Chat to an expert

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.

or call us on +1 (646) 542 0667

Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Tswalu Motse Lodge

This upmarket designer lodge is located in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in northwestern South Africa. Motse (the word means 'village' in the local Tswana language) lies at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, with views across the wide, wide Kalahari plains. The accommodation is desert-style African chic, and the wildlife is varied, with busy meerkats, black rhino, African wild dog, aardvark and pangolin. There's a spa for pampering, a library for reference or settling back with a book, a pool to cool off in and good wholesome meals to satisfy you.

+ Read more

From $1,880 person/night

Lodge

9 Rooms

Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa

What you'll love

Tracking one of the reserve's rhinos with a private guide and tracker – an exciting and rewarding experience.

Insiders tip

For a night to remember, sleep out beneath a billion stars on the raised and romantic Malori deck.

Something to think about

The lodge is very family-friendly with kids' activities and flexible schedules - you can even book the entire place for the whole brood.

The property

The thatched main area has stone and red-ochre, rough-plastered walls and decor that combines rustic African artefacts with stylish but comfortable furnishings. It's an elegant place in which to relax. There are lounge areas both inside and out, with snugly soft seating and the occasional one-of-a-kind designer piece. Meals are served in the main dining area or the outdoor boma, where the atmosphere is convivial. There's a library, walk-in wine cellar, gift shop, gym, heated infinity swimming pool and spa.

+ Read more

The rooms

There are just nine spacious suites or legae (meaning "little house”), including three family suites, so you're assured a peaceful stay. The units are built of stone, sun-bleached wood and thatch. and are decorated in neutral colours. En-suite bathrooms have his and hers basins, an indoor and outdoor shower and a freestanding tub. Rest your head on comfortable king-sized or twin beds, read in your deep chairs or recline on your private sundeck. Mosquito nets and fans are provided, and there's a fireplace for cool evenings.

+ Read more

Activities

Game Drives

Walking safari

Horseback riding

Sleep Out

Show all activities

Take a guided game drive to explore the private 100 000-plus-hectare game reserve and track the elusive desert black rhino and black-maned lions. Kit up for a walking safari – look out for aardvark and pangolin. Venture into the dunes and savanna on horseback or meet the local meerkat community. The junior ranger program introduces youngsters to the Kalahari and its secrets. See ancient rock art, take a cultural tour and enjoy the spa. Something for everyone, indeed.

+ Read more

Positive impact

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve prioritizes ambitious conservation efforts aimed at restoring the natural environment, protecting biodiversity, and preserving ecological processes in the southern Kalahari. The Tswalu Foundation supports scientific research, facilitating collaborations with academic institutions and conservationists. Successful conservation initiatives include the reintroduction of iconic species like brown hyena and wild dogs. Tswalu adopts a holistic approach, ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability through ecotourism.

About Tswalu Kalahari

Tswalu Kalahari

A private game reserve and exclusive desert wilderness with superb activities and wildlife to boot.

Design your own trip

Pick a trip, selected and curated by our travel experts, then choose your properties - we have 100s of handpicked options to suit every style and budget.

Start with one of our trips or design one from scratch.

Wildlife in Tswalu Kalahari

Elephant

None

Giraffe

Occasional

Hippo

None

Black Rhino

Occasional

White Rhino

Occasional

Lion

Occasional

Cheetah

Occasional

Leopard

Rare

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Occasional

Buffalo

Rare

Zebra

Occasional

Warthog

Rare

Wild Dog

Occasional

Meerkat

Abundant

Show all wildlife

Tswalu Kalahari is a unique environment: a blend of the rolling dunes of the Kalahari and the Korannaberg mountain range, providing the perfect habitat for a host of interesting species rarely encountered elsewhere. See the infamous black-maned Kalahari lions, desert rhino, cheetah and resident wild dogs. The rare aardvark, pangolin and habituated meerkat are a bonus on any safari.

+ Read more