Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Kalahari Desert,
Northern Cape, South Africa
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TSWALU KALAHARI
RESERVE - NORTHERN CAPE
Tswalu Kalahari
Reserve is an exclusive, luxury, private, malaria-free game reserve
situated in the heart of South Africa's Northern Cape Province.
The Reserve offers the ultimate safari experience and the surroundings
are elegantly simple, with its luxury swimming pool opening to the
remarkable scene of animals drinking at a nearby watering hole. A
trip to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is unique in many ways, offering
an exclusive, tailor-made experience.
The Reserve is situated
at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, some 300 kilometres north
west of Kimberley. The nearest town is Kuruman, famous as the Mission
from which Dr. Livingston set off into what was then darkest Africa.
Close to the border with Botswana, Tswalu's African village doors
open onto the splendor and serenity of the awesome Kalahari.
Accommodations For
images of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, click Tswalu
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Accommodation at Tswalu epitomizes the stylish
yet rustic elegance typical of luxury game reserve accommodation. Indeed,
no creature comfort has been spared for guests at this quintessentially
African dwelling. From the indoor and outdoor heated shower in every
suite (the outdoor version looks out across the Kalahari plain) to
the private suite sundecks and a library, this is the essence of modern
luxury with an African feel.
The emphasis at Tswalu is on exclusivity, which is why the entire reserve
can accommodate no more than 30 people at a time.
Tswalu offers two separate accommodations
on the Reserve:
The Motse
The Motse is Tswalu's main game reserve accommodation, nestled
at the foot of the Korannaberg mountain range, facing westward across
the grasslands of the Kalahari. 'Motse' is a Tswana word meaning
'village'. Tswana is one of South Africa's 11 official languages
and is spoken in the Northern Cape. Designed to blend inconspicuously
into the mountain range surrounding the game reserve, the Motse consists
of eight spacious legae (a Tswana word for small house/suite), all designed
with a distinct African feel while remaining elegant and stylish.
The legaes are built of local stone,
rich red clay and typical Kalahari thatch roofs, and together can
accommodate a maximum of 20 people. Six of the legaes are for two
guests each, while two legaes were designed with families in mind,
each accommodating four people. As an added bonus for any game reserve
in South Africa, each legae overlooks a game watering hole. Each
suite comprises a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with both
indoor and outdoor walk-in shower, large private lounge with an open
fireplace, private sun deck overlooking the waterhole, direct dial
telephone, safe, mini bar and outdoor heated swimming pool. This
is luxury game reserve accommodation at its best.
At the main house
in the Motse, guests can relax in the spacious lounge leading onto
a patio overlooking the outdoor heated swimming pool and pool terrace.
Other facilities include a walk-in wine cellar stocked with South
African wines, a mezzanine library with TV/satellite, Dimpho (a gift
shop) and a Gym.
Tarkuni
Set in its own private area of the Tswalu luxury African game reserve,
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 and separate nanny quarters with two single beds and a
bathroom en suite.
Guests at Tarkuni luxury game reserve
can find calm and contemplation at the "sala ", sun themselves at
the pool or retire to lofty bedrooms with vistas that beguile the
most jaded traveller. Private game viewing vehicles are included
as well as a dedicated chef to allow the luxury of flexibility. In
short, Tarkuni is game reserve accommodation that is completely self-contained.
Sanctuary
Spa at Tswalu - Elemis spa-therapies, body treatments & massages
Elemis has over 15 years experience in treating
both men & women in the professional spa environment. Each
spa-therapy has been developed using extensive clinical and scientific
studies to ensure every therapy shows real results. Designed to
respect the body's complex physiology, Elemis spa-therapies work
in natural synergy with the skin, body & mind. Every treatment
is specifically designed to offer a unique experience, using powerful
massage sequences and the most potent actives available in the
world today. Dynamic ingredients, medical grade formulas and dedicated
research are all combined to provide a range of spa-therapies that
offer scientific solutions to every skin, body or lifestyle concern.
Each treatment is complemented with a lavish arm and hand massage,
incorporated with a calming scalp massage to leave you totally
relaxed and rejuvenated.
Dining
and Cuisine
At Tswalu, dining entails many options. At the main house in the Motse, guests
can either enjoy meals in the dining room, or in the privacy of their own suite
lounge. Above all, Tswalu's exclusive game reserve accommodation achieves a rustic
feel without compromising its private and luxurious facilities.
Mountain Dining
One of the most memorable sights is the spectacular view
from the Lekgaba lookout (Mountain lookout). Here, a comfortable thatch
covered lookout has been built into the mountainside with amenities for
guests to refresh themselves after a morning's game viewing. Brunch is
cooked in the boma and served in the large dining room, which opens out
onto a viewing deck. The panorama is awesome, with Tswalu stretching
as far as the eye can see on every side. Few fail to be touched by magnificence
of the landscape, the brightness of the sky, the smell of clean air and
the deafening sound of silence!
Activities
For those looking for luxury African safaris that offer
the ultimate in travel convenience and on-site facilities, Tswalu is ideal.
This is South African game reserve accommodation whose facilities extend
to even before guests have arrived: from the Anglo American hangar at O.R.
