Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve
Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, now protecting over 110,000 hectares of spectacular grasslands and mountains. We take conservation as our absolute priority; our vision is to “restore the Kalahari to itself.”
No more than 30 guests at a time can discover the beauty of this arid savannah, its diverse wildlife and the serenity of what may well be South Africa’s last great wilderness.
We hope that by redefining the way in which wilderness conservation and research work hand in hand with our guests’ experience and the engagement of our community, we can create an inspirational legacy which secures this special place for future generations.
Tswalu Kalahari Accommodation
The Motse
The Motse, lies 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 nine spacious and secluded “legae” (Tswana for “little house”).
Our legae are built of desert sand, local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch. Each comprises a spacious bedroom with an open fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower, together with a large study area.
Watch a variety of wildlife from your private sun deck, as they meander down to The Motse waterhole.
Legaes (Suites)
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Indoor & outdoor showers
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Open fireplace
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Private sundeck
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Separate dressing area
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Broadband Wi-Fi Access
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Direct dial telephone
Main House
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Outdoor heated swimming pool
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Sanctuary Spa & Gym
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Walk-in wine cellar stocked with fine South African wines
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Mezzanine library with satellite TV
Tarkuni
Settled between two mountain ranges, Tarkuni is the Oppenheimer family’s own
personal home here at Tswalu and offers a complete oasis of serenity.
5 Suites
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Dedicated chef
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Tranquil poolside deck
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Private game viewing vehicle
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Outdoor walk-in showers
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Two lounges with open fireplaces
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Outdoor swimming pool
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 in total.
The homestead has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure meticulous and completely personal service. A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker complete this bespoke safari experience.
The Malori
Listen to the thrilling calls of the Kalahari. This night, the desert is yours alone.
Our sleep-out deck, Malori (meaning ‘dreamer’ in Tswana), offers guests the unparalleled experience of sleeping safely in the wilderness, under the fabled “diamond skies.”
From a distance, Malori looks like another sociable weaver’s nest on the horizon. Come closer, and you can see a raised platform and a thatched overhang with weather-proof blinds to protect you.
Choose to sleep under the thatch or simply roll the bed onto the open deck with thousands of stars above you.
Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve – South Africa’s Largest Private Safari Reserve
Overview
Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering 114,000 hectares of protected wilderness in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. It is a high-end, ultra-exclusive safari destination offering private safaris, luxury accommodation, and rare wildlife sightings in a spectacular arid landscape.
Tswalu is one of the few malaria-free Big Five reserves and is known for its commitment to conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism.
Why Choose Tswalu?
✔️ Exclusive & Uncrowded – Only two luxury lodges and one private villa, ensuring a low-density safari experience.
✔️ Rare Wildlife – Home to black-maned Kalahari lions, aardvarks, pangolins, meerkats, and wild dogs.
✔️ No Time Limits on Game Drives – Private vehicles allow flexible, unhurried safaris.
✔️ Diverse Landscapes – Rolling dunes, savannahs, and mountains make for stunning scenery.
✔️ Luxury & Sustainability – Eco-conscious lodges with top-tier service and cuisine.
Accommodation at Tswalu Kalahari
Tswalu offers two luxury safari lodges and one exclusive-use villa, designed for comfort and exclusivity.
🏡 1. The Motse Lodge – Main Luxury Lodge
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9 elegant suites with private terraces & outdoor showers.
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Spacious decks & plunge pools overlooking the Kalahari.
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Main infinity pool, library, and spa.
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Families welcome – Kids under 12 get private game drives & activities.
🏡 2. Loapi Tented Camp – Exclusive Private Safari Experience
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Six private tented homes, each operated as a mini-camp with its own staff, guide, and vehicle.
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Maximum privacy – Ideal for couples or families.
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Full butler service & gourmet dining in your tented suite.
🏡 3. Tarkuni Homestead – Exclusive-Use Private Villa
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5-bedroom private villa for families or groups.
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Comes with a private chef, guide, vehicle, and butler.
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Infinity pool & boma for private dining.
Safari & Activities at Tswalu
🦁 Game Drives & Wildlife Viewing
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Big Five sightings (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo).
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Rare species: pangolins, aardvarks, meerkats, brown hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs.
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No other vehicles at sightings – total exclusivity.
🐾 Bush Walks & Tracking
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Track desert-adapted black rhinos on foot.
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Meerkat encounters – Spend time with habituated meerkat colonies.
🌄 Other Unique Activities
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Horseback safaris – Ride among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
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Hot Air Balloon Rides – Breathtaking aerial views of the Kalahari.
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Star Gazing – Some of the clearest skies in Africa for astrophotography.
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Bush Dining – Gourmet meals under the stars.
🌿 Conservation & Community Engagement
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Visit the Tswalu Foundation’s research projects on wildlife conservation.
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Learn about San Bushmen culture and ancient rock art sites.
Dining & Cuisine at Tswalu
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Gourmet meals by Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.
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Open-air dining & private bush dinners.
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Award-winning South African wines & top-tier bar service.
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Tailored menus for dietary requirements.
Best Time to Visit
🌞 Dry Season (May – September):
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Cooler weather & easier wildlife spotting.
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Best time to see nocturnal animals (aardvarks, pangolins).
🌿 Green Season (November – April):
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Warmer with lush landscapes & birdwatching.
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More active meerkats & baby animals.
Pricing & How to Book
💰 Rates per person per night:
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The Motse Lodge: ZAR 28,000 – 35,000
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Loapi Tented Camp: ZAR 30,000 – 38,000
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Tarkuni Private Villa: ZAR 175,000 per night (for up to 10 guests)
Rates include:
✔️ Luxury accommodation
✔️ All meals & drinks
✔️ Private game drives & activities
✔️ Horseback safaris & bush walks
✔️ Transfers from Tswalu’s private airstrip
📍 Getting There:
✈️ Fly via Tswalu’s private charter flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town (90 min flight).
🚗 Self-drive not recommended due to remoteness.
Would you like assistance choosing the best experience at Tswalu? 😊
Enquiries
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