Tswalu Kalahari Reserve was founded in 1995 by British entrepreneur Stephen Boler, but later acquired by the Oppenheimer family in 1999. This private malaria free reserve covers an area of approximately 1000 km² of thornveld and red dunes. The Kalahari is the ancestral home of the San people, also known as the Bushman, where despite the harsh environment these people carved a livelihood for many millennia. Nearby archaeological sites provide guests with the opportunity to learn more about ancient San culture.
The accommodation at Tswalu Motse is designed to blend inconspicuously into the mountains and is made of desert sand and thatch and accommodates up to 20 people. Each cottage overlooks the waterhole and comprises an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, outside shower, private lounge, open fireplace and private sun deck. The main areas include a lounge and dining area, library, traditional African boma, wine cellar, gift shop, childrens room and sun deck around the heated swimming pool. A very nice small spa offers massage treatments and beauty therapies. The other accommodation available at Tswalu is TwsaluTarkuni a private safari lodge which sleeps 8/10 people and can only be taken on an exclusive basis. In the Kalahari, the thornveld and sweeping sand dunes are home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. The harsh environment makes Tswalu a unique safari experience. Meerkats are a popular member of the habitat, with their curious stances and facial expressions. Some of the species that can be spotted on Tswalu include lions, spotted hyenas, wild dog, tsessebe, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe, gemsbok, warthog, black-backed jackal, bat-eared foxes, white and black rhinoceros, cheetah, aardwolf, aardvark, red rock rabbit, scrub hare, porcupine and dassie. Birdlife is also well represented with more than 200 species of bird, some of them indigenous to the arid zone, are found in the varying habitats in the reserve. There is some excelent walking available around the lodge or further afield with a guide.
| Style | Desert sands and bushveld with thatched cottages | | Air/Con | No | | Dining | Yes | | Children | Yes, baby sitters are available on request and the lodge is adept and relaxed about hosting families with children. | | No. of Bedrooms | 8 | | Pool | Heated Pool | | Activities | Game drives, bush walks, horse riding, birding, stargazing, bush dining, spa and beauty therapies | | Price Range | £390.00 per person per night all inclusive |
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