Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve: private safari in the southern Kalahari

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is a private safari reserve located on the southern edge of the Kalahari in South Africa. Covering 1,200 square kilometres (more than 460 square miles), it presents itself as the largest private reserve in the country and operates in a semi-arid landscape of ecological importance and rich biodiversity. Its name comes from Setswana and means "a new beginning".

The reserve describes itself as a conservation project spanning more than 25 years, focused on ecosystem restoration and regeneration, with the stated aim of returning the Kalahari to its original state. According to the company, every night's stay helps cover conservation costs in a protected private area and generates a positive impact on local communities.

Safari camps and accommodation

Tswalu has three luxury safari camps: Loapi, The Motse and Tarkuni Homestead. The reserve states that it has the lowest guest footprint in South Africa, which means few visitors with privileged access to vast tracts of land. The accommodation is described as discreet luxury, with South African hospitality and an authentic sense of place.

The booking form allows guests to choose between The Motse, Loapi Tented Camp, The Motse and Loapi in combination, or Tarkuni Homestead, as well as an option for those who need help deciding. It also collects details on the number of guests, arrival and departure dates, reason for travel and interests.

Experiences and activities

The reserve guarantees guests a private vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker, allowing them to experience safari with flexibility and at their own pace. Among the experiences it highlights are tracking elusive species such as the pangolin or the aardvark, horse riding, close encounters with habituated meerkats, walks to see rock art, dinners on the dunes under the stars and a night under canvas at Malori.

The site's interests form also mentions limitless time at sightings, stargazing, photography, guided walks, rock engravings, the Malori sleep-out experience, research and conservation, and local food and wine.

Wildlife and wildlife viewing

The reserve offers access to diverse sightings, from large predators to some of Africa's most elusive species. It is known for close encounters with iconic animals such as the black-maned lion, cheetah, African wild dog and brown hyena, as well as desert-adapted white and black rhino. Alongside familiar savanna species such as giraffe, kudu, buffalo and zebra, its landscapes are associated with oryx, springbok, red hartebeest and shy species such as the aardvark, pangolin, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wildcat and Cape fox.

Conservation and research

The Tswalu Foundation actively supports environmental research, with a particular focus on biodiversity and regenerative land management projects. Throughout the year, scientists from leading academic institutions spend time at the Dedeben Research Centre collecting data and samples for their research. Topics cited include the ecology of the puff adder, lichen diversity and the impact of climate change on butterfly migrations. Guests can engage with experts to understand the relationship between research and conservation.

Tswalu is a member of The Long Run, a global community of purpose-driven businesses dedicated to accelerating positive change through nature-based tourism. Its regenerative journey is guided by four key benchmarks: conservation, community, commerce and culture. In 2024 it earned Global Ecosphere Resort® (GER) status, The Long Run's most advanced sustainability standard.

Corporate group and artistic programmes

The reserve is part of Oppenheimer Generations, a diverse community of commercial ventures and not-for-profit organisations representing the global interests of the Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer family. The site also mentions an Artists in Residence programme, without detailing how it works.

Location and contact

Phone: +27 53 781 9331 · Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00