WEZ – SHASHI -TULI CAMP
Set amongst the huge riverine trees on the east bank of the Shashi River, this hidden gem is a perfect getaway. Overlooking the expansive sandy riverbed it is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Visit the nearby historical sites as well as the Tuli Circle
Directions from Bulawayo :
Bulawayo to Gwanda proceed through Gwanda continuing as if going to Beit Bridge. Just after driving through some hills, you will come to a settlement on your right with old rondavels (Kuduvale). Here you will turn right onto the Tuli Road, you will go through Guyu then Tuli Research Centre and finally Hwali. The tar road will stop at the turning to Manama Mission Hospital Road, you continue on a dirt road for +/- 70 kms where a sign welcomes you to Tuli Reserve. You will pass Tuli Police Station and there will be a turn on your left to Beit Bridge, continue straight down the hill, and you will see a WEZ sign on the left, turn right and travel through the bush to the Camp gate. If you miss the turning you will end up at the National Parks Offices.
What is available at Camp:
There are two dormitory-type chalets each with toilets and showers. Beds and mattresses are available. In the middle is a dining room and a small kitchen (basics – pots, plates, cutlery). All this is under the shade of the most beautiful trees. There is a braai and open fire pit with an old kettle that boils all day if you wish.
What you can do:
Bird Watching – Along the river and at the camp site there is a bird bath.
Walking – Along the river or in the river
Items of Interest:
The Big Baobab near camp — walk either in the riverbed or along it depending on if there is water or not. Go as if you are going towards the Police Station, you can follow the animal paths. The view of the river below is beautiful once you reach the tree.
Old Zeederberg Wagon Road – Is on the same side of the Baobab but going towards the Police Camp you will go down the hill slightly. There is a cutting in the hill and a sign.
MOTH Plinth — This is found if you walk towards the National Parks Office. Once again, there is a road to follow or go along the river.
The Old Hotel Ruins — Are after Parks Offices and after the Air Strip, not much is left but you can spend ages looking around for rusted tins, glass and other relics of the past (remembering not to remove any of these treasures).
TULI CIRCLE — A visit into the Circle will require permission from Parks and the taking of a scout along with you, and off course a good 4×4 vehicle to make it through the riverbed into the Tuli Circle.
The Old Fort & Jail House – There are ruins of the jailhouse. Climb a hill and this is the fort, not much to see except the search light pole.
Pioneer Cemetery — Very interesting graves. Even a chap who thought he had kicked or tripped over his dog, but it was a lion so guess what happened to him……
Pioneer Baobab – Near the middle of the Circle, once again is very interesting.
The Holste Nicolle or “Broken Bridge” — For those that want to travel, there is the Holste Nicolle or “Broken Bridge” which was washed away during cyclone Eileen. Leave the camp as if coming back to Gwanda, 17km from Camp there is a dirt road turn off the right and then for another 17km’s you will come to possibly a fence but just climb thorough, and it is a short walk, you will see the broken bridge.
Newspaper Article July 1975
