Tswalu is a vast, magical land of infinite possibility, with sweeping vistas and a liberating sense of space. The green Kalahari is nature at its most diverse and surprising, and to spend time here is to be touched by exuberant, soulful beauty. Considered important for thousands of years, we’re now striving to conserve this breath-taking landscape for future generations.
Tswalu lets you reconnect with the richness of the earth. It offers an escape to a place that’s governed by the ancient rhythms of the seasons, rather than the clock and the calendar. It offers a vision of hope that brings together conservation, research and unrivalled safari experience. Everything we do is centred around our creed: To leave our world better than how we found it.
We are as proud of the opportunities created for Tswalu’s people and for the future of our community as we are of any achievement in the bush.
Read More
CAMP EXPERIENCES
At Tswalu, there are only two camps and you’ll be one of just 28 or fewer guests. Enjoy the privacy and exclusivity that define contemporary luxury - and experience the Kalahari at your own pace.
BLOG
Marnus Scholly appointed Executive Chef at Tswalu
Recently we made the exciting announcement that Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen will be opening a restaurant on Tswalu, called KLEIN JAN.
Exploring the fascinating world of camouflage in nature
The classic idea of camouflage is a unique, cryptic colour-pattern combination of an organism that enables it to blend into its environment to escape detection.
Observing wildlife through camera traps
Once in a while, trap cameras turn up really remarkable sightings – like this female honey badger. If thoughtfully used, are a wonderful way to unobtrusively observe what is happening in the world around us.
Pangolin research at Tswalu
The ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is a charismatic but threatened mammal found on Tswalu. It also happens to be the subject of some fascinating research.
Top 5 Eco-Lodges in Southern Africa
Tswalu Kalahari features in the prime spot of Jumbari Family Safaris’ list of Southern Africa’s top eco-lodges recommended by the operators for your next family safari in Africa.
Stargazing at Tswalu
Tswalu a stargazer’s dream and all Tswalu guides are trained to guide guests across the night sky with a telescope, the naked eye or low magnification binoculars.
The vision behind Tswalu’s new logo
As the face of Tswalu, our logo is an important part of our brand, and impacts much of the perception our audience has of us. It’s also the first thing our guests see when they arrive at the Tswalu airstrip to begin their safari.
The Tswalu Spa
The Tswalu Spa is an integral component of the overall guest experience. A combination of cool, tranquil spaces creates a quiet oasis in the Kalahari where guests can indulge in some well-deserved pampering and relaxation.
Helicopter excursions at Tswalu
One of the most exciting activities which guests can book at Tswalu is a helicopter excursion. Take a trip to a nearby point of interest or historical landmark, indulge in a mountain top picnic or book a conservation educational.
Seasons of Tswalu
Tswalu is, as we tell people, “big country” with boundaries beyond horizons. It provides a stunning backdrop to the dramatic changes that accompany each new season.
Five reasons to visit Tswalu
A great read by guest blogger James Bainbridge from SafariBookings.com. A major draw of Tswalu Kalahari is that it is a malaria-free reserve; five other top reasons to visit are listed here.
Tswalu Gallery opens
The Tswalu Gallery, which opened on the private game reserve this week, is a beautiful space in the main building of the newly renovated Motse camp.
Jan Hendrik’s Innovation Studio opens
Chef Jan Hendrik’s Innovation Studio has opened its doors at 87 Kloof Street in Cape Town after many months of meticulous crafting and refinement.
Kalahari Endangered Ecosystem Project
The KEEP (Kalahari Endangered Ecosystem Project) project has been formed to try to answer some of the pressing issues related specifically to climate change effects in the Southern Kalahari region.
An evening at JAN Innovation Studio
Last week Tswalu hosted a group of industry friends to an evening at Chef Jan Hendrik’s recently opened Innovation Studio in Cape Town. It was a wonderful evening with great food and wine and delightful company.
Tswalu declared South Africa’s first Vulture Safe Zone
On 7 September 2019, International Vulture Awareness Day, BirdLife South Africa declared Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve as South Africa’s first Vulture Safe Zone.
Bedtime stories for Tswalu guests
Every night at Tswalu when guests retire to their suites, they will find a ‘good night’ box with a treat from The Motse kitchen and a printed folklore story to read before they turn in.
The habitats of Tswalu
Broadly speaking, Tswalu includes five major habitats that have arisen primarily around the Korannaberg Mountains as a result of the windblown sands that comprise the Kalahari as we know it today.
Raising cheetah cubs
Recently at Tswalu Kalahari, a cheetah gave birth to five cubs. Unfortunately, only a few of these little cubs have a chance of reaching adulthood and independence.
Packing for your safari at Tswalu
If you’ve never been on safari before, here are some useful tips on what to pack for your holiday at Tswalu.
Tswalu – a photographer’s paradise
With your own private vehicle, breath-taking landscapes, and diversity of wildlife, Tswalu offers both the novice and the experienced photographer the opportunity of a lifetime to capture some memorable moments
World Pangolin Day
On World Pangolin Day we are reminded that all species of pangolin are threatened by illegal trade, which persists and is escalating.
Boomslang – predator and prey
The boomslang (meaning ‘tree snake’ in Afrikaans) is regularly sighted at Tswalu, winding its way through the massive nests of sociable weavers. These magnificent structures consist of various chambers, occupied by mating pairs and their chicks, and are usually built around sturdy acacia trees. The snakes move from chamber to chamber, looking for food, then wedge their bodies into the chamber hole when they find the chicks or eggs they’re after.
COVID-19
Being responsible and caring are core values and, certainly, primary to every decision we make.
