Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares. Owned by the Oppenheimer family, Tswalu takes conservation as its absolute priority; our vision is simply ‘to restore the Kalahari to itself’. No more than thirty guests at a time can discover the beauty of this landscape, its diverse wildlife, and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness.

Tswalu has superlative game and offers sightings of some of Southern Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife. In particular, our population of desert black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) now represents one third of South Africa’s remaining population. Kalahari lions, with their celebrated black manes, are huge and gorgeous. Frequent cheetah sightings are possible in the open savannah and meerkats, with their enchanting antics, can be viewed at close range here.

Tswalu’s 90 species of mammals include rare antelope such as roan, sable and tsessebe. Giraffe browse upon thorny acacias. Burchell’s zebra wander across the grasslands whilst the rarer Hartmann’s mountain zebra scale the Korannaberg. In the dunes, the sharpest eyes might spot a desert pygmy mouse. And in the evening, the Kalahari comes alive with more elusive creatures such as aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared foxes and brown hyaena.

An Island of Calm

Our main property, the Motse, nestles at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, facing westwards across the grasslands of the Kalahari. Motse means “village” in Tswana and our village consists of just eight spacious and secluded “legae” (another Tswana word, for “little house”) or suites.

These legaes are built of local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch. Recently redesigned by world-renowned Boyd Ferguson, our suites define an elegant, barefoot luxury. Writing in Conde Nast Traveller, Justin Cartwright describes their charm;

Each suite comprises a spacious bedroom with an open fire, a sumptuous en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower, and a large dressing and study area. Your private sun deck overlooks a waterhole and the changing game it attracts.

Two legae have been designed especially for families. Each offers two separate bedroom suites with their own en-suite bathrooms, separated by an expansive living room again leading on to a shady, private terrace. These legae are each over 170 square metres in size and create the perfect environment for any family group.

The Motse accommodates no more than 20 guests at any one time. The main house is a spectacular space in which to meet, with its elevated decks and elegant lounges. An infinity pool offers an endless view over the savannahs and a secluded spa is designed to complete your total relaxation. The mezzanine library is equipped with satellite tv (the Motse also has full broadband Wi-Fi access throughout) and its museum cases display rare artefacts from the area. All profits from our exclusive Foundation Gift Shop go directly to fund important new research on the reserve.

A World Apart

Set amidst two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is the Oppenheimer family’s own personal home here at Tswalu and the ultimate private sanctuary.

Recently redesigned to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance, Tarkuni is an exceptional choice for families or groups of great friends. Its five luxurious suites, each with a magnificent en-suite bathroom, accommodate a maximum of 10 guests.

Tarkuni creates an oasis of serenity in the desert. The home has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure a completely personal service. A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker ensure an equally bespoke safari experience.

Tarkuni’s quiet pool and shady salas offer calm and contemplation. Its own traditional boma has seen many celebrations. And its beguiling charm has led many guests to return to what becomes their home in the Kalahari.

Unlike most luxury African reserves, Tswalu welcomes children. This can be the most brilliant and stimulating place for families. An important part of our mission is to excite the next generation about our conservation vision.

Learning about nature at first hand

There is no malaria in this part of the Kalahari to concern you. Both properties create an ideal open environment for play; our pools are centrally located. At the Motse, two specially designed family suites easily accommodate larger or older families at attractive rates.

Tswalu’s Junior Ranger programme has been carefully designed to meet the enthusiasms of a broad age range. Activities include archery (where you will make your own bow and arrow), spoor identification and casting, as well as tracking on foot. Children’s bush walks are hugely educational without ever feeling like it (adults can come too). Every child is welcomed with a backpack full of guides and tools, as well as their own opportunity to chat with our hospitality staff about what they would like to do.

Our children’s menu caters for any individual likes. And our special children’s boma allows them to cook their own bush dinner. Free babysitting is also available around the clock.

Above all, unlike most, we are happy to include younger children on private game drives. This is their Kalahari too.

From South African Rand (ZAR) 6'500 per person per night sharing (fully inclusive)

info@thesafaricompany.net

reservation@thesafaricompany.net

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