Overview

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is the largest privately protected wilderness area in South Africa. Nestling on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, the unique landscape is scenically stunning – mountains, rolling dunes of red sand and the distant Kalahari savannah. This diverse range of habitats is home to some very special wildlife too

Rooms

There are only three luxurious lodges on the vast reserve, ensuring a truly exclusive experience for all guests.

• The Motse, the original camp, has just nine suites built from stone and thatch. Each suite is its own private sanctuary, beautifully furnished with a sitting area, a day bed on the shaded veranda, a gourmet snack pantry, tea and coffee station, personalised minibar and en suite facilities comprising a freestanding bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers. Three of the suites have two bedrooms and are perfect for families – children of all ages are welcome.
• Tarkuni is an exclusive use Homestead with five suites, accommodating 10 people. Each bedroom has a spacious bathroom and private veranda.
• Loapi Tented Camp features six individual safari homes, each with its own living and dining areas, a kitchen and fully stocked pantry and bar. The bedroom suite is tented and has indoor and outdoor showers. Two of the homes have two bedrooms.

Facilities

Tswalu’s three camps are all unique but all share in the many activities available at the reserve.

The Motse’s communal guest area has plenty of spaces for relaxing and dining, both indoors and out. Dine under the stars at the intimate boma or enjoy a sundowner around the firepit. There are two swimming pools and in front of the camp, a waterhole that attracts a variety of wildlife. Further facilities include a spa, gym, photographic studio and a well-stocked boutique.

Tarkuni’s facilities are all under one roof. Alongside the five bedrooms, there is a well-proportioned lounge and dining room, a shaded veranda, plunge pool and firepit. BBQ dinners can be served at the boma and relaxing massages enjoyed in the gazebo or spa treatment suite.

Loapi Tented Camp is designed with the utmost privacy and exclusivity in mind. There are no communal areas, each safari house is a complete unit, serviced by a dedicated house manager and a private chef who prepares all meals in the interactive kitchen.

Guests of all camps can enjoy an exceptional culinary experience at Klein Jan, where the journey begins on the steps of a 100-year old farmhouse. The modern dining experience is a fusion of storytelling and sustainable, seasonal food.

Camp activities are many and varied. Explore the unique ecosystem on game drives and guided walks – wildlife encounters could include the Kalahari black-mane lion, herds of buffalo and giraffe, rare and endangered species such as brown hyena, desert black rhino and cheetah or even the shy and elusive nocturnal species, such as pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf and the bat-eared fox. Time spent observing habituated meerkats as they emerge from their burrows is undoubtedly a highlight.

Tswalu’s landscapes may also be experienced on horseback, no prior riding experience is required.

The reserve is also home to sites of ancient rock art, an insight into the culture and traditions of the San people.

Sleeping out under the stars is a memorable experience – Tswalu has two star beds to choose from: Naledi is an open-air platform while the Malori (available at additional cost) has a dining deck which is perfect for star gazing and a tented bedroom.

Activities

Facilities may change. Some activities may be subject to an additional charge.