard and cheetah follow the game and mingle with the large herds of elephants. Nile crocodile abound in large pools in the Limpopo River, with plenty hippopotamus. Bird life proliferates in the diverse environment. Tuli is one of the best places in southern Africa for the keen birder. About 400 species of birds have been identified in the area. Different kinds of kingfishers dart into the streams and rivers, while waders stand in the shallows. The rare Pel's fishing owl frequents banks above large pools in rivers, and is best seen at night.
Elusive nocturnal creatures that are seldom seen by day, like the leopard, caracul, aardwolf and aardvark can be seen by nightfall and during the night.
The Tuli comprises a rich history and archaeological heritage, adding to the experience. Setswana, originally the tongue of the Tswana group, is the official language of Botswana, with English the main business language. Various Tswana tribes speak dialects of Setswana, while others speak unrelated languages at home, but use Setswana in their everyday life. Batswana are proud, strong people, with a sense of unity linking them all to the democratic and peaceful development of their country.
