Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Set in the heart of the Northern Cape Province, some 300 kilometres north-west of Kimberley and 270 kilometres north-east of Upington, Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa's largest privately owned luxury game reserve offering exclusive, private, luxury malaria-free safaris in the Kalahari desert.

Tswalu Kalahari covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and takes conservation as its absolute priority; with a vision is simply ‘to restore the Kalahari to itself’. No more than 30 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.

The 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 the village consists of just eight spacious and secluded “legae” (another Tswana word, for “little house”) or suites, built of local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch. Recently redesigned by world-renowned Boyd Ferguson, the suites define an elegant, barefoot luxury. 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.

The Motse accommodates no more than 20 guests at any one time to make for a truly intimate Kalahari safari experience. 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.

Guests also have an option to stay in Tarkuni, set amidst two rolling mountain ranges and the Oppenheimer familys own personal home offering 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.

The Executive Chef, Theresa Fehrson, will spoil you with a five-course menu paired with South Africa’s finest wines in the privacy of your own deck overlooking the bushveld.

Guests are spoilt for choice with activities and adventures on offer and can enjoy an early evening safari tracking the elusive Aardvark and Pangolin, enjoy a morning game drive with breakfast in the bush promising a memory to savour or be pampered in the spa – from a massage to a facial. Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity of seeing the rock art as recent archaeological research at Tswalu suggests that some of the Bushmen carvings may be up to 380 000 years old. As such, they would be some of the oldest art on Earth.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve offers a spectacular experience which will leave guests beckoning to return time and time again.