Spring at Tulela: Elephants, Open Landscapes & Flowering Trees
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!
Chasing Gold for the Third Time: Tulela’s Journey at the World Luxury Hotel Awards
In the wild heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where the N’tsiri River bends beneath ancient trees, our days are measured by the rustle of leaves and the distant call of lion. This is Tulela Safari Lodge, a place of stillness and deep connection. For the third year running, we are also a contender for one of the most prestigious accolades in hospitality: the World Luxury Hotel Awards. A Legacy of Excellence Since 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards have honoured the finest hotels, lodges, and resorts across the globe. These awards are a reflection of guest experiences, industry respect, and a commitment to excellence that endures year after year. For us at Tulela, the journey began in 2023, when we were honoured with our first gold for Best Luxury Private Safari Lodge in Africa, recognition of the way we reimagine safari as something wholly yours: no strangers and no set schedules. In 2024, we took home a second gold, this time for Best Luxury Exclusive Use Safari Lodge in the continent, celebrating our dedication to giving families, friends, and milestone travellers an entirely private lodge experience, complete with our Star Deck sleepouts, Big Jack brunches, and conservation encounters that linger long after you leave. Now, in 2025, we find ourselves on the brink of something rare, the chance to make it three in a row. Why This Nomination Matters Being nominated for the third time is a testament to the people who make Tulela what it is, our guides, chefs, trackers, butlers, groundsman and housekeeping team who understand that true luxury is about feeling at home in the wild. It is also a tribute to the guests who have walked our riverbeds, watched the stars from our deck, and found peace in our quiet corner of the Greater Kruger. And this is where you come in. How to Cast Your Vote for Tulela Safari Lodge Every vote counts towards bringing the gold home once more. Voting is quick and takes less than a minute: Go to www.luxuryhotelawards.com Click on the Vote Now button Select Tulela Safari Lodge and cast your vote. That’s it. Your click could make history for us. www.tulela.co.za
Guided by Nature, Grounded in Expertise: Meet Jordan Jacobson of Tulela
At Tulela, our private safari experience is shaped not only by the wilderness but by the individuals who help interpret it. Among them is Jordan Jacobson, Head Guide and Assistant Manager. With close to two decades of experience in the bush, Jordan brings a balance of ecological insight, calm leadership, and quiet passion to every guest experience. From Family Roots to Conservation Stewardship Jordan’s path into guiding began early, influenced by a father who worked with South Africa’s national parks and later as an environmental educator. This lifelong proximity to wild spaces shaped his philosophy. “The bush started as a passion, a calling,” he reflects. “But now it’s simply part of who I am. I feel a responsibility to give back to the land and wildlife that have given me so much.” To Jordan, guiding isn’t just about wildlife sightings. “We’re interpreters for this landscape. Our role is to share, educate, and help people connect meaningfully with the wilderness,” he says. A Specialist in the Mopane Belt Tulela is situated in the northeastern sector of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, within a mopane belt that supports a unique ecological community. Jordan understands the nuances of this region intimately. “The mopane trees play a critical role,” he explains. “Species like elephant and buffalo depend on them for nutrients during the dry season. The vegetation also influences predator-prey dynamics, creating cover and shaping movement patterns.” Even apex predators like leopard behave differently here. “Their hunting strategies, territorial habits, and even breeding activity are adapted to this specific terrain,” Jordan notes. This ecological awareness adds context to every game drive, offering guests more than just moments of excitement, but a deeper understanding of the natural systems at play. A Winter Perspective Winter in the Lowveld often surprises guests. “As seasonal pans dry, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources, including our waterhole right in front of the lodge,” Jordan says. “It’s a prime time for consistent sightings.” He also points to seasonal changes in flora and birdlife. “Some trees flower in winter to attract specific pollinators. Raptors, too, become easier to spot as the foliage thins.” Even rhinos exhibit fascinating seasonal behaviours. “They wallow daily, which helps manage parasites and protect their skin. It’s one of many