Tambo airport, Tswalu has its own air shuttle
that flies direct to the reserve seven days a week. Increasingly becoming
standard practice among the top private South African game reserves, Tswalu
boasts its own private landing strip. To read more about getting to Tswalu,
visit the traveller information section.
Tswalu also offers game drives in open-sided, canopied safari vehicles.
All game drives are led by experienced rangers who provide a fascinating
insight into indigenous wildlife of the region. Optional bush walks allow
guests of this private South African game reserve to get even closer
to nature, and are led by experienced field guides who are highly knowledgeable
into the local vegetation, bush medicines and history of the San people.
And if you want a break from game-related activities, why not play a
round of golf at Sishen Golf Course, a renowned golf course that is rated
eighth in the country.
Activities include
Horse riding, archery, star gazing, sun downers,
Meerkat viewing and special activities for children.
Facilities at Tswalu
include:
• a lounge and dining area
• library
• traditional African boma
• gift shop "Dimpho"
• Gym
• wine cellar
• sun deck
• outdoor heated swimming pool
• telephone
• safe and mini bar in each room
• dedicated chef
• private game viewing vehicle
• high powered telescope with which to explore the night sky
• private plane
• tarred landing strip and daily shuttle to the reserve
• laundry and valet services
• massage treatments - booking essential
• hot air ballooning - booking essential
Safaris
At Tswalu, the game-viewing opportunities are unparalleled in terms
of South African safaris. Guided walks meander across silent red dunes.
Drives in open-sided safari vehicles traverse the Kalahari wilderness
and stop at the most scenic spots to allow visitors to enjoy an impressive
sunset or splendid bush dinner. Bird-watching, star-gazing and exciting
visits to the habituated meerkat dens of Tswalu are just some of the
activities on offer at Tswalu. Optional horseback trails, with a qualified
guide, enable guests to become one with nature and to experience close
encounters with wildlife.
In addition, South African safaris such as those offered at Tswalu allow
guests the opportunity of visiting archaeological sites and viewing rock
engravings in and around the reserve. Special-interest courses in archaeology,
ethno-botany and photography, as well as golfing at the nearby Sishen
Golf Course are also available on request.
The incredible beauty of the surroundings and the great variety of wildlife
make South African safaris such as these an unforgettable experience.
Safaris at Tswalu are the perfect opportunity to observe many endangered
animals in their natural habitat and see a variety of birds, insects
and desert vegetation.
Tswalu is justly proud of the success of its ongoing conservation projects,
with the founder population of 7 000 animals having grown to more than
12 000 in the space of five years.
From the back of an open sided safari vehicle, from the saddle or on
foot and with the help of our experienced field guides and trackers,
learn how to spot and track like a professional on your South African
safari.
Horse Riding at Tswalu
We ride across beautiful grassy plains and rolling
dune veldt with 360-degree views. The Korannaberg Mountains make an awesome
backdrop to a late afternoon ride, draped in mauves and pinks, while
the rolling dunes stretch out to infinity as we set out to explore in
the early morning. An experienced horse guide and backup rider accompany
all rides, equipped with radio and comprehensive first aid kit.
We have a variety of horses ranging from 14.2HH to 17.0HH. The breeds
include Percheron X, Boerperd, Boerperd X, Quarter Horse X, Thoroughbred,
Appaloosa, Arab X. As most of our guests are novice riders, we have taken
care to have horses that are suitable for them. We do however have a
couple of horses that are for more experienced riders.
We do accommodate children on the rides. Children between 6 and 10,
depending on riding experience, may be put on lead ropes. An outdoor
arena provides kids and more nervous adult riders with a chance to ride
in a protected environment. The weight limit is 100kg.
The horses are basically trained for Trail riding. We use Trail saddles,
but also have a few English saddles available for those guests that prefer
them. Our horses are also schooled in the Western style of reining.
In summer the rides are a maximum of 2 hours (depending on heat) and
winter we can go for 3-4 hour rides. In winter we can also stop for lunch
after a 3-hour ride and then ride back afterwards. The most novice rider
sets the pace. We can however split the group up for a canter and rejoin
the group later as we take two guides on rides.
Rides can go from Stable to Stable, Stable to Motse (lodge), Motse to
Motse, Stable to Sundowner dune, Motse to Sundowner dune, Stable to Breakfast
spot or Stable to Lunch spot. Riders need only bring jodhpurs or can
ride with comfortable trousers. We supply hard hats, short and long chaps,
gloves and boots. Hard hats are compulsory for children under 18 years
of age and strongly recommended for all other riders.
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning over the Kalahari landscape can
be arranged, prior booking essential.
Children | Kids
are welcome at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Unlike many other luxury African game reserves, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
is a place where children are gladly welcomed. With a range of fun activities
and accommodation especially suited to kids, this is a place where your
children will feel stimulated, happy and above all, at home.
A visit to Twalu is one that is highly educational, but without the
boredom of sitting in a stuffy classroom. While on game drives and bush
walks, children will be able to learn fascinating lessons about wildlife,
birdlife and vegetation from our knowledgeable rangers. However, we know
that mom and dad are bound to need some solitude during long and languid
Tswalu afternoons, so to keep the tiny tots occupied, children will have
access to a wealth of colouring-in books and crayons.
