Most relaxing place, so beautiful views of Limpopo river in front of your room, amazing landscape all around with ancient rocks and young baobab trees, fantastic people to offer sweet and personalised service, and above all thus great lady of the place, Mrs Judi Gounaris, the soul and the good Angel of the lodge, with her unique gastronomic skills and her so interesting conversation over some good wine, and her story-telling qualities and her unmatched sense of humour. Looking forward to be back there as soon possible.
We wanted to stay only two nights at the lodge but everything was so amazing that we stayed two more nights.The room is clean,very spacious and comfortable. The seperate outdoor kitchen is perfectly equipped. Sitting outside at night, making some fire and enjoy the surrounding. There is nothing you will miss there! Everything was perfectly!
I love this island lodge. We could see many Impalas and Kudus from this island. Food were delicious. I enjoyed outdoor bath room. Staffs are friendly.
We could meet leopard, elephant, jackal, and many antelopes. We could hear noise of elephant at night in the lodge. Very quiet, wild-life lodge. Air was clear, I could took milky way photo.
No - it isn't just a dream - Island Camp is situated in the middle of the Limpopo River in the Tuli Block. At times you feel as if you own it.... My husband and I experienced this!. Quite honestly...Island Camp in the Kwa Tuli Game Reserve is now one of my best places ever.There are 4 luxury tents with en suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the river so you can bring along a team of 8, do self catering or enjoy the delicious home cooked meals prepared by Helena and Judi the owners and hosts. These are two amazing ladies, who will enthrall you with their stories and experiences over a glass of wine at dinner time. Meet the resident Gennet Cat if you're lucky.One night we sat in silent amazement as a group of elephant cruised past on the opposite bank - it was incredible.
Island Camp is truly unique - the suspension bridge access is awesome, and its impressive how KB and Donald (resident camp staff) negotiate it while carrying heavy luggage. They make sure you are comfortable and safe while you enjoy the exclusivity of your "own island". Fully guided game drives and walks complete the deal but its the personal touch from everyone that really makes it so special. Game viewing and birding is excellent. (Try sleeping a night in the hide - another unique experience).The roads on the reserve are good and you don't have to have a 4x4. Drive for approx 2 hrs on tar from Polokwane but check which border posts are open first. Turn off your cell phone and leave the laptop behind, and get Wild at Tuli!
Wild at Tuli will teach you to overcome any anxieties or phobias you might have about just about anything because on any given day you could experience... well anything. When we arrived after driving on bumpy dirt roads for what seemed like forever we arrived at "the bridge". Yep. you guessed it I'm afraid of heights & anything suspended over croc infested waters. This is when I met KB, he became my rock and my best friend over the next couple of days. KB would come to my rescue and guide me over the bridge several times a day, though it was still scary after 5 days I was at least able to cross with my eyes open. KB is the calmest person I know and is very intuitive to your needs. The island has 4 tents each with an outdoor bathroom completely exposed above so the Vervet monkeys can watch while you shower. At night, under a million stars, you walk to your tent by paraffin lamp light, just watch out for logs. Truly wild you are left on the island to your own devises overnight, but once you are in under the comfort of your doona you really don't want to wander around. In the mornings after a cuppa you are taken by Sam the guide around the reserve in search of wildlife. On the drive you come across two hides. One by the river and the other near a windmill and a pond. You can stop at either of these and wait for wildlife to come by and the latter you can stay overnight (if you are game) as it also has a toilet. We stopped at both on separate days and the experiences we had are unforgettable. Anyway... Donald & KB have brunch waiting for you on your return, the food is fresh and filling. After brunch your time is your own to either sit in the common room or in the outdoor BBQ area and just relax or, if organised, you can go on a walk with a guide around the island. After an afternoon/evening drive you return again to a wonderful 3 course home cooked meal, cooked by Judi one of the owners. She and Helena join you for a chat and catch up on what was seen during the day. They are both lovely and very entertaining, regaling us with stories of their past and how they came to be at Tuli. It is surprising how after a day or two you tend to forget that you have not checked your Facebook or Email and then after the 5th day you don't even think about it. Wild at Tuli is an awesome experience and is very good for the soul. I believe it has healing powers.