Tutwa Desert Lodge | The Safari Awards

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Tutwa Desert Lodge

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Tutwa Desert Lodge
The Iconic Orange River, Tutwa Desert Lodge
  • Tutwa Desert Lodge
  • The Iconic Orange River, Tutwa Desert Lodge

All you need to know

Intro

Situated in the remote, north eastern mineral-rich region of South Africa and bordering Namibia, Tutwa Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the barren Green Kalahari as an oasis of tranquil luxury. The cool, spacious interiors of the lodge provides a serene sanctuary spanning over 16000 hectares of land and boasting 24 km of Orange River frontage.

The colours of the Tutwa are organic and muted, with polished floors and high ceilings.

Luxurious suites at Tutwa Lodge are spacious, air-conditioned and dressed with fine linens, with full bathrooms, personal bathrobes and indulgent amenities. All suites have their own verandas and balconies offering landscape and mountain views of the beautiful Green Kalahari.

Natural game paths pass the lodge, and it’s likely antelope, giraffe, zebra and other African game may wander past.

Delicious seasonal African cuisine with fresh contemporary flavours is freshly prepared by our resident chef and accompanied by fine local wines.

Experience for yourself an oasis of calm and cool in a vast and untamed environment, offering a distinctive private wildlife safari experience. This rewarding wilderness encounter features safari drives, nature paddles, birding and interactive conservation experiences.

Tutwa is an ideal escape for those looking for a wildlife, birding, water and star-gazing adventure with a difference.

 

Highlights

REDEFINING OUTVENTURE – benchmarking top-end adventure in Southern Africa

  • Go where others don’t know
  • Game viewing in a desert environment
  • World class fly fishing for the elusive Yellow Fish
  • River rafting on the Orange River ( en route in Augrabies)
  • A combination of bush and river outventure activities
  • Leopard Protection Project
  • Great nocturnal game viewing
  • Bird river safaris with floating picnic
  • Walking trails
  • Natural Rose quartz deposits

 

Need To Know

DIRECTIONS TO TUTWA DESERT LODGE. 

 

VEHCILCE:  While a 4x4 is not necessary, we suggest that you make use of an SUV type of vehicle for safety and comfort on the gravel road.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  1. TIME OF ARRIVAL:  It’s important that you phone us in Kakamas so that we know  when to expect you.

Tutwa Lodge: 054 453 0001

Dundi Lodge:  054 451 0200

 

  1. TRAVEL TIME

Allow 2hr45 – 3 hours  from Upington to Tutwa

Allow:  1hr30 min from Kakamas to Tutwa

  1. DUNDI LODGE, Augrabies  is our sister property  – please feel free to stop  if you would like to confirm directions, use the bathroom or ask them to phone us to let  us know you are on your way.
  1. CELL PHONE RECEPTION:    There is little or no cell phone reception  from when you reach the gravel road past Augrabies.  (there is wifi at the lodge)
  1. SAFETY ON THE GRAVEL ROAD:  Please drive carefully and slowly on the gravel road, the ground is loose and there are big trucks on the road at this time of the year.

Directions by road to Tutwa Desert Lodge

1. Turn off the N14 (Upington/Springbok) onto the R359  (8km outside  of Kakamas) towards Augrabies.  NB  See signs to Augrabies Falls and Dundi Lodge

2. Continue 20km,  past Augrabies/Augrabies Falls turn-off

3.  A further 7km you will see Dundi Lodge and the Dundi Airstrip/hanger on your left.

4. Continue straight on for 10km – until the road surface becomes gravel (you will lose cell phone reception here)

4. Continue straight for a further 31km straight along the dirt road – travel carefully, especially if you are not used to gravel road driving

5. You will approach farm houses, some sheds and stock pens – follow the road as it turns sharply to the right (Signage: Schuitdrift/Southern Farms)

6. Continue for 4,5km to a Farm House on your right with green roof ( Sign: Schuitdrift)

7. Turn right through the gates - Tutwa staff will be there to transfer you to the lodge which is 7km further.  (There is no signage on the gate)

Travel safely – we look forward to welcoming you to Tutwa!

054 453 0001

 

Safaris

Discover a wide variety of game on your safari: leopard, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife plus rare flora on game drives, with professional guides.

Daily game drives and regular walks increase the likelyhood of encountering more dangerous species however this is not the aim but rather to enjoy the sightings of what nature brings. Encountering the secrets and uniqueness of this green desert, otherwise known as the Green Kalahari, is a magical experience, and its Tutwa’s privilege to share it with you.

Wildlife
  • Leopard protection conservation project 
  • A large variety of wildlife: giraffe, zebra, wildebeest,  numerous antelope species (kudu, eland, gemsbok, springbok, haartebeest,  klipspringer).
  • Bat eared fox, african wild cat
  • Diverse birdlife with fantastc raptor sightings

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Safari Operators
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)
Average Stay

2 - 3 nights

 

Average Price

From R 4 430.00 per person sharing per night.

Child Policy

We regret no children under the age of 12 years are permitted. Children from 14 years and older are considered as adults and will be charged at the applicable rates. 

Accommodation

The expansive Verandah Suites are situated on the ground floor of the lodge offering comfortable and luxurious styled accommodation overlooking the serene Green Kalahari Plains. 

The spacious Upstairs Suites are situated on the second floor of the lodge, accessible by stairs and offers comfortable and luxurious styled accommodation with your own personal balcony overlooking the waterhole and beautiful bush landscape.

Under a high thatched roof, the large and spacious Tutwa Annex suites are separate from the main lodge and offers comfortable and luxurious styled accommodation with your own private deck overlooking the stunning Green Kalahari Plains.

Each suite is spaciously laid out with full en-suite bathrooms, separate bath and shower, and double-doors leading to semi private verandahs with extensive views of the surrounding wilderness and natural landscape. Natural game paths pass the the lodge, and it’s likely antelope, giraffe, zebra and other African game may wander past.

Full luxury bespoke amenities are provided and room facilities include air-conditioning, fine percale linens, mosquito nets, bathrobes, hairdryers, safe, tea and coffee making facilities with homemade rusks, a mini bar which can be stocked on request (included in the rate) and bottled water. 

Region
Africa
Safari Operators
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms)

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