Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Tanda Tula Is A Contemporary Safari Lodge In The Heart Of Timbavati
Tanda Tula is an old favourite that was totally re-imagined in 2023 when it changed from a traditional tented lodge to a more modern, contemporary luxury safari lodge. However, whilst the fixtures and facilities may have upgraded, the ethos of the owners and the safari experience on offer has changed very little. Tanda Tula have always had excellent guides, the game viewing has always been superb and the atmosphere in camp has always been warm and welcoming. The new suites are very comfortable and spacious, food provision has gone up a notch and the long-serving staff combine personality with professionalism. A great option if you are looking for a contemporary lodge that still has ‘soul’.
Rooms
The seven hybrid canvas and glass Safari Suites (125 sqm) and two Family Suites (165 sqm) are all positioned so that all the interior and outdoor spaces have views across the riverbed. Each suite includes a king or twin bedroom with en suite indoor bath and shower as well as outside shower, along with a spacious lounge and outdoor seating with plunge pool. Amenities include a minibar, fan, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. The Family Suites have a second bedroom leading off the lounge, with a slightly smaller bathroom.
Central Areas
The striking central area comprises light and airy living and dining areas, a library, gym, wellness centre as well as a modern take on a boma. There is a lovely swimming pool area and plenty of outdoor deck areas. The Birds Nest hide overlooking the waterhole is also an ideal location for private dinners.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Timbavati is a private wildlife reserve bordering the famous Kruger National Park. It was started in 1956 where conservation minded landowners decided to pool their individual farms and create a wilderness habitat. In 1993, the fence between the Kruger and the reserve was removed allowing animals to move freely between the two.
The habitat of the region is predominantly mopane/bushwillow woodland on an underlying strata of granite. The Oliphants River is the major watercourse through the reserve, flanked in places by open floodplains and in others by riverine woodland. Animal species likely to be seen include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, impala, duiker, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, hippo, warthog and wild dog. Under the guidance of your ranger, you will be able to learn about the intricate workings of the habitat, and its inhabitants – the animals, birds, insects and reptiles. The birdlife of South Africa is exceptional, and the Timbavati is no exception. Birds likely to be seen include the beautiful rollers (Lilac Breasted and European), various kingfisher species, as well as a variety of species usually associated with the bush – shrikes, widowbirds, babblers, starlings, vultures and raptors.
Activities
Game drives take place from sunrise to around 09h00, after which a bush breakfast is usually served (weather dependent). Afterwards, you have the chance to stretch your legs and walk back to camp or return by vehicle. Tea is served mid-afternoon, after which a further game drive takes place returning to camp after sunset. A maximum of six guests are put on a game viewing vehicle. There is also the option of booking an anti-poaching helicopter flight to learn more about the conservation efforts in the area (this should be prebooked at extra cost).
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to experience the bush after dark. Using a spotlight on the vehicle, you may have the luck to see some of the many nocturnally active species of wildlife – honey badger, leopard, civet, serval, genet, aardvark, pangolin, African wild cat, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, and hyena.
Seasons
Tanda Tula is open all year. Game viewing is superb all year round, though you could experience rain from November through to March.
Children aged six years and above are welcome. The family suites are very practical with a second bedroom leading off the lounge, with a slightly smaller bathroom.
Every guest who stays at Tanda Tula Safar Lodge pays a sustainability levy. This levy is broken down into four components:
Timbavati Conservation Levy – this is crucial for the operational functioning of the reserve. It aids in funding essential activities such as fenceline maintenance, anti-poaching efforts, and overall security measures. Furthermore, 10% of all conservation levy income is used for community development projects through the Timbavati Foundation.
The Tanda Tula Foundation fees – this is used to facilitate the lodge’s commitment to empowering the local community. It finances scholarships for children of both Tanda Tula staff and of the local community, providing them access to high quality education in local private schools. Additionally, it supports Tanda Tula’s internal adult education program and funds tertiary education opportunities for local school graduates.
Land Management Levy – as custodians of over 2,000 hectares of land within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Tanda Tula takes responsibility for various conservation efforts. These include fire management, water management, protection of large red-listed trees, erosion site rehabilitation and management, control of alien plant species, and active involvement in Greater Kruger research projects, such as Ground Hornbill research, Vulture research, Elephant research, and Leopard research. The land management fee contributes to the costs associated with these conservation interventions on the land under their direct management.
The Bushbuckridge Community Levy – this goes towards a local community bordering the reserves of the Greater Kruger. The region faces challenges in raising funds for municipal operations, given its sparse population and lack of affluent households. Tanda Tula is committed to providing monthly statutory levies to assist the municipal authorities in funding their operations, directly benefiting the locaI communities.
