Tswalu Kalahari, A Stunning Game Reserve with Private Lodging in South Africa's Northern Cape

A short comfortable plane hop from Johannesburg, in the heart of the Northern Cape lies one of the most breathtaking and exclusive private game reserves in Africa. In a 1000sq km area of red sand desert and white grasses, Tswalu is not only the largest private game reserves in South Africa, it is also arguably one of the most elegant and beautiful.

 

Tswalu, meaning “a new beginning” is made up of two different fabulous living areas: Motse, which consists of eight spacious African-style houses blending into the surroundings, and Tarkuni, a private safari lodge sleeping ten for exclusive hire. Found in between two rolling mountain ranges twenty minutes drive from Motswe, Tarkuni will give you one of the most remote safari experiences in the world explains Tom Marchant. He says, "The vast open plains here are all yours as this 1000sq km area guarantees no more than thirty visitors at one time. That's a lot of space and a lot of game just for you. As well as traditional game drives, a horseback safari is a real highlight of Tswalu, so bring your chaps and prepare to get close to nature. The rooms here were designed by Boyd Ferguson, who also designed Singita lodges; we were thrilled to find again the same standard of design and finishings. The style here is very earthy—hues and whitewashed walls are the theme. Each private suite is built from local stone, rich red clay and typical Kalahari thatch roofs. Super comfy and neat en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor walk-in showers, open fireplace and private sundeck overlooking a watering hole—great for unexpected game viewing and sundowners overlooking the huge open plains." Lesser-known gem; well-priced.

 

Rates from $530