small details that highlight how animals adapt to this environment,” he adds. Quiet Leadership, Lasting Impact As Assistant Manager, Jordan helps lead Tulela’s team, supporting conservation planning, guest logistics, and operations. His strength lies in his ability to communicate complex ecological topics with clarity and relevance. Whether he’s guiding a multi-generational family or preparing a professional photographer for a bush walk, Jordan adapts each interaction with insight and calm authority. “Our aim isn’t just to show people the bush,” he says. “It’s to help them understand what they’re seeing, the behaviour, the context, the bigger picture.” Introducing Guided by Nature: Jordan’s Journal Starting soon, Jordan will be contributing to our new content series, Guided by Nature: Jordan’s Journal. Through periodic field notes, seasonal updates, and behind-the-scenes reflections, he’ll offer a candid view into life in the bush. While updates will be shaped by the rhythms of wilderness life, each entry promises grounded, firsthand insight from one of the reserve’s most experienced voices. A Trusted Presence in the Field At a lodge defined by exclusivity and depth of experience, Jordan Jacobson sets a quiet but meaningful tone. His expertise, professionalism, and reflective approach elevate every guest journey, whether it’s a first-time safari or a return to familiar wild places. www.tulela.co.za
What June Reveals: A Season of Wild Beauty at Tulela
When the Bush Sharpens As the southern winter settles in, the landscape begins to clarify. The heavy rains are long gone. Grasses are low. Shadows lengthen. And across the Klaserie, movement becomes easier to see — and harder to forget. This is when the bush speaks clearly. And at Tulela, the rhythm of June offers a window into the most intimate encounters of the year. When the Big 5 Appear Without Sound In this dry season, there’s no need to chase. Elephant herds arrive at the waterhole with slow grace. Buffalo move like shadows in the heat haze. A leopard crosses the sand, seen from the game vehicle but unaware — or unconcerned. There is space at Tulela. Not only physical, but emotional. The animals have room to be themselves. Guests have time to simply watch, to feel what it means to be near something wild and utterly present. The Big 5 don’t pose. They pass through. A Walk Becomes a Conversation with the Land To walk here is to pay attention. In silence, a story unfolds — a cracked marula seed, a dropped feather, tracks from the night before. Each mark has meaning, each scent its own whisper. Walking safaris in Tulela’s reserve offer something few places still can: a slow return to natural pace. Led by experienced trackers and guides, guests trace paths through dry riverbeds, woodland groves, and open plains. Sometimes birds dominate the soundtrack. Sometimes it’s nothing but the wind. There’s no rush. And no better way to notice the land than to walk with it. The Star Deck Far from any artificial light, the sky becomes a theatre. The Milky Way spills overhead. The southern cross tilts. Somewhere, hyenas whoop in the dark. Tulela’s Star Deck is not a gimmick — it is a simple, beautiful space that allows for the most honest experience of the African night. Comfortable bedding, firelight, and the vastness of wilderness are all it needs. For some, it’s a night of storytelling. For others, a night of quiet. But all agree: it’s unforgettable. A Day Without Interruption Not all safaris are equal. At Tulela, days unfold with a kind of ease rare in the modern world. Game drives follow wildlife, not timetables. Bush brunches might extend until late afternoon. Children explore antlion pits while kudu step into view. The lodge itself opens directly onto a natural amphitheatre, where wildlife appears daily: warthogs wallowing, giraffes pausing, elephants drinking. There’s no need to leave to feel connected. The bush is all around. Let the Bush Lead June doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand. It reveals, quietly and gradually. For those who come to Tulela in this season, the reward is clear sight: of animals moving in their own world, of land resting in its dry-season form, of stars arranged as they have always been. There is no better time to witness the wild in its most honest expression. www.tulela.co.za
Your Own Safari Lodge: The Ultimate Luxury
