Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Tuli Lodge. Limpopo Valley Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of TLD:
- Can you legally enter Botswana? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BWP. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BWP in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Tuli Lodge from the Airport
From TLD, the local transport gets you to Tuli Lodge in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Tuli Lodge Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Tuli Lodge, budget roughly $24 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $9 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at TLD aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Tuli Lodge itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Tuli Lodge, here are two things worth checking out:
Introductory Game Drive is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Tuli Lodge.
Guided Bush Walk is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at TLD, check out Airstrip Wildlife Spotting or Airport Waiting Area Relaxation to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Tuli Lodge: Tuli Safari Lodge Main Dining and Tuli Lodge Bush Dinner / Boma. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airstrip Refreshments (Ad-hoc) or Pre-packed Lodge Snacks. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at TLD include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Botswana also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
WiFi at TLD should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Botswana and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Tuli Lodge with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Tuli Lodge may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.