The African BushYour Way

Welcome to Limpopo-Lipadi, a shareholder-owned Private Game and Wilderness Reserve located on the banks of the Limpopo River in the Tuli Block, south-east Botswana.

A Reserve for individuals who share our values and desire to conserve and protect the African wilderness, contribute to the preservation of endangered species, support the upliftment of local communities, as well as those who simply want to experience the beauty of the African bush.

Discover

A truly unique experience awaits. Take a journey through the African wilderness.

COME ON SAFARI WITH US

Conserve

Our responsibility has become our passion – Working hard to preserve our unique piece of Africa.

OUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Join Us

As a shareholder you create your own wildlife adventures – experiences that surpass the usual tourist safari. As owners, shareholders have the freedom to explore the reserve without restriction.

BECOME A CO-OWNER

Reserve
Mon 05 Jun 2023

Welcome to our new rhinos!

Of recent Limpopo-Lipadi has received a good number of new rhinos from other parts of Botswana, in addition to our…

Community
Mon 29 May 2023

Limpopo-Lipadi as the inspiration for art

In March a group of shareholders and friends came together for the first Art Week in the Reserve to be…

Sightings
Sun 21 May 2023

Playful Lions

Since the pride of lions was translocated from the Reserve to another part of Botswana some time ago, it is…

Community
Fri 12 May 2023

Art lessons for the school children

During the recent Art Week at Limpopo-Lipadi Reserve in Botswana, artist Alison Nicholls taught sketching classes at the secondary school…

Embark on a
Virtual Safari

 

Your next great adventure is just around the corner.
Use the map to the right to discover the best of Limpopo-Lipadi.

 International Bush Airstrip

For those that prefer to fly we have our own International Bush Airstrip.

Combretum and Raisin Bush Forest

Complementing our other habitats, the steeper slopes close to the river offer a variety of Bush Willow, Terminalia and Raisin Bush habitats and are home to many antelope and bird species.

Island Lodge

Island Lodge is under construction on the bank of the Limpopo River, west of the River Camp. It is designed to make the most of the stunning river views.

Mopane Forest

Like much of Botswana, Limpopo-Lipadi is dominated by Mopane Forest. This important tree retains its green leaves well into winter and remains the most important food source for animals such as Eland, Elephant and Kudu. Mopane trees are also the source of plagues of mopane worms, the larvae of the emperor moth that local villagers collect, dry and eat like chips! Mopane forest changes colour slowly as it moves into the dry winter, providing several months of stunning autumn colouration at the Reserve.

Baobab Trees

Our tree species include more than 150 large baobab, white seringa, leadwood, knobthorn, rock fig, Kalahari apple-leaf, green corkwood, weeping boerbean and mopane, among others.

The towering baobab, however, leaves the greatest impression. These giants are scattered across the reserve – each with unique characteristics that help us identify them.

Phiri Plains

The largest plains area nestled under the Lipadi Hill offers a chance to observe large herds of impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra from a distance. This also allows the opportunity to camp under one of the two mighty baobabs found in this area. (Did you know? The word ‘Phiri’ means “hyena”.)

Motse Eco-Volunteer House

The Eco-volunteer project allows young people to experience the African bush and contribute to conservation. Our 10-bedded farmhouse can accommodate students after a full and active day in the field.

Tholo Underwater Hide

This recycled container is half buried and surrounded on three sides by the waterhole, offering the opportunity for ground-level pictures of birds landing, leopards drinking and elephants splashing in the water. All of this while comfortably seated below water level. We are incredibly proud of this development.

Kirkia Camp

This future camp will contain eight lodges nestled among giant white Syringa and Marula trees, offering a unique experience of the African savanna. Here you will experience spectacular sightings of game herds at a private waterhole.
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Cabbagelands Dam

One of our shareholders favourite watering holes includes a secluded above ground hide. The Cabbagelands dam harkens back to areas farming past but is now a favourite of lions, elephants, cheetahs and many others. All our watering holes are fed by solar powered borehole pumps.

Mbusi Waterhole

The small Mbusi waterhole is one of the best places to spot leopard and elephant. With our hide situated between the reservoir, favoured by elephants, and the watering hole on the opposite side, you have a bird’s eye view of any game that frequents this spot.

Black Rock

This double humped geological feature offers views of the west of the Reserve, and is a good spot for leopards to hide. The lion family sometimes perches on the top to survey their kingdom, while dassies and double-banded mongoose scurry around as well.

Lipadi Hill

Favourite Sundowner Spot

Lipadi Hill, after which Limpopo-Lipadi was named, is a central feature of the Reserve. The hill towers over the eastern side of the Reserve provide breath-taking views of sunsets, the Phiri Plains, as well as a chance to come across the elusive elephant shrew, rock hyrax or the opportunity to spot elephants from on high.

The Limpopo River

The great Limpopo River spreads into a wide variety of habitats showcasing hippo, crocodiles, river birds, tall forests and the potential for a variety of river-based activities.

