Description
Tswalu is an incredible bush retreat lying on the edge of the Kalahari Reserve, within the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa. Immaculately designed Legaes (Tswana for small house) provide every comfort and blend harmoniously into the surrounding wilderness.
A huge highlight of a visit to Tswalu is the meerkats. Two colonies can be visited; these meerkats, due to their regular exposure to human presence, are very relaxed when visitors are around. It's a wonderful sight to visit in the morning, watch the meerkats slowly wake and emerge from their burrows to bask in the sun, and then begin foraging for grubs. Many guests find it hard to tear themselves away!
The lodge itself is divided into two parts. The Motse comprises eight individual Legaes, two of which have been specially designed for families. Each has a private sun deck providing the perfect place to enjoy spectacular views. A Jwa Bana (children’s room with child minder) and outdoor heated swimming pool are also available. There is also a mezzanine library is equipped with satellite TV (the Motse also has full broadband WiFi access throughout) and museum cases display rare artefacts from the area.
Tarkuni sleeps parties of up to 10 guests and is the ideal option for larger families. All the rooms are incredibly luxurious and en-suite bathrooms feature gorgeous free standing tubs and both indoor and outdoor showers. The lodge is totally self-contained boasting delightful living and dining areas, a library, pool, chef and its own private game viewing vehicle.
A personal consultation on arrival ensures the staff at both camps know exactly what you want to do during your stay. Game drives, visits to ancient archaeological sites and guided walks are all complimentary and other activities include taking to the skies in a hot air balloon, horse riding and archery.
Accommodation
The Motse offers 8 Legaes including 2 Family Legaes. The Motse comprises eight individual Legaes, two of which have been specially designed for families. Each has a private sun deck providing the perfect place to enjoy spectacular views. Tarkuni offers 5 luxurious Double Suites and sleeps up to 10 guests. All rooms at Tarkuni are beautifully designed and decorated with en-suite bathrooms featuring free standing tubs and both indoor and outdoor showers. The lodge is totally self-contained boasting delightful living and dining areas, a library, pool, chef and its own private game viewing vehicle.
Childcare
Children are very welcome at Tswalu. The lodge's Junior Ranger programme has been carefully designed to suit children of all ages. Activities include archery, spoor identification and casting, as well as tracking on foot. Children’s bush walks are hugely educational and 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.
Facilities
Facilities at the Motse include a mezzanine library equipped with satellite TV, WiFi access throughout and its museum cases display rare artefacts from the area, curio shop, swimming pool and gym. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment areas offering authentic signature massages by local therapists. Dining can be enjoyed at the lodge, in the privacy of your own viewing deck, on the dunes or in the open air boma. Tarkuni features two lounge areas with cosy fireplaces, a pool and boma.
Activities
Game drives, visits to ancient archaeological sites displaying rock carvings created by Bushmen up to 380,000 years ago, some of the oldest art on earth and guided walks are included in room rates whereas hot air ballooning (which you need to book in advance), massage treatments, horse riding and archery are charged additionally.
When to travel
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve offers a wonderful temperate climate which can be visited all year round. The best game viewing is from May to the end September
Summer (November to March) days can get quite warm (up to 28-32 degrees on average) but it is a dry heat. Summer rainfall, normally in the form of thunder storms are usually in the evening, however, the African climate is still always unpredictable. Autumn (April to May) days can still be warm but the evenings cool down. Average day time temperature 22-28 degrees. Evenings 10-15 degrees. Winter (June to August) days are warm (temperatures in the mid-twenties) evenings and early mornings very cold with average early morning temperatures 5-12 degrees. It very rarely rains at this time when the bush is golden and dry.
Spring (September, October) days start getting hotter, evenings and mornings could still be crisp but not as cold. A very slim chance of rain.
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Location and directions
Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
Tswalu is situated near the town of Kuruman in the Kalahari desert, in heart of the Northern Cape Province. The Kalahari desert extends through Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
How to get there
11.5 hour international flight to OR Tambo International Airport.
Tswalu Kalahari offers daily scheduled flights (approximately 2 hours) from both Johannesburg and Cape Town. From the airstrip it's a further 5minutes by road to the reserve.
