Lubbesrust Farm is a luxurious safari lodge nestled in Botswana's Tuli Block, one of Southern Africa's most underrated wilderness areas. Covering over 20,712 hectares of fully fenced wilderness, this reserve offers a level of exclusivity and immersion that is increasingly rare — a private wilderness where the only footprints are your own.
Where Is Lubbesrust Farm?
The Tuli Block is a wedge of private land in eastern Botswana, bordered by the Limpopo and Shashe rivers where Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe converge. It is adjacent to the better-known Mashatu Game Reserve, but Lubbesrust offers something distinctly different: a completely private reserve with no shared traversing, no other vehicles on your game drives, and a sense of untouched wilderness that larger commercial reserves cannot replicate.
The landscape is classic Northern Tuli — open savannah, sandstone ridges, mopane woodland, and seasonal riverbeds lined with towering nyala berry trees. It is dramatic, ancient terrain that has supported wildlife for millennia.
Getting There: Private Airstrip Access
Lubbesrust Farm has its own private airstrip, making it one of the most accessible remote lodges in Botswana. A charter flight with Angel Gabriel Aeronautics takes approximately 1.5 hours from Johannesburg, landing you directly on the reserve with no road transfers, no border queues, and no logistical hassle. Customs and immigration are handled at the airfield on arrival.
This is a significant advantage over driving, which involves a 5–6 hour road journey, a border crossing at Pont Drift or Platjan, and unsealed roads on the Botswana side. The charter flight turns what would be an exhausting travel day into a brief, scenic hop — and you arrive in time for your afternoon game drive.
Read our full Lubbesrust destination guide, view our charter fleet, or request a quote for your trip.
The Lodges
Lubbesrust features four private lodge accommodations, each positioned for maximum privacy and wildlife viewing. Every unit includes:
- Fans and air-conditioning for year-round comfort
- A kitchenette and cosy lounge area
- Comfortable bedroom with en-suite bathroom
- An outdoor shower — one of the great pleasures of the African bush
- A private lookout deck overlooking the waterhole, where game comes to drink throughout the day
The lodges are designed to be unobtrusive in the landscape, using natural materials that blend with the surroundings. At night, with no light pollution for hundreds of kilometres, the star viewing is extraordinary.
Wildlife and Safari Activities
Lubbesrust's 20,000+ hectares support a diverse range of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, eland, impala, warthog, and a healthy predator population. Rhino are a particular highlight — the reserve's rhino conservation programme is one of its defining features.
Activities are guided by expert safari rangers with deep knowledge of the reserve:
- On-foot rhino tracking — Walk with armed rangers to track and observe rhino in their natural habitat. An intimate, adrenaline-filled experience that vehicle-based safaris cannot match.
- Game drives — Morning and afternoon drives in open safari vehicles, covering different sections of the reserve. With exclusive traversing, you will not share sightings with other vehicles.
- Bush camping — Sleep out near natural springs under canvas, surrounded by the sounds of the African night. A true wilderness immersion.
- Waterhole hides — Spend hours in a ground-level hide at the main waterhole, photographing wildlife at eye level as they come to drink. The photographic opportunities are exceptional.
- Stargazing — With zero light pollution, the Tuli night sky is a planetarium. Guided stargazing sessions reveal the Southern Cross, the Milky Way, and constellations invisible from urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
Lubbesrust is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry winter months (May to October) are the best for game viewing — vegetation thins out, animals concentrate around water sources, and the cool temperatures make for comfortable bush walks. The wet summer months (November to April) bring lush green landscapes, dramatic thunderstorms, migratory birds, and newborn animals. Photographers often prefer the summer light.
Who Is Lubbesrust For?
Lubbesrust is ideal for travellers who want a genuine, immersive bush experience away from the crowds. It suits couples, families, and small groups who value exclusivity and are comfortable with a lodge that prioritises authenticity over five-star polish. It is also a natural complement to a broader Tuli Block itinerary — combine it with a stay at Mashatu for contrasting perspectives on this remarkable corner of Botswana.
Interested in a fly-in safari package to Lubbesrust? Request a quote and we will build an itinerary around your dates and group size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Lubbesrust Farm from Johannesburg?
The easiest way is a 1.5-hour charter flight directly to the reserve's private airstrip. Angel Gabriel Aeronautics arranges the flight, customs clearance, and all logistics. The alternative is a 5–6 hour drive including a border crossing.
Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?
Most nationalities — including South African, British, EU, and US passport holders — do not need a visa for short stays in Botswana. Immigration is handled at the airfield on arrival when you fly by charter.
Is Lubbesrust suitable for children?
Yes. The lodges are family-friendly, and activities can be adapted for younger guests. The waterhole hides and stargazing are particularly popular with children.
What should I pack?
Pack in soft bags (no hard-shell suitcases). Neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a good camera. The lodge provides toiletries and towels.