Ensuring the health of the Reserve depends in large on ensuring the health of the surrounding trees and vegetation, which in turn depends on the river. The Limpopo, one of the most spectacular rivers in Southern Africa, is in pristine condition.

River Camp

Under the shade of the massive trees along the winding bank of the Limpopo River lies the peaceful River Camp. Due to our extremely low visitor density it is possible for our shareholders to experience a true sense of tranquillity.

The seven secluded lodges that make up River Camp are all isolated and private. With hammocks slung between the trees you can laze in the beautiful African sun and listen to the echoes of a fish eagle’s call and hippos snorting and splashing close by. Crocodiles bask on the rocks and sandbanks along the river and the bird life is spectacular. Occasional larger visitors are seen as bushbuck cross to the islands, impala shelter in the shade and warthogs graze on the lawns. In the drier winter months, you may get lucky enough to see elephants occasionally passing along the river banks.

Each lodge consists of two/three bedrooms, lounge, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, pantry, utility room and a fire and braai/barbeque area overlooking the Limpopo River. The bedrooms have en-suite facilities, with a glass-enclosed shower as well as an outside shower. All bedrooms have fans and air conditioning. There is a central area in River Camp which contains a small pool with sun loungers, several braai spots and a boma flanked by a bar area on one side and a dining and seating area on the other. Other facilities include a kitchen, catering facilities, ice-maker and restroom.

At River Camp you can experience true peace and quiet as you are immersed in nature and far from any other developments.

Our Shareholders

Limpopo-Lipadi is where keen conservationists, people wanting to be part of social upliftment in surrounding communities, safari lovers and wildlife enthusiasts come together to live out their love for the bush. Check out some of these shareholder interviews to understand the passion they have for this special part of Africa.

 

Bugs South Africa

“My name is Bugs and I’ve had an interest in wildlife and conservation my whole life. I’ve been fortunate enough to have owned a game farm in South Africa but sold it to become part of the Limpopo-Lipadi family.”

Claudio Italy

“My name is Claudio, from Rome, Italy. It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve joined Limpopo-Lipadi, and the investment has definitely been worth it.”

Karoly & Ingrid Netherlands & South Africa

“It’s been nine years since my friend Ingrid and I became shareholders at Limpopo-Lipadi. Ever since Henneke (Karoly’s mum) took us to South Africa we fell in love with the African bush. We decided to take the plunge and go for it! You only live once, right?”

Ryan South Africa

“It was my dream to be a part of a conservation project like Limpopo-Lipadi in order to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation. Limpopo-Lipadi was the right opportunity in the perfect country for this type of investment.”

Peter and Shelley Australia

“We are from New South Wales, Australia and Limpopo-Lipadi is a rare and wonderful experience for us. We discovered Limpopo-Lipadi while on an African safari about 6 years ago and the rest is history.”

Woody United States

“Some of my fondest memories include jogging with my wife through the Reserve (something that is probably not to be recommended – this was in pre-lion days); fishing with Actor at Dan’s picnic spot with two huge crocks sunning themselves on a large rock just a little upstream; climbing Lipadi Hill at daybreak, bumping into Manorem, Thelma and Baby Banda on foot on the way back to the vehicle; having breakfast by the river watching a croc eat fish.”

Our Staff

The majority of our staff complement, consisting of more than 70 hard working individuals, come from local villages and receive in-house training at the Reserve to create a superior shareholder experience. In the long run, we are playing our part in the development of tourism in the Tuli Block, fostering the emergence of a range of hospitality skills amongst the local population.

Linky and Grace Lodge Managers

Both new to Limpopo-Lipadi, but not new to hospitality, we each bring our own expertise to our Reserve,” says Linky (right), Lodge Manager, who joined us at the beginning of October 2018. Grace (left), Lodge Operations, joined us on 1 November 2018. Linky has had a career in guest relations and lodge relief management in the Delta and now brings her experience to Limpopo-Lipadi.

Norman Head of Outdoor Experiences and Bartender

I have been at Limpopo-Lipadi for over 10 years. My career started as a groundsman and I steadily worked my way up to become responsible for the bush dinners, camp-out set-ups as well as being the resident barman.

John Guide

I have been a guide for more than 35 years and my passion for the bush still remains strong. I still learn every day from both nature and the people I meet. Before I came to Limpopo-Lipadi in February 2016, I worked in Chobe National park in the Okavango Delta.

Becky Head of Housekeeping

I come from the village of Tsetsebwje, which is close to the Reserve. I have three children that are 15, 5 and 18-months old and I am very proud of them. Since I started working as a housekeeper at Limpopo-Lipadi in March 2009, I have enjoyed the friendship and fun that myself and my colleagues share.

Tebogo Bookings and Invoicing

Although I’ve only been at Limpopo-Lipadi since August 2017, I feel ‘at home’ here. I come from the neighbouring village of Tsetsebwje and received further education in Finance in Selebi-Phikwe and Francistown. I am based at the Reserve and am responsible for the reservations and billing.

