Natural Selection Safaris has opened its most luxurious camp yet, Tuludi, in the game-rich Khwai Private Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Tuludi’s seven treehouse-esque tents sit on the edge of a vast floodplain, with expansive views of the wilderness ahead, including the camp’s own hippo pod.
Tuludi’s design take is a whimsical reflection of the Okavango, its creatures, colours and bird life. Each of the seven tents covers an impressive 60 square metres with king-size or twin beds, lounge area and dressing room. The textiles are by Ardmore, one of South-Africa’s most famous design studios. Handmade chandeliers featuring dip-dyed rings of high thorn and jacaranda wood hang from the roof. Each room has its own bespoke piece of art featuring the flora and fauna of Tuludi by artist Sarah Kelly.
All suites have a spacious deck and a private plunge pool, while bathrooms featured indoor double vanities and an outdoor shower and bath.
The main area is dominated by a handmade, mosaic-tiled bar. From the bar a selection of South Africa’s finest wines are served as well as a range of craft beers and artisan gins served with premium tonic waters.
Located to the central west of the sprawling 200,000 hectare Khwai Private Reserve, Tuludi is set in the heart of the concession’s best game viewing area. The camp overlooks a natural wetland that is the first watering hole for wildlife coming down from the dry woodlands to the north of the Okavango looking to quench their thirst. There is a steady flow of plains game – buffalo, giraffe, elephant and their predators – making the daily journey to drink right in front of camp, year round.
Furthermore the eco-system at Tuludi comprises of both savannah and floodplain, meaning herds of zebra, prowling cheetah and marauding wild dog are as at home here as those who prefer wetter territory; waterbuck and lechwe. The area around Tuludi is home to a resident leopard family, who are being monitored as part of the Khwai Private Reserve’s partnership with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust.
Morning and afternoon game drives are led by Tuludi’s expert guiding team. The waterways are best experienced from a mokoro. Visitors cruise along gently on the water and learn about the small things that are so easily missed from the 4×4 Landcruiser: reed frogs and dragonflies, lilies and malachite kingfishers. For the adventurous, walking safaris offer an opportunity to get closer to the sights and smells of the wilderness.
Rates at Tuludi start at US$1,020 per person per night based on two sharing. The rate is inclusive of full board accommodation, house drinks and all safari activities.
For more information, see naturalselection.travel/camps/tuludi/
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