Tuningi Safari Lodge: Where the Bush Feels Like Home

There’s something special about landing on a tiny airstrip in the middle of the bush, that moment when the plane dips, the landscape opens up, and you just know you’re in for a good few days. We touched down on Madikwe’s eastern airstrip, the air still warm from the afternoon sun, and were met by our guide, Ashley, who rolled up in the game viewer with the biggest smile. Bags in, phone cameras out, and off we went! A 25-minute meander through the reserve, already spotting game as we bumped along towards Tuningi Safari Lodge.

Chanté and Donovan were waiting for us with cold towels, warm faces, and that effortless Tuningi hospitality. After a quick chat through the lodge logistics and the plan for the afternoon, we realised we had only arrived at 3:30 pm… and honestly, the thought of jumping straight into a game drive felt a little ambitious. So we did the only sensible thing: settled into camp, exhaled, and just enjoyed being exactly where we were.

Tuningi is one of those lodges that instantly wraps you up in comfort with earthy tones, natural textures, and little nooks that make you want to curl up with a book and a gin simultaneously. The waterhole sits just to the left of camp, and the underground hide became our favourite spot within minutes. That afternoon we watched rhino and buffalo wander past the lodge towards the hide, and we quickly made our way along the path to watch them drink. At one point an elephant came right up to the water’s edge, so close that Nina and I could almost touch it. It was one of those breath-holding, heart-thumping bush moments you don’t forget. Such an unreal “welcome to Tuningi.” Even though we had opted to skip the afternoon game drive, it felt like the wildlife had come to us anyway, reminding us just how magical camp life can be.

Dinner that evening was delicious, rich, comforting, and exactly what you want after a travel day. Afterwards we slipped off to bed early with our 4 am wake-up call in mind.

Morning came quickly, as it always does in the bush. We grabbed a coffee and a few biscuits in the lobby before heading out with Ashley for our first drive. The reserve was beautifully moody and overcast, which made for soft light and an even softer start to the day. We had a lovely elephant sighting and spotted zebra, giraffe and some general plains game, but the wildlife was a little shy thanks to the grey skies. And then, right on cue, the heavens opened. We got absolutely poured on during our coffee stop, but in true safari-guide style, Ashley whipped out ponchos like Mary Poppins, and honestly, the whole thing just added to the adventure.

Back at camp we had warm showers, hearty breakfast plates, and the rest of the morning to simply slow down. Our suite became our sanctuary - spacious, beautifully modern, and designed so cleverly that you constantly feel connected to the bush. Think indoor and outdoor showers, a private deck overlooking the bush, and a plunge pool we admired from afar (definitely too chilly for a dip!), it was the perfect place to cosy up and listen to the rain settling over Tuningi.

By the afternoon the weather had cleared and the Madikwe Reserve felt alive again. We set off with high hopes and ended up having the most incredible drive! Elephants, giraffe, and a mind-blowing twelve different rhinos. Twelve! We ended with sundowners looking out at distant silhouettes of elephant and rhino, raising a gin and tonic to a golden Madikwe evening and one of those simple bush moments you tuck away for later.

Dinner that night was a proper boma evening with traditional food, singing, dancing, and that infectious energy that fills you right up. There’s nothing quite like a fire, a drumbeat, and a star-studded sky to remind you why safari is such magic.

We fell asleep that night feeling deeply content and so grateful for this little pocket of wilderness. Tuningi is the kind of place that stays with you - warm people, wild landscapes, and a sense of calm that follows you home.

Until next time, Tuningi. We already can’t wait to send more of our L&L travellers to you soon!