www.botswanawildlife.com
General
Limpopo River Lodge is a private game farm located on the banks of the Limpopo river in the Tuli Block region of Botswana. The farm
has 5km of spectacular river frontage and offers chalet accomodation as well as camping facilities both of which are pleasantly situated on the
shaded banks of the Limpopo river. The farm has numerous animals that can be seen and it is unfenced on the eastern boundary allowing animals to
move freely between the various concessions in the area. Guided game drives are offered and self-drive game viewing is allowed.
What to see and do
Most of the farm consists of mopane woodland with scattered rocky outcrops or koppies breaking up the landscape. Along the river the
mopane woodland gives way to riverine woodland rich in birdlife. There are numerous baobab trees on the farm including a hollow baobab which is
worth a visit.
The roads are well sign-posted making them suitable for self-drive game viewing however, due to the many dongas and rocky outcrops, a 4x4 is essential - a map will be provided at reception showing all the roads and places of interest in the area.
There are a number of dams on the farm which are pumped and these are the focal points of any game viewing as animals are attracted to these water sources.
A viewpoint on one of the koppies provides a panoramic view over the surrounding bushveld and this has a braai stand as well as log seats which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset.
Guided game drives are available and can be booked at reception - morning drives start at 6am, afternoon drives at 3pm and night drives are also offered giving you the chance to see some of the rarely seen nocturnal animals of Botswana.
Between the lodge and the campsite there is a riverwalk trail which affords a wonderful opportunity of enjoying the scenery and birdlife along the river. Care must be taken however as there are elephants around and occasionaly lion can be seen in the area!
Wildlife
Animals
There are numerous game species that can be seen on the farm including Kudu, Impala and Waterbuck. The riverine woodland provides habitat for the
shy Bushbuck, commonly seen around the lodge, whilst the koppies provide suitable habitat for Leopard, Rock Dassie and Klipspringer - one of
the few areas in Botswana where this antelope can be seen.
Due to the free movement of wildlife in the area Elephants are regularly seen as are Zebra, and Lion regularly move on and off the farm. Smaller predators like Brown Hyena and Black-backed Jackal are also encountered as well as nocturnal animals such as Porcupine. Hippos and Crocodiles are plentiful in the river.
BirdlifeOne of the main attractions of this area is the abundant birdlife especially in the summer months - Pel's Fishing Owl being one of many to look out for. The trees along the river front provide habitat for many fruit eating birds such as African Green Pigeon, Barbets and Bulbuls as well as other riverine woodland birds such as Bearded Woodpecker, Tropical Boubou and Heuglin's Robin to name a few. The river attracts many kingfishers, ducks and waders throughout the year. In the surrounding mopane woodland look out for White Helmetshrike, Cape Penduline Tit and Yelloweyed Canary whilst the koppies are frequented by Mocking Chat, Boulder Chat and Rock Bunting. The waterholes are good birding locations with Doves and Sandgrouse flocking in to drink.
With such a variety of habitats the birdlife is prolific with over 100 birds being seen during a recent two day visit to the Lodge in July.
Accommodation
Lodge
The Lodge consists of fully serviced self-catering chalets and rondavels all situated on the tree-lined banks of the Limpopo river. Each facility
has a fully equipped kitchen with refrigeration facilities as well as braai facilities. Electricity points can also be found in the bedrooms.
The thatched chalets (1 & 2 and 3 & 4) each sleep four people on double beds in two separate bedrooms (bottom left) with an interleading bathroom and have a separate kitchen and bar facility (top right) by the boma/braai area which overlooks the river. Chalets 1 & 2 have a private lounge as well as a separate bar area with a deck over the river. The chalets also share a swimming pool (top left).
The rondavels (bottom right) have single beds and all - apart from rondavel 1 where the bathroom is ensuite - have bush bathrooms. Rondavels 2 & 3 sleep four people in two rooms on single beds and like the chalets have a seperate fully equipped kitchen and bar facility. Rondavels 1 & 4 have a fully equipped kitchen area attached.
Campsite
There are 6 campsites located 3km downriver from the lodge and each is pleasantly situated amongst tall trees which provide shade. There are thatched ablution facilities with hot and cold water.
There is also a thatched Bush Camp available at the campsite comprising two bedrooms furnished with two single beds. There is a fully equipped kitchen attached and a boma area with camp chairs and braai facilities provided. The ablution facilities are shared with the campsite.
All firewood is supplied for the campsite but please note that no drinking water is available.
Further Information
For organised self-drive safaris throughout Botswana contact:
DriveBotswana
P.O Box 10937
Palapye
Tel: (+267) 4923416
www.drivebotswana.com
