Wildlife & Conservation

Tswalu is committed to restoring and maintaining this unique desert habitat which includes unique desert species such as desert black rhino, gemsbok, springbok as well as other species including sable, roan, eland, kudu, lion, white rhino, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, and leopard. Over 250 species of birds can be seen at Tswalu.  Tswalu is home to the Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard and Korhaan. Huge migrations of Sandgrouse and one of the largest colonies of Sociable Weavers. Also many different species of Raptor.

Accommodation

Tswalu is a Relais and Chateaux property offering exclusivity and comfort.  The main lodge, the Motswe, features a lounge and dining areas, traditional African boma, gift shop, walk in wine cellar, year round heated outdoor swimming pool and pool terrace. 

Natural textures, colors, artifacts give an earthy ambiance.  The dry packed walls are made from stone originating from the Korannaberg Mountains.  Several watering holes on the reserve enhance your bird and game viewing experience.

Tswalu can accommodate 20 guests sharing, in 6 air conditioned, individual thatch and stone suites- of which two were designed with families in mind. Each suite is fully air conditioned with inside and outside shower, private sun deck, private lounge, open fireplace, telephone, safe. All chalets have  views of the Kalahari plains and a floodlit waterhole.   Each room also offers a spacious lounge with fire place opening onto a private sundeck, air conditioning, ceiling fan, direct dial telephone, safe, mini bar.

Tarkuni   is the ultimate in secluded luxury. Built amid two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is perfect for families and small groups of 8 - 12 guests. The accommodation contains four luxury bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and outdoor heated shower, open plan lounge and dining room, library, covered patio and heated swimming pool. Specific accommodation for children is available, with two sets of bunk beds

Activities include

Night and day game drives in open sided Land Rovers, tracking the Desert Black Rhino with experienced ranges and trackers, walking trails with knowledgeable rangers, sundowners on the crest of a lantern lit dune watching the spectacular Kalahari sunset, bird watching, mountain dining at Koranna Lookout.  Tranquility and privacy are the watchwords here, and uniquely, guests will not see another game vehicle during their outings. 

Horse riding - fully qualified riding instructor - 1 to 6 hour rides available, mountain rides, sunset dune rides and day rides. Tuition offered in an enclosed post and rail arena. Riding equipment available. R150 per hour - R75 per half hour private tuition 

Bush walks led by experienced rangers and trackers giving guests an insight into the local vegetation, bush medicines, cosmetics and hunting skills of the San People skills. 

Archaeology sites on request 

Golf at nearby Sishen Golf Club - rated in the top 20 courses in South Africa 

The Kalahari region is regarded as the finest area in Africa for star gazing and Tswalu has a high powered telescope for guests' use 

For artists and photographers - Korannaberg mountain lookout offers breathtaking landscapes 

Sundowners on lantern lit dunes, boma dining, mountain dining 
 

Getting there

By air - shuttle on Wed, Fri & Sun direct from Johannesburg. 

Schedule SA Airlink to Upington or SA Express to Kimberley. 3 hours from Upington, 4 hours from Kimberley by self-drive or chaufeur driven vehicle.

Tarkuni Bedroom