Location: South Africa » Northern Cape » KurumanTSWALU PRIVATE DESERT RESERVETSWALU PRIVATE DESERT RESERVEDescriptionTswalu, situated on the edge of the Kalahari desert, north west of Kuruman, is the ultimate safari experience. Over 100 000 hectares of beautiful wilderness, harsh thorn bush, rolling grass plains, monumental mountains and red dunes. This is the Africa of a thousand years ago.
Tswalu owes its existence to the need to protect some of Africa's most endangered species including the Desert Black Rhino. With over 40 different species of animals and over 250 different species birds, Tswalu is a living conservation project of international significance, not simply a safari destination.
The Relais & Chateaux lodge is surrounded by nine individual air-conditioned thatched and stone suites accommodating 22 guests. Each suite, furnished with antique colonial furniture and tribal artefacts, has a spacious lounge with an open fireplace, bedroom with en-suite facilities, inside and outside shower, sundeck with view across the Kalahari plains, telephone and safe. With two other exclusive lodges on Tswalu, groups of up to 40 can be accommodated using the main Tswalu lodge for dining and conferencing.
Guests can enjoy game drives by day and night, walking safaris, bird watching, horse riding amongst the animals and bird life of Tswalu, sundowners on the crest of a lantern lit dune, mountain dining at the Helderberg Platform with views of over 70 kms, dinner in a traditional African open air boma, team building activities and golf at nearby Sishen Golf Club. Tswalu Private Desert Reserve is in a Malaria Free area. Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve which spans over 1000 square kilometers and is owned by the well-known Oppenheimer family. Tswalu offers guests a luxury safari experiences but its primary aim is conservation and socio economic development in the region. The current conservation contribution and future conservation potential of this property is immeasurable.
Tswalu Kalahari aims to make a contribution to conservation through the restoration of the natural environment and ecological processes that define the Kalahari ecosystems, offering a safe haven to endangered species while also providing habitat for the protection of the region’s unique bio-diversity.
All activities on Tswalu are guided by Tswalu’s environmental and social responsibility philosophies, including architectural designs that minimise water and energy usage, extensive use of solar energy and an established practice of recycling most of our waste. To be a leader in this demanding industry takes determination and concerted effort - in acknowledgement, Tswalu Kalahari has been awarded numerous awards for their outstanding conservation and hospitality achievements. Accommodation The Motse The Motse is nestled at the foot of the Korannaberg mountain range, facing westward across the grasslands of the Kalahari. Designed to blend inconspicuously into the mountain range surrounding the game reserve, the Motse consists of eight spacious legae (a Tswana word for small house/suite), all designed with a distinct and elegant African character. The legaes are built of local stone, rich red clay and typical Kalahari thatch roofs, and together can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. Six legaes sleep two guests each, while two legaes have been designed with families in mind, each accommodating four people. Each suite comprises a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor walk-in shower, a large dressing area, an open fireplace and a private sun deck overlooking a waterhole, often leading to unique, unplanned game viewing opportunities. Dining at the Motse Dining at the Motse offers guests many choices: meals can be enjoyed either in the dining room or in the privacy of each suite. Of course, some would argue that a safari is simply not complete without a dining experience under the stars, in Tswalu’s traditional African boma. The Main House Guests can relax in the spacious lounge of the main house which opens onto the shaded pool deck, where the heated infinity pool offers an endless view over the Kalahari and a nearby watering hole. The secluded mezzanine library is equipped with satellite TV and has a valuable collection of literature as well as board games and historical artefacts from the local area. Tarkuni Set amid two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is the ultimate in secluded luxury and is perfect for small groups of up to 10 guests. The accommodation offers five luxury bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and outdoor heated showers, open plan lounge and dining room, library, covered patio and swimming pool. Children are welcome at Tarkuni and families can feel perfectly at home. Tarkuni offers the luxury of absolute flexibility with a private game viewing vehicle, as well as a dedicated host and chef. Guests at Tarkuni can find calm and contemplation at the “sala”, sun themselves at the pool that overlooks an ever active water hole , relax in the huge open plan lounge or wide open decks, with vistas that beguile even the most jaded traveler. Special Occasions Tarkuni is an ideal venue to celebrate special occasions for those looking for a unique getaway with family or friends. The private location, personal attention and complete flexibility make for an extra-ordinary luxury safari experience. Wildlife Tswalu prides itself on the number of different animal species within the reserve. Through great conservation efforts wildlife numbers are growing in a completely natural habitat. Browse through the complete animal directories of our birds, mammals & reptiles. Some of the highlights include the return of the true Kalahari black mane lion, who shares his kingdom with the majestic cheetah and the endangered wild dog. Tswalu is home to approximately one third of South Africa’s population of desert black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) which is listed as one of the 10 most critically endangered species of mammal in South Africa and who thrive in this expansive Kalahari wilderness. Over 70 species of mammals can be found at Tswalu, including sable and roan antelope and more than 240 species of bird. Meerkats are a popular member of the habitat, with their curious stances, facial expressions and habituation making them ever-popular for admiring guests. In the evening, the Kalahari comes alive with the activities of some of the less know animals, like the shy and elusive aardvark, aardwolf, bat eared fox and brown hyena.
