Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Winner of The Relais & Chateaux Global
Enviromental Trophy 2006
....to be a leader in this demanding
industry takes determination and concerted
effort - in recognition of this achievement,
Tswalu has been awarded with the AA travel
guide - winner best lodge 2005, at Indaba
held in Durban this year....
Surrounding the rugged Koranneberg Mountains
in the Northern Cape Province of South
Africa, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve covers
1000km2 (100 000 ha) of land on the edge of
the mysterious desert wilderness that is the
Kalahari. In the Kalahari, the thornveld and
sweeping sand dunes are home to some of the
world's most fascinating wildlife. It is
here that you will find Tswalu Kalahari
Reserve, the most extensive private game
reserve in South Africa owned by the
well-known Oppenheimer family. Their Luxury
Game Reserve Accommodation
Activities include:
Horse riding, archery, star gazing, sun
downers, Meerkat viewing and special
activities for children
Tswalu also offers game drives in
open-sided, canopied safari vehicles. All
game drives are led by experienced rangers
who provide a fascinating insight into
indigenous wildlife of the region. Optional
bush walks allow guests of this private
South African game reserve to get even
closer to nature, and are led by experienced
field guides who are highly knowledgeable
into the local vegetation, bush medicines
and history of the San people. And if you
want a break from game-related activities,
why not play a round of golf at Sishen Golf
Course, a renowned golf course that is rated
eighth in the country.
Children
Unlike many other luxury African game
reserves, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is a place
where children are gladly welcomed. With a
range of fun activities and accommodation
especially suited to kids, this is a place
where your children will feel stimulated,
happy and above all, at home.
A visit to Twalu is one that is highly
educational, but without the boredom of
sitting in a stuffy classroom. While on game
drives and bush walks, children will be able
to learn fascinating lessons about wildlife,
birdlife and vegetation from our
knowledgeable rangers. However, we know that
mom and dad are bound to need some solitude
during long and languid Tswalu afternoons,
so to keep the tiny tots occupied, children
will have access to a wealth of colouring-in
books and crayons.
Because Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is in a
malaria-free area, there is no need to worry
about preventative malaria medication for
yourself or your little ones.
On Safari
At Tswalu, the game-viewing opportunities
are unparalleled in terms of South African
safaris. Guided walks meander across silent
red dunes. Drives in open-sided safari
vehicles traverse the Kalahari wilderness
and stop at the most scenic spots to allow
visitors to enjoy an impressive sunset or
splendid bush dinner. Bird-watching,
star-gazing and exciting visits to the
habituated meerkat dens of Tswalu are just
some of the activities on offer at Tswalu.
Optional horseback trails, with a qualified
guide, enable guests to become one with
nature and to experience close encounters
with wildlife.
In addition, South African safaris such as
those offered at Tswalu allow guests the
opportunity of visiting archaeological sites
and viewing rock engravings in and around
the reserve. Special-interest courses in
archaeology, ethno-botany and photography,
as well as golfing at the nearby Sishen Golf
Course are also available on request.
Wild Game
Tswalu prides itself on the number of
different animal species kept within the
reserve. Through great conservation efforts
animal numbers are growing in a completely
natural habitat. Please look down the list
below of the complete animal directory of
Tswalu. From the back of an open sided
safari vehicle, from the saddle or on foot
and with the help of our experienced field
guides and trackers, learn how to spot and
track like a professional on your South
African safari!
The Motse Tarkuni
Accommodation at Tswalu epitomises the
stylish yet rustic elegance typical of
luxury game reserve accommodation. Indeed,
no creature comfort has been spared for
guests at this quintessentially African
dwelling. From the indoor and outdoor heated
shower in every suite (the outdoor version
looks out across the Kalahari plain) to the
private suite sundecks and a library, this
is the essence of modern luxury with an
African feel. At Tswalu, dining entails many
options. At the main house in the Motse,
guests can either enjoy meals in the dining
room, or in the privacy of their own suite
lounge. Above all, Tswalu's exclusive game
reserve accommodation achieves a rustic feel
without compromising its private and
luxurious facilities.
Guests have the benefit of Tswalu's own
private clinic situated on the premises.
This clinic was opened in 1999 with two main
aims: provide primary health care for
everybody on the reserve and the surrounding
area, and act as a vital educational role in
the surrounding community. Staffed by a
fully trained nursing sister, the clinic is
open five days a week, with a 24-hour
standby for emergencies. Any guests who may
need emergency healthcare have access to the
clinic and its facilities, including
professional diagnosis and first-level care
backed by an air ambulance service on call
if required.
Facilities at Tswalu include: • a lounge and dining area • library • traditional African boma • gift shop "Dimpho" • children's room with child minder
• wine cellar • sun deck • outdoor heated swimming pool • telephone • safe and mini bar in each room
• dedicated chef • private game viewing vehicle • high powered telescope with which
to explore the night sky • private plane • tarred landing strip and daily
shuttle to the reserve • laundry and valet services • massage treatments - booking
essential • hot air ballooning - booking
essential • Tswalu Private Clinic