As we move through late spring at Tulela, the bush is dry, warm, and full of subtle seasonal changes. It’s a time of open landscapes, flowering trees, and clear visibility, making for interesting and rewarding game drives. Water sources are busy, the air is heating up, and sightings have been strong both at the lodge and out in the reserve.
Jordan’s Journal
In this month’s update from Jordan, our Head Field Guide and Assistant Manager, he shares what he’s seeing as the bush responds to spring:
“A lot of the trees have started flowering,” he says. “Some of the most edible and favoured trees are flowering now in early spring. That’s the knob thorn, Senegalia nigrescens, a favourite for giraffes and kudu. And the flowers are now being pollinated, so the veld is dotted with these beautiful trees.”
Jordan also points out the longtail cassia,“numanyama”, a word meaning “meat” in the local language, because the long pods hanging from the branches resemble cured strips of meat. “It’s a nice shady tree when it’s flowering,” he says.
This kind of seasonal change in tree life is more than aesthetic, it reflects the bush’s ongoing cycle and reveals layers of cultural history as well.
Elephants at the Water: Daily Action at Duna Dam
With the dry season still holding, many animals are staying close to water, especially elephants, which have been spending long hours at Ndhuna Dam and the waterhole situated in front of Tulela lodge. We’ve had multiple days of herds coming in to drink, splash, and even swim.
These aren’t rushed moments, they’re extended, relaxed visits that guests can watch from the Tulela Lodge deck, pool, or central living area. For many travellers, it’s a highlight of the trip to see elephants this close, with no need to head out on drive.
Open Bush, Clear Sightings
One of the advantages of this time of year is visibility. The grass is still short, the trees haven’t fully leafed out, and water activity is predictable, all of which make for stronger, more consistent sightings.
Guides and trackers have a clearer view for identifying tracks and animal movement, and guests often get longer viewing windows before animals disappear into thicker bushes. For those interested in photography or learning more about how the bush “works,” this season gives you time and space to observe.
Holding for Rain
While a few clouds have rolled in, the rains haven’t arrived yet. That means we’re still in the final stretch of the dry season, when things are warm, dusty, and dynamic. This in-between phase brings a quiet tension to the bush, not quite summer, but definitely not winter.
When the first rains do arrive, the landscape will shift quickly. But for now, the reserve remains open and exposed, offering a different kind of beauty and pace.
Spring Safari Special: 10% Off October & November 2025
If you’re planning an exclusive-use safari for later this year, Tulela is offering 10% off when you book and stay in October and November 2025.
It’s a great time to visit: fewer vehicles in the reserve, strong visibility, and some of the best chances to watch wildlife gathering at water. Whether you’re planning a family trip, group getaway, or private photographic safari, this is a rare chance to enjoy the lodge, and the bush, on your own terms.
Contact us at reservations@tulela.co.za or click on the link Spring Special 2025 to book your stay!