| Attractions Luxury Safaris The incredible beauty of the surroundings and the great variety of wildlife make a visit to Tswalu an unforgettable experience. Game drives offer the perfect opportunity to observe many endangered animals in their natural habitat, see a variety of insects and birds and learn about the unique vegetation found in this arid region. Bush walks with Tswalu’s experienced field guides and trackers give guests insight into the absorbing world of the smaller creatures often revealing their nests and holes. The Kalahari region is not only very beautiful, but also fascinating, discovering how each creature has learnt to adapt to this environment.
For an experience unlike any other, guests may explore the plains and dunes on horseback or even from a hot air balloon. This is a perfect way to feel part of the magical stillness that makes the Kalahari so unique. View rock engraving and learn about the storytelling, dream imagery, bush medicines and cosmetics used by the San people. To end a perfect day, guests are served sundowners around a glowing fire, on the crest of a dune, surrounded by an endless horizon. Activities at Tswalu Tswalu offers an abundance of activities to engage you during your stay. From game drives in open vehicles to bush walks, horseback trails, archery and dune dinners under the stars. Become close with nature and sleep out under the stars. Hot air balloon trips over the Kalahari landscape are offered but must be booked in advance. Special-interest courses in archaeology, ethno-botany and photography are also available on request.
For those wanting to unwind, you can simply watch time pass by whilst sitting under one of our shaded salas, cooling off in the pool or visiting the Sanctuary Spa. The spa’s Moya range offers healing and revitalizing products and treatments that celebrate the natural heritage of South Africa.
Your children’s needs will be taken care of with fascinating games teaching them a love of the animals, plants and birds.
If you want a break from game-related activities, why not play a round of golf at the nearby Sishen Golf Course. Situated on the outskirts of the town of Kathu, this is truly a unique setting in which to play a round of golf - the course winds its way through a 500 hectare Camelthorn forest on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. Sishen’s par 72, 18-hole course is currently rated in the top 30 best golf courses in South Africa. Activities at Tswalu - Sanctuary Spa at Tswalu
- Sleep-outs under the stars
- Hot air ballooning
- Bush walks
- Conservation activities
- Voluntourism
- Childrens’ programmes
- Fitness centre
- Dune dining
- Archery
- Horse Back Safaris
- Donkey Cart Rides
Facilities TarkuniFacilities & Features - Private 10 bed villa
- Dedicated chef
- Private game viewing vehicle
- Indoor & outdoor walk-in showers
- 2 lounges with open fireplaces
- Full bar
- Laptop with dial-up internet connection
- Direct dial telephone
- Outdoor swimming pool
The MotseFeatures & Facilities General- 6 standard legaes/suites
- 2 family legaes, each accommodating four people
Legaes (Suites)- Indoor & outdoor showers
- Open fireplace
- Private sun deck overlooking a waterhole
- Separate dressing area
- Broadband Wi-Fi Access
- Direct dial telephone
Main House- Outdoor heated swimming pool
- Sanctuary Spa & Gym
- Walk-in wine cellar stocked with South African wines
- Mezzanine library with satellite TV, literature & artefacts
- Dimpho (Gift Shop)
Conference | Meeting Rooms |
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| | Room Name | | Capacity | | | | Dimensions | | | U-Shape | School Room | Theatre | Banquet | Length | Width | | | 12 | 12 | 40 | 12 | 8 | 4 | | Rates: Conference and Accommodation rates on application. | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585 |
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