ZIMBABWE BORDERS BOTSWANA TO THE NORTH and east, and South Africa to the south and east. A narrow strip of land along this border is known as the Tuli Block, it consists mainly of privately-owned game farms. This area is quite different to anything else you’ll encounter in Botswana; it’s called Hardeveld, so named for its many rocky outcrops, sandstone cliffs and stony ground. Its red sands and the massive trees found along the Limpopo are two other distinctive traits. In this region you’ll find the Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NOTUGRE), one of the largest privately-owned game reserves in southern Africa.

Because this area is also the border between the Kalahari ecosystem and the bushveld system, it contains a diverse range of vegetation and animals. Such an abundance of animals, in fact, that the area was once a royal hunting ground. Besides extensive animal life (including what is believed to be the largest concentration of elephant on private land in Africa), Tuli is also famous for its birdlife; here, you’ll be able to tick off close to 350 species including the rare Pel’s fishing owl.

Animals are allowed to roam free between the Motloutse and Limpopo Rivers, thus creating a natural habitat for the animals of the Limpopo Lipadi Private Game Reserve, Limpopo River Lodge Game Reserve and the Northern Tuli Private Game Reserve. You won’t be able to enter Northern Tuli Game Reserve in your own vehicle. After parking their vehicles near the Pont Drift border post, guests are transported to their accommodation.

MOREMI SACRED GORGE:
The Tswapong Hills are regarded as sacred by the Batswapong/Bapedi people who live in villages in the area. Moremi Gorge, hidden deep in these hills, with its huge ferns and a series of crystal-clear pools, is well worth a visit. The water here is pure and sweet but swimming is discouraged as the area is sacred.

You can safely park at the foot of the gorge and hike to the top. This is a great day’s outing from Palapye or you can overnight here in a chalet or camp. The campsites are very spacious, shaded and boast solar-heated showers and toilet enclosures. But note, there’s no electricity.

SOLOMON’S WALL:
Solomon’s Wall has to be one of Botswana’s more remarkable geological features. It’s the remnants of 30m high and 10m wide basalt layer which once formed a natural dam wall across the Motloutse River, holding back a great lake. The two ends of this breached barrier still guard each side of the river valley. You need a 4x4 to reach this landmark but it’s well worth a visit as there are often deep, clear pools of cool water in the sandy riverbed.

MOTLOUTSE RUINS:
The Motloutse Ruins near Solomon’s Wall are the most significant remains of a number of ancient settlements relating to the Mapungubwe era (circa 1200 - 1270 AD). This stone village belonged to the kingdom of Mwene Mutapa.

KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY:
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust near Serowe is a community-based wildlife project, established in 1992 to help save the rhino, restore an area to its previous natural state and provide economic benefits to the local Botswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources. The sanctuary’s 8 585 hectares provide refuge for white and black rhino, and 30 other animal species.

Visitors to the sanctuary can stay in chalets, dorms and campsites ideal for individual, family and groups. Delicious meals are served in the onsite restaurant and bar. The education centre offers conservation workcamps in line with school curriculums: students and their teachers sleep in dorms or campsites. A curio shop at the entrance gate sells local crafts, books, maps, souvenirs and firewood.

OLD PALAPYE RUINS:
The Bamangwato people under Kgosi Khama III settled in the western end of the Tswapong Hills. A church was built in 1892 and initially the people’s houses were clustered around it. However, as the terrain was too rocky they moved away to what is today the fast-developing town of Palapye.

ACCOMMODATION:
Range from hotels, guest house, lodges, self-catering, chalets and camping sites. (Jun-16).

DOCTOR:
Doctor contact added is for Dr, Chothia, Cassim A, G along Kabelo Way in Selebi-Phikwe. (Jun-16).

FUEL:
Fuel is supplied by big petrol companies like Puma, Shell, Engen and Total so all types of fuel is available. (Jun-16).

HEALTHCARE:
The hospital contact added is for the Nyangabwe Referral Hospital in Francistown. There are several clinics scattered around the town. There are also Selebi-Phikwe Hospital, Tel: +267(0)261 0333 and several clinics as well. (Jun-16).

INFORMATION:
Tourist Information contact added is for the tourism office in Francistown. There is also a tourism office in Selebi-Pikwe, Tel :+27(0)
+267 261 1616. (Jun-16).

MONEY:
There are banks in Francistown like the FNB, Standard Bank and Barclays bank for all the financial transactions. There are also banks in Selebi-Pikwe, the BancABC for financial transactions. (Jun-16).

POLICE:
Police contact added are for Francistown. There is also a Police station in Selebi-Pikwe town, +267 261 1997. (Jun-16).

TOWING SERVICES:
Towing contact added is for Autostyle Towing. (Jun-16).

Be the first to leave a comment.

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link