SOUTH AFRICA - Tswalu Kalahari, Northern Cape

Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve over 600 square miles. It is located in the Northern Cape Province, about 180 miles northwest of Kimberly and 525 miles north of Cape Town and is close to the Botswana border and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The nearest town is Kuruman, famous for the Kuruman Eye, a natural fountain which delivers approx. 20-30 million liters of crystal clear water daily and is the largest natural fountain in the southern hemisphere. The Moffat Mission is also here. The Moffat Mission was the place from which David Livingstone launched his famous journey into “darkest Africa”.

Tswalu is owned by the well-know Oppenheimer family. From the time the land became Oppenheimer property, their mission has been “To restore the Kalahari to itself.” … “And to secure the future of this land and its people by creating a sensitive and sustainable model of tourism, allowing visitors to Tswalu Kalahari to witness its beauty and protect it too”.

“Tswalu” means “new beginning” in Tswana.

Tswalu is malaria free and offers sightings of some of South Africa’s more rare and unusual wildlife:
• Desert black rhino
• Black maned Kalahari Lion
• Meerkat
• Cheetah
• Roan, sable and tsessebe antelope
• 230 species of bird (including endangered raptors)
• More elusive but often seen – aardvark, aardwolf, pangolin, porcupine

The Kalahari is the ancestral home of the San people (Bushman). Some of their ancient engravings can be seen at Tswalu; current research suggests these may be amongst the oldest art on Earth. Tswalu Kalahari welcomes children and their Junior Ranger program is designed to enthrall and enchant children of all ages.

Bush walks, game drives, horseback riding and stargazing are the highlights here.

There are two camps – Motse (the main camp) and Tarkuni. Together they accommodate a maximum of 30 guests in over 100,000 hectares.

Motse faces west, nestling at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains. This camp has 8 spacious and secluded “legae” - built of local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch – “barefoot luxury”.

Each suite has a spacious bedroom with open fire, a luxurious en suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower and a large dressing and study area. A private deck overlooks the waterhole. Two of these legae are designed especially for families.

The main house has elevated decks and elegant lounges. An infinity pool offers an endless view over the savannahs and a secluded spa offers a variety of treatments of international standard. There is a library with satellite tv, Wi-fi, and museum cases displaying rare artefacts from the area.

Tarkuni is the Oppenheimer family’s own home here at Tswalu and is set amid two rolling mountain ranges.Tarkuni has been recently completely redesigned and refurbished to the highest standards of elegance and comfort. It is comprised of 5 luxury suites, accommodating a maximum of 10 guests.

The home has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure a completely personal service. A private vehicle, field guide and tracker ensure a very individual and personal experience for the residents of Tarkuni. There is a quiet pool and shady salas and a traditional boma has seen many celebrations.

Tswalu Kalahari takes its place as part of the Diamond Route, linking all the conservation initiatives of De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. Across the Diamond Route, visitors and researchers alike can gain access to some of South Africa’s most precious ecologies, to learn about their wildlife and to understand how conservation works. Each property also raises awareness among local communities of the role of the environment in creating livelihoods and opportunities.

Tswalu has introduced a Tswalu Kalahari Truffle Safari, a guided search for meerkats, cheetahs and the fungal delicacy of the Bushmen in South Africa’s largest private game reserve (April through May truffle season).

Tswalu awards:

• National Geographic Adventure Magazine’s Top 50 Eco-Lodges 2009
• US Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Award 2007
• Relais & Chateaux Global Environmental Trophy 2006