Actor Guide

It’s been 8 years since I started working as a guide at Limpopo-Lipadi…Time flies! I am married to Kedi who is one of the chefs here. We have two boys and two girls. I am proud to work as a guide and love working with my colleagues and the management. Shareholders enjoy going on drives with me as I know a lot about wildlife, birdlife and the identification of plants.

Jabu Fireman and Gardener

I have worked at Limpopo-Lipadi since April 2009 and I come from a village called Moletemane, not far from here. I have 5 children who I’m very proud of. A typical day of work for me starts with passing by all the lodges to clean the fire-pits in the boma as well as collect the garbage.

Lucky Guide

When people ask me: ‘Lucky, why are you always smiling?’, I answer that life at Limpopo-Lipadi is good. It is safe and beautiful here. I get to drive around in nature all day, meet wonderful people and have great colleagues. What’s not to like?!

Michael Maintenance and Carpentry

I am incredibly proud of my job! Whether it be fixing the electricity, doing small building projects or repairing the plumbing, I love it all. I have been at Limpopo-Lipadi since September 2009 and I still enjoy working here every day.

The Cycle of Seasons

In Botswana, we like to think it’s a three seasons year, with each season bringing its own attributes that draw people to the bush.

October to December are the hottest months of the year with day temperatures averaging between 35°C and 40°C. October brings about intense heat and in November the first rains from the odd thunderstorm are quickly absorbed by the parched lands. You can expect moderate late afternoon temperatures with the possibility of a cooling thunderstorm in the early evenings. December is the most vibrant month as rains are a regular occurrence with breath-taking thunderstorms feeding the mighty Limpopo River.

The intense heat of the summer months begins to subside in March, with summer rains reducing during this time. Game viewing can be difficult during this period as trees and bushes are in full bloom, the grass is thick and animals can drink water from the thousands of puddles across the Reserve. At this time, however, the migratory birds arrive in full force and the green lush bush is a beautiful sight. The animals are happy and well fed, many with young on their tails. There is still a lot to appreciate in this season.

April and May are truly beautiful months in the bushveld. The temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C and the weather is pleasant, with the surroundings still lush and green. From April through to October you can expect excellent game and predator sightings as the bush begins to thin out and animals are drawn to the waterholes on a daily basis. Elephants will drink multiple times a day at various waterholes and the plains are teeming with game such as impala and wildebeest.

Winter in this region runs from June to August and brings with it cold nights, crisp mornings and minimum temperatures of around 8°C. The days are however balmy with temperatures of ranging up to 27°C. Be prepared for a sand coloured safari as Botswana’s most abundant asset comes to the fore. Some of the animals who birth their young during winter include the endangered African wild dogs and the largest antelope, the Eland.

And the cycle starts again… Each season brings about its own unique attractions at Limpopo-Lipadi, both in appearance and animal behaviour.

Malaria

The Tuli Block is considered a “low-risk malaria area”, and no cases of malaria have been reported in a couple of years. Although Botswana has no vaccine requirements, we at Limpopo-Lipadi advise our guests to consult a travel clinic, as they are best equipped to give sound advice for travels in Southern Africa.

Wilderness Camp

A planned development with eight lodges set in a wilderness area surrounded by Combretum and Acacia veld as well as large baobab trees. This camp will offer nature in its truest form. Evenings are filled with the sounds of giant eagle owls, the distant roaring of lions and the sawing grunts of the local leopard.

The Abundant Wildlife
of Limpopo-Lipadi

Limpopo-Lipadi is privilaged to have incredibly diverse habitats with the varied ecosystem supporting an extensive range of species, from the biggest tuskers to the smallest dung beetle. The Reserve is large enough to sustain a natural predator–prey balance (20,700 hectares / 200,7 square kilometres).

From the inception of the Reserve, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs were present and these special predators have made for incredible sightings. The rare caracal, civet and aardwolf are also present for the lucky safari-goer. Soon after the Reserve fences were complete a group of African Wild Dogs were rescued from farmlands in the west of Botswana and brought to Limpopo-Lipadi for release. The pack of incredibly rare African canines soon became our emblem and represents our commitment to conservation. We recently added lions to the ensemble and our small pride is complemented by some free roaming males to increase chances of spotting a lion on any given day.

A recent game count revealed healthy populations of giraffe, impala, kudu, oryx, zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, eland, bushbuck, waterbuck, klipspringer and other antelope species.

We have plenty of smaller species like aardvark, aardwolf, jackal, caracal, African wild cat, genet, mongoose, baboon, vervet monkey, civet and honey badger. Many of these roam around the River Camp.

The Tuli Block is famed for its elephants and Limpopo-Lipadi is lucky enough to have a breeding herd with a good number of bulls roaming the Reserve freely. Meet the giants of Limpopo-Lipadi.

International Bush Airstrip
Mogorosi
Combretum & Raisin Bush Forest
Island Lodge
Mopane Forest
Baobabs
Phiri Plains
Motse House
Tholo Underwater Hide
Kirkia Camp
Cabbagelands Dam
Mbusi Waterhole
Black Rock
Lipadi Hill
Limpopo River
River Camp
People
Climate
Wilderness Camp
Wildlife