Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
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.
Guests can chose to stay either in the Main property i.e. The Motse or at The Tarkuni – The personal home of Oppenheimer family.
The Motse, nestles at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, facing westwards across the grasslands of the Kalahari and has just 8 spacious and secluded suites(legaes) . These suites (legaes) are built of local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch The Motse accommodates no more than 20 guests at any one time to make for a truly intimate Kalahari safari experience. 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 Kalahari animals it attracts. 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.
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.
Our Executive Chef, Theresa Fehrsen, has a style which defines modern South African cuisine. Tswalu is proud to be a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux and to meet its exacting standards. But here you will enjoy food you will never see anywhere else in the world. As our menus change, so do our venues. Sundowners are followed by dune dinners and spectacular sunsets. Tswalu’s Kalahari Feast is a modern reworking of the traditional “boma” braai. Breakfasts may take place with panoramic views of the waterhole where our Southern Pride of black-maned lions may also start their day. At any time, you may choose a romantic supper in the privacy of your own deck, with a vintage wine and a telescope to gaze at a thousand stars
Tswalu Kalahari Spa is now a combination of sensual spaces which combine to create an inspirational venue for what must be one of the most unusual spa experiences in Africa. Designed to enhance the natural beauty of the Kalahari and take advantage of the superb climate, the outdoor treatment area is within an indigenous spa garden where guests may find the occasional antelope grazing alongside them and be lulled into a deep state of relaxation by the sound of birdsong.
One aspect of the game viewing experience at Tswalu which is worth mentioning is that we have six vehicles which have exclusive access to the entire reserve (which spans over 1000 square kilometers). Thus, there is no reason to queue for a sightings and no need to have limited time at sightings so that other vehicles can have their “turn” at a sighting. Also there are no areas which are “off-limits” or that are used by other concessions.
Because of its unique landscape, wildlife and experience, Tswalu combines perfectly into any itinerary and provides the ideal partnership with both the intensity of the lowveld or the glamour of Cape Town.
