Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
There’s no roughing it at Tswalu, where the accommodation and hospitality is restful and delicious. Just a few metres away, though, is a natural wonderland just waiting to excite and enchant.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
Literally from aardvark to zebra, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve teems with wildlife. We defy any parents not to love the fact that there are two big colonies of meerkats here, whose antics and curiosity for humans are going to have your little ones spellbound.
But that’s merely one aspect of this wonderful place, the biggest private game reserve in South Africa. It’s an epic wilderness of arid grasslands, savannas, sand dunes and rugged mountains over 1100 sq km which – taken together as a complete eco-system – supports the needs of everything from lions and cheetah to wild dogs and black rhino.
The work to return farmlands to natural habitat was begun by Englishman Stephen Boler, and the conservation programme has accelerated under current owner the Oppenheimer family and their Tswalu Foundation.
In visiting, you’re actually helping to fund the Foundation’s ongoing projects and guaranteeing that, although this place might one day be bulging with antelope (great for the big game food chain, of course), it will never be overrun by people, as there can only be 28 adult guests at any one time. Happily, though, children under 12 go absolutely free. We know they’ll remember it forever and most likely become ardent nature conservers for life. Plus, there’s no malaria threat.
They’re going to love the respectful vehicle safaris and horse-riding expeditions to spot some of the 80 mammal species and 240 birds that live here. And staring at the stars on a sleep-out deck with nocturnal animals calling, snorting and rustling in the background will thrill them… for the few moments they can still keep their eyes open!
At A Glance…
- Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private game reserve.
- Tswalu has an extremely diverse range of animals including around 80 species of mammals and 240 species of birds.
- There are many activities that guests can choose to do whilst at Tswalu such as game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris, stargazing as well as visiting the spa.
- The Motse can accommodate up to 18 adults with nine individual suites all with en-suite bathrooms and a private sun deck providing stunning views of the Kalahari. The Tarkuni has recently been redesigned and is ideal for smaller groups of up to 10. The Tarkuni has a swimming pool and guests have access to a private vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker.
Why 360 Loves It…
- Tswalu vehicles have exclusive access to the entire reserve making the experience that little bit more special.
- Excellent cuisine from Tswalu’s executive chef who is dedicated to creating exceptional and unique dining experiences for guests.
- The sleep-out deck, The Malori, offers the opportunity of sleeping safely in the wilderness surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal animals.
- Tswalu is an amazing place for children to get a real safari experience: from suites designed to easily accommodate families, flexible dining times and venues as well as an extensive list of activities, specially designed for children. Tswalu is also a malaria free area.
