Tswalu Kalahari: an inspiring experience and a vision for nature conservation
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moreTswalu is a visionary conservation project in southern Kalahari, supported by nature-based tourism with sustainability at its core. Understated luxury and an authentic sense of place are the hallmarks of its three camps, which boast the lowest guest-to-space ratio in any private reserve in South Africa. Each camp is strategically located to offer views of the reserve’s stunning landscapes, including savannah grasslands, red dunes, and ancient mountains.
Motse and the exclusive Tarkuni are complemented by Loapi, a lightweight camp with six tented chalets offering the ultimate private wilderness experience. At all three camps, a private vehicle is guaranteed with every booking, allowing complete freedom to traverse and explore this vast semi-arid wonderland with a dedicated guide and tracker. Days on safari are unscripted and immersive, a unique journey of discovery into the rare and unusual, from desert-adapted flora and fauna to San rock engravings. Notable Kalahari wildlife includes black-maned lions, oryx, and desert black rhinos, as well as elusive species like brown hyenas, aardvarks, and pangolins.
Loapi
Set in the foothills of the Korannaberg Mountains, Loapi is set to become Africa’s premier luxury tented safari camp. With at least 100 metres between each house, guests are assured of solitude and seclusion, with a dedicated Homathi (butler) and chef on hand to take care of everything. In Setswana, Loapi means ‘the space below the clouds’, which is aptly reflected in the camp’s eco-friendly modular design, combining canvas, glass and steel. Clean, sculptural interiors, enriched by the colours, shapes and forms of nature, optimise the sense of space and evoke the carefree, nomadic spirit of camping.
The Motse
With uninterrupted views across the reserve to the Korannaberg Mountains, Motse is Tswalu’s original safari camp, offering luxury accommodation that is at once sophisticated and rustic. The camp’s design reflects the dramatic beauty of the Kalahari with earthy materials, organic shapes, richly textured interiors, and nature-inspired colors. The camp has nine guest suites or legae (a Setswana word meaning ‘home’), each a private sanctuary set in gardens planted with indigenous southern Kalahari plants. Motse welcomes families of all ages and offers three family suites with two en-suite bedrooms.Inspiring adventure while soothing the senses, Motse is your home away from home – comfortably luxurious yet comfortingly familiar – with plenty of space and privacy for everyone.
Tarkuni
Nestled in a secluded valley below the Korannaberg Mountains, Tarkuni is our private homestead offering luxury accommodation for multi-generational families or groups of friends – up to 10 guests in five suites, all under one roof. An ancient gnarled shepherd’s tree forms a focal point at the entrance, welcoming guests into their private safari home where a dedicated team, including a private chef, takes care of everything. This exclusive thatched homestead is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly. It boasts a graciously proportioned lounge and dining room, along with an upstairs library and spa treatment room. A deep, shaded veranda, plunge pool, sundowner fireplace, small boma, and gazebo for massages or afternoon naps make for easy, relaxed days at camp.
Tswalu Kalahari: an inspiring experience and a vision for nature conservation