Because Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is in a malaria-free area, there is
no need to worry about preventative malaria medication for yourself or
your little ones.
Children are welcome at both the Motse and Tarkuni. In addition babysitting
facilities are available for adults seeking peace and solitude.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve offers special discounted rates for families
travelling with children. In addition, children aged 12 and under sharing
with adults stay free of charge. Children aged 12 and over sharing with
adults will be accommodated at 50% of the rack rate.
Wildlife
and the Reserve
Surrounding the rugged Koranneberg Mountains
in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa,Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
covers 1,000 square km (100,000 ha) of land on the edge of the
mysterious desert wilderness that is the Kalahari.
In the Kalahari, the thornveld and sweeping sand dunes are home to some
of the world's most fascinating wildlife. It is here that you will find
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, the most extensive private game reserve in South
Africa owned by the well-known Oppenheimer family. Their purchase of
Tswalu in October 1998 was an addition to their other major conservation
initiatives in Gauteng and in the UK.
The word 'Tswalu' is a Tswana word meaning
'new beginning'. Tswana is spoken widely in Southern Africa - throughout
the Northern Cape, the central and western Free State as well as in
the North-West Province. At Tswalu, you can experience the excitement
of game viewing while savoring the solitude and endless space of a
timeless land.
Free from malaria and other tropical
diseases, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve boasts 70 species of mammal including
lion, cheetah, desert black rhino, sable, and roan antelope. More than
200 species of bird can also be found. Tswalu is the historical home
of the San, whose storytelling and dream imagery can be seen at the
many archaeological sites found in this unique private game reserve.
Each day in the Kalahari dawns over a
magnificent landscape. Welcome to a private game reserve where the
myriad of shades and textures, sounds and contrasting silences of the
wilderness will leave you with a profound sense of peace. Welcome to
a landscape virtually unchanged by the passing of time.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is a Diamond
Birding Route property: The Diamond Birding Route (DBR) is a partnership
between BirdLife South Africa (BLSA), De Beers and E Oppenheimer & Son
which seeks to enhance the conservation of birds and their habitats
through the development of the Diamond Birding Route on properties
owned by De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. This project also aims
to create further socio-economic opportunities for communities in and
adjacent to these areas. The vision for the Diamond Birding Route is
to create site-focused activities with the primary theme of birds and
birding as core to commercial, conservation and social actions. The
Diamond Birding Route was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable
Development in 2002 and aims to add perceived and real value to bird-related
and other activities. The program defines an innovative world-class strategy
that achieves multiple objectives through positively affecting people's
lives and ultimately ensuring that birds benefit. Please read more about
the Diamond Birding Route on www.diamondbirdingroute.co.za.
History
of the
Reserve
Although Tswalu game reserve in South Africa is currently owned by Nicky Oppenheimer's
family, the reserve was originally the vision of the late Stephen Boler, a Manchester
entrepreneur who undertook one of the largest private conservation projects in
Africa. In a period of four years, Boler established the 100 000 hectare reserve
and introduced thousands of game animals including the rare desert black rhino,
sable and roan antelope, Cape buffalo and cheetah. In April 1999, after Boler's
death in October 1998, the Oppenheimers, a well-known mining family of South
Africa, purchased Tswalu from his estate.
Although much has changed in the years
since Nicky Oppenheimer's family acquired Tswalu, the overall goal has
remained unchanged - "to restore the Kalahari to itself" and
to make Tswalu one of the premier wildlife destinations in Africa as
well as a premier South Africa game reserve. The area had previously
been farmed with little regard for the environment, and as a result,
the very essence of the authentic Africa it once was had been almost
completely destroyed. However, thanks to the destruction of dams, removal
of houses and fences and re-establishment of indigenous game such as
cheetah and lion, it is now on the road to resembling the real Africa
that nature intended.
Much is still to be done, but the Oppenheimers'
commitment to excellence and the resolve to restore Tswalu's land and
its wildlife remains unchanged. Tswalu is a South Africa game reserve
that is a work in progress. The reserve extends the ethos of the Oppenheimer
family's other major conservation initiatives at eZemvelo in Gauteng,
and at Waltham Place in the UK.
Tswalu Private Clinic
Guests have the benefit of Tswalu's own private
clinic situated on the premises. This clinic was opened in 1999 with
two main aims: provide primary health care for everybody on the reserve
and the surrounding area, and act as a vital educational role in the
surrounding community. Staffed by a fully trained nursing sister, the
clinic is open five days a week, with a 24-hour standby for emergencies.
Any guests who may need emergency healthcare have access to the clinic
and its facilities, including professional diagnosis and first-level
care backed by an air ambulance service on call if required.
Getting There
Tswalu is accessible by
plane and has a CAA licensed tar runway (1400 metres) able to accommodate
corporate jets such as Gulf Stream, Falcon, BA146, etc. Shuttle flights
from Johannesburg operate daily. Alternatively, for those who wish to
drive and explore the outback en route, cars may be hired from all major
cities in South Africa.
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