Tulela Safari Lodge Redefines the Modern Safari Experience

In the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Tulela Safari Lodge offers an experience rooted in calm, privacy, and genuine connection.

For most families, life happens between work calls, notifications, and commutes. At Tulela, days unfold differently. It is an exclusive-use property, booked by one group at a time, designed for families and friends and kids of all ages who want to immerse themselves in the wild without the pace or polish of conventional travel.

Tulela Main Lodge

The main lodge accommodates up to ten guests in five en-suite bedrooms, two of which interlink to create a family suite. Each room opens onto the bush with a private deck and outdoor shower. The interiors are simple and tactile, timber, stone, woven textures, reflecting the landscape beyond the glass.

At the centre of the lodge, open living and dining areas lead to a wide deck overlooking a private waterhole. Wildlife drifts through quietly below a rim-flow pool. A boma area extends the sense of openness, giving guests the option to gather or retreat as they wish.

Days begin with coffee at sunrise and the sound of the reserve coming to life. Game drives head out across more than 7,000 hectares of wilderness guided by an experienced team. Between drives, guests rest by the pool, read in the shade, or walk with a guide to learn about the bush in detail. Evenings return to the fire, where conversation replaces routine and the bush becomes the backdrop to unhurried time together.

Tulela operates on a fully catered basis, with a private chef and staff attending to every aspect of the stay. The service feels relaxed but precise; meals are flexible and children are welcomed.

Mondzo Lodge

For guests seeking a more independent stay, Mondzo Lodge offers a catered lodge experience with the option of self-catering available to South African residents. This inviting four-bedroom house accommodates up to ten guests, with all rooms en-suite. It features a spacious deck overlooking the dry N’siri riverbed, complete with a fire pit, entertainment area, and swimming pool.

Mondzo shares access to the same stretch of the Klaserie wilderness, with the option to join guided game drives and bush walks. It’s ideal for families or groups who value flexibility, comfort, and privacy in a relaxed, home-style setting.

A Lodge Designed for Togetherness

At the heart of the property stands the Big Jack Tree. Beneath the jackalberry’s branches are long brunches that extend into the afternoon. Coffee by the riverbank. Children tracing animal tracks in the sand while a guide explains the movements of the night. And once the day ends? A unique experience of sleeping under the stars on the Star Deck.

The New Definition of Luxury

For the Masterson, Lieder, and Gietzen families from Missouri, that change was the highlight of their stay. “You created a home away from home for our young families,” they wrote. “We’ll tell everyone back in the USA.”

Their words capture what modern travellers are seeking: that real luxury lies in time well spent and connection restored.

A Deeper Connection to Place

Beyond comfort, Tulela’s distinction lies in how naturally it sits within its surroundings. The lodge feels part of the Klaserie rather than imposed upon it, open, balanced, and attuned to the quiet order of the bush.

The name Tulela, meaning “place of peace,” reflects this spirit. It is not peace found in silence alone, but in presence, in noticing the small things. And in that slowing down, Tulela becomes what its name promises: a rare space where everything feels as it should be.

www.tulela.co.za