Thuli Parks and Wildlife Land
| Thuli Parks and Wildlife Land | |
|---|---|
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) | |
 | |
| Location | Beitbridge (District) and Gwanda (District), Zimbabwe. |
| Nearest city | Beitbridge |
| Area | 416 km2 |
| Established | 1958, Safari Area 1975 |
| Governing body | Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management |
Thuli Parks and Wildlife Land is a protected area in south-western Zimbabwe. It comprises four areas within the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Estate and covers the entire west bank of the Shashe River within the Thuli Circle.
The protected area comprises the Thuli Safari Area, plus 3 small botanical reserves:
- Pioneer Botanical Reserve, area of 0.38 km2
- South Camp Botanical Reserve, area of 0.26 km2
- Tolo River Botanical Reserve, area of 0.44 km2
The four reserves are administered as a single unit, from the National Parks and Wildlife authority office on the east bank of the Shashe River - just outside the protected area and immediately south of the village of Tuli.
History of the Park
Thuli (Tuli) Safari Area was proclaimed in 1975. Prior to that date (from 1958), it was a controlled hunting area.
In terms of a memorandum signed on 22 June 2006, Thuli Parks and Wildlife Land forms the core of the conservation area that Zimbabwe shall contribute to the Limpopo-Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area [1].
Features
Most of the Thuli area is scrubland, with Mopane and combretum bush. The Shashe valley, the park's eastern border, supports riverine vegetation such as Ficus and Faidherbia [2].
Animal life includes elephants, black rhinos, lion, wild dog, cheetah and leopard, many of which move freely between the protected area and neighbouring Botswana and South Africa[3].
The protected area comprises a flat landscape, giving way to rugged hilly terrain near the Shashe River. The underlying geology is entirely basalt, of Jurassic age[4].
Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites
A large Fort (Fort Tuli) existed in the center of the protected area, where in the 1890s oxen and horses were rested prior to crossing the Shashe River. In the 1970's this building was re-located to the current site, Tuli.
Accommodation and Camping
Camping sites exist at the head office and within the safari area. There are no hotels or self-catering accommodation.
Privately-owned Camps and Sites
Shashe Wilderness Camp, operated by the Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe (formerly Zimbabwe Wildlife Society), is located just north of the park headquarters.
Access
Road access is via the village of Tuli, which can be reached from Beitbridge via Nottingham Estate, or from Gwanda via Guyu and Hwali. On each access route, much of the distance is over poor roads, and four wheel drive may be required. Four wheel drive is essentially for crossing the Shashe River to access the park. There is an earth airstrip at Tuli.
Including canoe trails
Including hunting and recreational concessions
See also
Including links to articles of features of interest within the park and to adjacent parks.
External Links
Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
References
- ^ Limpopo-Shashe Conservation Area Formally Agreed On. Kruger Park Times [1]
- ^ Hyde, M.A. and Wursten, B. 2008. Flora of Zimbabwe: Location details: Shashe Wilderness Camp and the Tuli area
- ^ Update on the Limpopo-Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Valley Carnivores. [2]
- ^ Thompson, R.L. 1979. The geology of the area around Tuli, Mazunga and Gongwe. Rhodesia Geological Survey Short Report 40