10 REASONS TO LOVE TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE
Recognised as one of Africa’s last remaining wildernesses, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is a destination in its own right offering a wide choice of privately guided safari experiences, many of which are unique to the reserve. Stretching for 114,000 hectares (282,000 acres) across the southern Kalahari, guests have privileged access to all this space and the luxury of time on privately guided drives and walks to explore the rich biodiversity of this remote destination.
Knowing that each trip directly supports the ongoing protection and rewilding of the fragile Kalahari ecosystem is part of the life-affirming effect of spending time in this extraordinary place. Besides conserving diverse habitats for numerous endangered species, big predators, rare antelopes, and over 265 birds, sightings of elusive species, such as the brown hyena, aardvark, bat-eared fox, Temminck’s pangolin, African wild cat, and aardwolf, and Cape fox are highly prized.
What gives South Africa’s largest private game reserve the X factor
1. Exclusive access to 114,000 hectares (282,000 acres) of private, rewilded wilderness with no other camps besides our own to dilute the experience. Tswalu has the lowest ratio of beds to hectares (acres) in a privately protected area in South Africa with just three exclusive safari camps.
2. The guarantee of a private vehicle, guide and tracker with every booking at no additional cost sets the tone for days of deep exploration and discovery – these are vast, untrammelled landscapes to lose yourself in.
3. With privacy and exclusivity comes unlimited time at spectacular wildlife sightings and the freedom and flexibility to absorb everything at your own pace. Learn from your tracker as he finds telltale signs left in the wild to deliver unparalleled sightings of Kalahari black-maned lions, endangered desert black rhinos, white rhinos, wild dogs, and more. The unique landscape also offers up some of the best cheetah sightings in southern Africa.
4. Tswalu provides sanctuary for some of Africa’s most elusive species. Mainly nocturnal, these shy stars of the Kalahari include the brown hyena, aardvark, bat-eared fox, Cape fox, African wild cat, aardwolf, and Temminck’s pangolin. Hot summer temperatures usually keep them below ground during the day; during winter they tend to forage in the afternoon sunshine and are more visible.
5. Guests can get within a few metres of the Mokala, Gosa or Rockstar meerkat colonies, three habituated meerkat groups that provide endless entertainment and photo opportunities. Typical behaviour includes grooming, play-fighting, digging, and standing sentry.
6. Tswalu protects many valuable rock art sites, featuring rock engravings, cupoles and paintings of people, animals, birds and abstract shapes that document the culture and history of the San and other early inhabitants of this place. Nature walks offer rare access to these sacred historic sites.
7. Every day you will dine in different locations, from bush breakfasts, boma feasts, and dune dinners to an evening at Restaurant Klein JAN. Tswalu’s food is proudly local, seasonal, and ethically sourced – plates that tell stories of artisanal producers, cultural diversity, and South Africa’s culinary roots.
8. The Tswalu Foundation’s well-established presence on the reserve provides rare access to scientific researchers working on long-term projects that help to inform conservation decisions and wildlife management. Spending time with researchers lends perspective to Tswalu’s conservation vision. There is also the opportunity to get involved with wildlife project work, like rhino ear notching. Usually taking place in the cooler winter months, ear notching is subject to availability and carries an additional cost which goes towards funding the procedure.
9. Tswalu has beautiful horses stabled on the reserve. Nothing beats up-close animal encounters enjoyed from the safety of the saddle. Guided outrides are recommended for intermediate to experienced riders to ensure a safe and relaxed experience.
10. You can book the undivided attention of our resident photographic guide to improve your photography skills. This comes at an additional cost and includes the use of a fully equipped photographic safari vehicle and access to the Motse’s photographic studio for editing and printing. A complimentary print is included in this package – tangible evidence of a memorable safari.
To experience the depth and diversity of this unique destination, please get in touch with Tswalu reservations or contact your preferred travel partner.
