Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Located in the Northern Cape, just south of the Botswanan border, Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private reserve with 118,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. This malaria-free area is home to just three exclusive safari camps, Loapi, The Motse and Tarkuni, plus a staggering diversity of wildlife. Endless horizons, unique desert vegetation and the chance to see rare species including Hartmann’s mountain zebra, black maned lion, pangolin and aardvark.

Formerly a hunting concession, Tswalu Private Reserve is now the dream-come-true of Nicky Oppenheimer, the former chairman of De Beers and a passionate conservationist. The three stunning lodges reflect the unique surroundings, with earthen colours and organic curves.

The founding lodge, Tswalu The Motse, features nine suites, six with one bedroom, three with two bedrooms. Each are built in local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch. The interiors are simply divine; architecturally clean, understated yet supremely comfortable. Each suite features a spacious bedroom with an open fireplace, as well as a large dressing and study area, while the three family suites each have two en suite bedrooms. Sumptuous bathrooms boast both indoor and outdoor showers and private sun decks boast spectacular views over a busy waterhole. In the central guest area, you’ll find a heated infinity pool with endless views over the open savannahs and a secluded spa, while a walk-in wine cellar provides an outstanding collection of vintage wines that accompany the mouth-watering meals.

Situated in a desert valley of its own, Tswalu Tarkuni Homestead, once the Oppenheimer family home, is booked on an exclusive use basis with a full compliment of house staff. There are five wonderful suites, which are large, open-plan and possess fantastic views across the Kalahari. En-suite bathrooms feature gorgeous free standing tubs and both indoor and outdoor showers. Delightful living and dining areas, a library, indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces, pool, fire pit, boma and plunge pool.

The newest addition to the Tswalu offerings is Loapi, six exclusive-use individual homes, suitable for couples, families, or friends. With four one-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes each home operates like a mini-camp with a dedicated house manager (homathi) and chef. Contemporary in style with an earth-friendly design featuring glass and steel pavilions and bedrooms under canvas. Outdoor living includes spacious decks, a fire pit, solar-powered plunge pool, and an outdoor shower.

There are a host of activities available at Tswalu. There is no fixed schedule and each party enjoys their own private vehicle and guide to explore this remarkable wilderness at their own pace. As well as those rarely seen species that Tswalu is known for, it is also unquestionably one of the best places in southern Africa to see cheetah in the wild – the vast open spaces and antelope herds of the Kalahari readily lend themselves to high-speed pursuits. Bush walks, helicopter excursions, sleep-outs and horse-riding are all on offer as well as the unique opportunity to visit two colonies of habituated merekats in the wild. For wildlife aficionados, families and first timers, Tswalu is truly something special.