Tulela Safari Lodge

Tulela was the most incredible experience. Jordan our guide and Duncan our tracker were phenomenal. My family is leaving with memories we will never forget. We want to plan our next trip back to Tulela ASAP! Thank you to all of the staff, Florence, Bernard, Angie, Laura and the rest of the staff for an outstanding experience. We hope to be back soon.

It was such a magical place. The staff, ranger and spotter were amazing. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating. The knowledge that Troy had and shared with our families was incredible. The lodge is gorgeously done and the rooms are beautiful. There is so much attention today detail from the decoration to how the table is set every day. They were super sweet, patient and entertaining with the kids. They make sure to make it one of the most memorable trips for both adults and kids.

It was clearly beyond my expectations. This place is unique in South Africa ! You feel like at home while you stay there. We had wonderful sightings : lions, elephants... Thank you to all the team : Brett, Miranda, Guy and Duncan. You make a great work ! Hope to come back very soon. Thibaud

Everything about this lodge was 5☆, especially the staff. Over the years we have visited numerous game reserves, but the sightings at Tulela were truely breathtaking. I know that does involve a bit of luck, but it made our stay really memorable.

My time at Tulela was the most magical experience of my life. Everything was perfection. The accommodations and grounds were stunning and immaculate. Rika, Werner, and the entire staff were wonderful and so friendly and the food was incredible. The safaris with Werner and Caswell were truly unforgettable. It is amazing how many animals we were able to see thanks to their tracking talent! Werner’s knowledge of all fauna and flora was beyond impressive. I would give Tulela 10 out of 5 stars if I could!

Fantastic self catering experience - team were exceptional from Jordan and Caz who made sure we had outstanding sightings ( and super scenic drives) to Angelique, Pagnacia (sp ?) taking care of our every need. The house is beautifully appointed ,the kitchen outstandingly equipped. The best “self catering “ experience I’ve had.

My family and I had the most amazing time. We saw the most incredible game thanks to the expertise of our ranger, Werner, and his spotter Andres. I felt very comfortable and safe during our drives. Werner’s knowledge and eagerness to share about the bush made the drive engaging and fun. The safari alone merits a 5 star alone but the lodge and the staff were spectacular. Rika was very attentive and made us feel SO welcome and Bernard’s attention to detail and upbeat attitude was infectious. The rooms were fantastic and very well maintained morning through evening…truly a fantastic experience and one for the books.

I have been wanting to write this report for a while now, as it's important to share the experiences we've had at Tulala. Let's start out by saying that - although I'm a vivid traveller, and have seen everything from rock bottom to beyond perfect - nothing beats Tulela. It's a bucket list by itself. We've booked the trip through a private organiser in South Africa, as knowledge of Tulela can be considered a best kept secret abroad. As is usual with the lodge, you book it completely. From arrival in Hoedspruit where we were fetched by Werner it took about 1 1/2hrs to get to the lodge. This drive by itself can be considered our first game drive, as we saw various animals ranging from Elephants to Giraffes and everything in between. Arrival at the lodge was spectacular. It’s situated across a (empty at the time) river, on the riverbank. All 14+ staff greeted us, which made us feel a little bit timid for a moment. Although the honest laughs, pats on the back and friendly banter made us feel at home instantly. The lodge itself consists of a main lodge building where you have various spots for dinner (2 inside, 2 outside), a fireplace with ample seating, a large deck overlooking the river + drinking hole, pool with a view, and many many other seating areas. Kinda positioned in a V shape you will then find one building with two private (large) rooms on its right and another building with three rooms on left. Each with its private access, a large bathroom and private viewing area. Every day started around 5:30 with a soft knock on the door (Werner), followed by coffee (5:45) and then the morning game drive at 6am. These early morning drives were an absolute gem, with wildlife waking up, and Werner and Caswell (the spotter) allowing us to enjoy the scenery, animals and each other. They took ample time to explain every small detail (we brought our 8 - 12yr old kids), from various species of flowers, to how a lion drinks, to smoking elephant dung (yes, that’s a thing, and we only did it because my daughter was wondering what happens to the dung). Around 8am you stop for a (alcohol laced if requested) coffee and some bites. Then upon return to the lodge around 9am you enjoy a beautiful breakfast spread. Then your day is open until about 4pm (these times depend on the season) - which you enjoy relaxing, swimming, lunching, drinking, and watching animals on the lodge. Then you are picked up and do your second drive of the day, again with a 8pm ‘sundowner’ (drinks + snacks). Werner and Caswell taught us so much more then just spotting animals, we slept under the stars one night (they have an outpost), our kids were able to shoot some airguns, we tracked animals throughout every part of the Kruger, we had drinks next to lions, just across the road from elephants and.. Wow! The food, lodge and everything else is spot on. They do an awesome job in making you feel at home, remembering requests and preferences. I would (and am) recommend this to everyone I have dear. Thanks team for making us part of the Tulela family!