SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 25, 2025 – Lonely Planet has named Botswana a top trend destination for 2026, and for safari lovers who crave both wilderness and comfort, the country’s quiet southern corner—the Tuli Block—might just be the most exciting place to start.
Botswana in Lonely Planet’s Spotlight
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list is one of the most trusted signals in the travel world, and Botswana’s appearance in the 2026 edition will surprise few seasoned Africa fans. From the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta to the vast Kalahari Desert, the country has long been known for spectacular, low-impact safari experiences.
What’s changing now is the spotlight. Instead of only focusing on classic destinations everyone already knows, more travelers are looking for places that feel wild, intimate, and slightly under the radar. That’s where the Tuli Block comes in—a historic, rock-strewn landscape in Botswana’s far southeast, framed by the borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe, and still one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
The Untouched South: Tuli Block as Botswana’s Insider Tip
While the Okavango Delta has become synonymous with safari tourism, the Tuli Block has quietly remained a connoisseur’s choice. Here, dramatic rock formations, ancient baobab trees, and open plains create a cinematic backdrop that looks almost unreal in the soft African light.
Because wildlife viewing is possible year-round, the region suits travelers who don’t want to chase a narrow “perfect season.” Active guests are especially well served: walking safaris, mountain bike excursions, and horse rides along old wildlife paths offer a slower, more immersive way to experience the bush. Instead of rushing from sighting to sighting in a vehicle, you can feel the crunch of soil underfoot, smell the sage on the breeze, and hear the calls of birds and distant antelope as you move through the landscape.
Lotsane Signature Collection: Luxury Hideaways in the Heart of Tuli
For travelers who want that sense of untamed nature without giving up comfort, the Lotsane Signature Collection redefines “bush luxury” in the Tuli Block. Positioned where the Lotsane River meets the Limpopo, it brings together deep seclusion, intimate wilderness, and high-end design in a way that feels both exclusive and warm.
The collection includes the Lotsane Luxury River Lodge, a stylish Luxury Tented Camp, and private residences such as the opulent Shaturia Manor and the historic Out of Africa House, opening in 2026. Each retreat offers its own personality, but they all share the same philosophy: spaces that feel calm, private, and perfectly placed within the surrounding landscape rather than imposed on it.
Guests can choose from a rich menu of experiences, including classic game drives, bushwalks, birdwatching, photographic safaris, or even massages along the riverbank—ideal for unwinding after an early-morning drive. With a clear focus on sustainable tourism, the Lotsane Signature Collection caters to travelers who want their trip to support conservation and local communities while still enjoying a refined, deeply relaxing stay.
3 Reasons to Put the Tuli Block on Your 2026 Bucket List
- Fewer crowds, more connection: Enjoy a quieter, more personal safari away from the busiest routes, with more time to savor each sighting.
- Active experiences, not just game drives: Walking, cycling, and horse-riding safaris make you feel like a participant in the landscape, not just an observer.
- Luxury that respects nature: The Lotsane Signature Collection pairs high comfort with a sustainable ethos, so your trip feels both indulgent and responsible.
Where Lonely Planet’s Vision Comes to Life
In many ways, the Tuli Block and the Lotsane Signature Collection embody exactly what Lonely Planet celebrates with Botswana’s selection as a 2026 trend destination: authentic nature, meaningful encounters, and travel that feels both exclusive and grounded.
Here, you can wake to birdsong over the river, watch elephants move across an open plain at sunset, and fall asleep in a beautifully designed suite that still lets you hear the night sounds outside. It’s the kind of luxury safari experience that doesn’t just tick boxes—it lingers in your memory long after you return home.
Learn more and plan your Tuli Block escape via the official Lotsane Signature Collection website.