Tswalu Tarkuni

An exclusive and remote retreat renowned for its desert-adapted wildlife

A sophisticated bush lodge offering an exclusive safari experience in a remarkable desert setting. Renowned for rare and unusual wildlife, plus the opportunity to spend time with meerkats.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Tswalu Tarkuni

Tswalu Private Game Reserve lies in the arid Northern Cape, and is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves. Tarkuni is an elegant small camp, with just five suites, and perfect for families or groups of friends travelling together. The lodge was formerly the private residence of the Oppenheimer family, and has since been transformed into a fabulous oasis of luxury in the Kalahari Desert. This area is known for its unusual wildlife and vast stretches of rugged wilderness, and as this is one of only two lodges on the reserve, it has a true feeling of isolation and exclusivity.

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From $1,480 person/night

Lodge

5 Rooms

Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa

Highlights

Luxurious private suites and a beautiful main lodge area with glorious views across the desert and surrounding mountains.

Game viewing activities are completely flexible, with a private vehicle, dedicated guide and tracker.

A number of unique desert-adapted species makes for fascinating game viewing, notably the chance to interact with meerkats.

The property

The main area has an open-plan lounge, dining room and bar featuring natural timber, rough clay and curving stone walls under thatch. It leads through to the sun deck and swimming pool, with a circular seating area around a sunken fire pit. Upstairs is a second lounge with satellite television, and a secluded spa treatment room. Freeform stone walls, desert-inspired decor and organic textures throughout give a beautiful sense of homely luxury which flows easily into the surrounding rugged landscape.

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The rooms

Five beautifully appointed suites fan out on either side of the main lodge. Constructed from stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch, they exude chic and a restful natural style. Interiors are spacious, with huge beds under mosquito nets, organic textures in muted desert tones, and an all-round feel of quiet luxury. Each has a vast en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower. A private deck faces onto the surrounding bush, with a star bed for those wishing to sleep outside.

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One more thing...

A beautiful villa-style retreat offering absolute comfort in a wild desert setting. Game viewing is geared towards particular interests, with the benefit of a private vehicle offering complete flexibility.

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Activities

Game Drives

Walking safari

Horseback riding

Night Drives

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Guided game drives offer the chance to encounter several unusual and rare mammal species, such as pangolin, desert-adapted black rhino, and the seldom-seen aardvark. Black-maned Kalahari lions are a highlight, together with herds of endangered roan and sable antelope, eland, and varied plains game. Guests have the opportunity to spend time with meerkats – a delightful experience. Bush walks and horse riding offer the chance to get some exercise and explore this incredible desert landscape in a different way.

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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.

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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

Occasional

Zebra

Occasional

Warthog

Rare

Wild Dog

Occasional

Meerkat

Abundant

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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.

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