There’s something transformative about being in the wild. But when that wild is yours alone – when the lodge, the schedule, and the wilderness are all shaped around you – the experience moves from memorable to life-changing. This is the power of exclusive-use safaris, and Tulela Safari Lodge leads the way. Set within the vast expanse of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Tulela redefines what luxury means. Here, it’s not just about exceptional service or elegant design — it’s about ownership of the moment. Every sunrise, every animal sighting, every meal and milestone, curated entirely for you and those you love. What Makes Exclusive-Use Different? In a world where luxury travel is often shared, exclusive-use offers something rare: privacy, personalisation, and the freedom to truly connect. At Tulela, your safari becomes your own narrative – with no strangers, no strict schedules, and no distractions. Unlike a shared lodge where guests follow a preset schedule and share spaces with strangers, exclusive-use turns a safari into your own story — uninterrupted and unhurried. There’s no adjusting your rhythm to others, no queuing at sightings. Whether you want early morning drives or long, lazy brunches overlooking the waterhole, your time is yours. Your Own Wilderness Nestled within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Tulela provides 9,000 hectares of private wilderness. Here, wildlife roams free, and guests explore without crowds – a rare privilege in the Greater Kruger. The reserve’s low tourism density allows for unfiltered experiences: elephants at dusk, lions calling under starlight, herds of buffalo grazing against a golden horizon. These aren’t curated moments. They’re real, raw, and yours alone to witness. Tailored To You Everything at Tulela is designed around you — not just in theory, but in practice. From game drives and bush walks to mealtimes and menus, the experience is sculpted around your preferences, not someone else’s itinerary. Your guide reads more than just tracks — they tune into your energy and interest, whether it’s photography, birding, or storytelling around the fire. Meals unfold when you’re ready, and every day can be spontaneous, intuitive, or indulgently slow. If your children want to learn about dung beetles one day and help make bush bread the next, that’s the adventure. That’s the rhythm. Who It’s For Multi-generational families, milestone celebrations, honeymooners, and anyone seeking deep connection in a private setting will find their ideal safari at Tulela. In today’s world, true privacy is a luxury. At Tulela, it’s standard. Experience the safari the way it’s meant to be: yours. https://tulela.co.za/wordpress/
What does ‘Exclusive Use’ really mean?
Imagine stepping into the wild heart of Africa and finding it entirely your own. No strangers, no schedules, no compromises. Just you, your favourite people, and the untamed beauty of the bush. This is the power of an exclusive-use safari — and at Tulela Safari Lodge, it’s taken to an entirely new level of intimacy, privacy, and personalised luxury. In the world of safari travel, the term exclusive-use means you don’t share the lodge with anyone outside your group. The lodge becomes your private retreat — your schedule, your chef, your vehicle, your wilderness experience. It’s a rising trend among multi-generational families, close friends, honeymooners, and milestone travellers who are seeking something more meaningful and immersive than the average lodge stay. At Tulela, nestled within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, exclusive-use isn’t just a feature — it’s the foundation of everything. Where Is Tulela? Tulela is located in the Greater Kruger Park, within the 64,000-hectare Klaserie reserve. This region shares unfenced borders with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely across one of the largest conservation areas in southern Africa. Yet unlike Kruger’s public camps or shared lodges, Klaserie offers low tourism density, prioritising privacy, authenticity, and conservation-focused travel. And within it, Tulela sits perched on a bend of the seasonal N’tsiri River, overlooking a busy waterhole where elephants, buffalo, and antelope gather daily. Why Choose an Exclusive-Use Safari at Tulela? 1. Total Privacy Forget bumping into other guests or jostling for views. At Tulela, it’s just your group and the bush. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, celebrating a milestone birthday, or simply craving a peaceful escape, the entire lodge is yours. The only thing you’ll share is the sunrise with the animals. 2. Your Own Schedule Love a slow morning with coffee and birdsong? Prefer night drives under the stars? Want to brunch under a jackalberry tree or sleep on a Star Deck beneath the Milky Way? Here, you can. There’s no fixed itinerary unless you want one. Your guide, tracker, and private chef work entirely around you. 3. Child-Friendly & Safe for Families Exclusive-use safaris are perfect for families with children, especially younger ones. There’s no need to worry about disturbing other guests — or adapting to their needs. At Tulela, kids are welcomed with tailored bush activities, fun learning experiences, and flexible meal times. And parents? You get peace of mind and plenty of time to unwind. 4. Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters Tulela is located in Big 5 territory, with a rich diversity of species including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — as well as giraffe, zebra, wild dog, hyena and hundreds of bird species. Your game drives are private, your guide is personal, and your viewing experiences are far from the crowds. Want to track lions at night? Explore the reserve on foot? It’s all possible. 5. Luxury That Feels Like Home The lodge features five beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, a spacious central living area, and a viewing deck with a rim-flow pool overlooking the riverbed. There’s a coffee bar at your fingertips, a private chef on call, and interiors that blend seamlessly with the bush — soft tones, natural textures, and calming design elements that elevate without overpowering. Whether you’re lounging under the trees or gathering around the fire pit with a gin and tonic, you’ll feel like this is your African home. The Experience Is Built Around You Every detail at Tulela is intentionally personal. From bush brunches under Big Jack, their beloved jackalberry tree, to sleepouts under the stars, to conservation experiences like rhino dehorning operations (by prior arrangement), your stay is curated with care and meaning. You’ll be guided by warm, knowledgeable staff who treat you like family and make every moment unforgettable. “You created a home away from home for our young families. We are raving fans and will spread the news to our friends in the USA” Masterson, Lieder, and Gietzen Families, Missouri Ideal For: Looking for a More Intimate Option? In addition to the main Tulela Lodge, you can also book Mondzo Lodge — a separate, private house designed for self-catering or fully-catered stays, sleeping up to 10 guests. It’s perfect for smaller families or friends wanting the same exclusive-use experience in a slightly more flexible setup.
Changing of the seasons
As the bush transitions through the changing season, Tulela Safari Lodge is alive with subtle yet powerful signs of transformation. Though the landscape remains dry, the shift is unmistakable. The animals are on the move, driven by the search for sustenance as they roam more than usual. Unlike in the lush summer months when food is plentiful, this time of year challenges them to find nutrition. This movement has brought our guests some incredible sightings, especially of buffalo herds that sweep across the plains like living lawn mowers, grazing steadily as they go. Elephant herds have also become a familiar sight, descending daily to graze in the Mopani belts. Mopani leaves, known for retaining 40% of their nutritional value even after the tree dies, provide a vital source of sustenance during these lean times. Watching these magnificent creatures make the most of what nature offers in this season is a humbling experience. But it’s not just the animals that signal this shift. There’s a certain pressure in the air, a change that hints at what’s to come. As reptiles and tortoises begin to stir, we’re reminded that this season isn’t only about new life—it’s about the promise of rain. The croaks of frogs are growing louder, their calls forecasting the much-anticipated rains that are just weeks away. Perhaps the most visible markers of the changing season are the trees. The long-tail cassia and wild pear trees have started to bloom, their bright blossoms the first to emerge in the dry landscape. The wild pear tree, once used for wagon-making, now stands as a living testament to endurance. And when these trees bloom, we know for sure: nature’s cycle is in full swing at Tulela. In this season of transition, the bush tells a story of resilience, of life continuing despite challenges. And as we witness these changes, we are reminded of nature’s constant cycle of renewal—offering both the wildlife and those lucky enough to visit a glimpse of something truly extraordinary.
Winter Wonders at Tulela Safari Lodge
Winter at Tulela: A Season of Survival and Beauty
As winter sets in at Tulela Safari Lodge, the landscape transforms with brittle grasses giving way to the resilient Mopani trees. These trees retain 40% of their nutrients even after death, providing vital nourishment for elephants and buffalo. The blooming Aloes attract insects and birds, while our Tulela waterhole becomes a bustling hub for wildlife. Predators thrive as impalas, driven by mating instincts, become easy prey. Despite the cold, winter at Tulela offers stunning sunrises and sunsets, and the open bush creates perfect conditions for unforgettable safari trips.
Summer’s Arrival: A Vibrant Journey in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve
Welcome to summer in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve—an exhilarating and, dare we say, scorching affair!
