Tswalu Private Desert Reserve
The Kalahari desert is a unique and special place. Tswalu Reserve shares the beauty, tranquility and quietness inherent in deserts and, most particularly, within the Kalahari.
Within the reserve, a luxurious Motse (Tswana for central lodge) surrounded by nine, individual Legais (Tswana for living areas) have been created so that visitors may relax in style and comfort.
The large main lodge centres the Tswalu site. Keeping within the African style of thatched roofs and traditional décor the lodge boasts a galleried library, dining room and bar with it's centre piece a vast open fireplace soaring up high into it's roof.
Air-conditioned in summer and with an open blazing fire in the living room in winter, adds to the sense and feel of serenity with time to contemplate the day's experience.
Inside each legae the décor enhances the colours, textures and mood of the Kalahari, which en-capture your thoughts and imagination during your stay.
Tswalu has much to offer so that guests make the most of the leisure time between game drives. Rest in the private luxury of one's own legae, or relax by the pool and catch sight of wildlife timidly drinking at the nearby waterhole.
Each legae offers a terrace that opens out to the Kalahari night and wild sounds of the African bush with the opportunity to dine out under the stars or watch game drinking at the nearby waterhole.
Dine under the stars in the wonderfully evocative atmosphere of the lantern-lit boma, or in the dining room with a backdop of the Kalahari and the spectacular Korannaberg Mountains, or on the pool terrace overlooking the floodlit waterhole.
 As well as game drives and walking safaries, guests may explore the plains and dune of Tswalu on horseback for a bush experience unlike any other. Ride close to a group of giraffe and watch in wonder as they perform their graceful ballet against the backdrop of a deep blue sky, or catch sight of a mighty, rushing herd of wildebeest.
The incredible beauty of the surroundings and the great variety of wildlife make the safari at Tswalu an unforgettable experience. Here is the opportunity to observe many endangered animals in their natural habitat and see a variety of birds, insects and desert vegetation. Getting there: A charter flight from Johannesburg is R2 450 ($305) per person roundtrip. Children 12 and under are charged 50% of this rate. Guests may also fly to Upington or Kimberley and then be chauffer driven to Tswalu.

Kathu, Northern Cape Province
South Africa
U.S. Reservations: 904-288-0036


Tswalu Reserve is a place where visitors may not only view Africa's wildlife, but also a place where their souls may be touched and be at peace with nature.
No effort has been spared to make your stay at Tswalu a truly memorable experience. Situated within the Tswalu Motse, each legae, with high thatched roof, offers spacious, private accommodation in the utmost luxury.
The cheetah is the fastest mammal on the planet. This large cat likes open spaces, but can be seen stalking in undergrowth. It uses its weighted tail to balance and change direction at high speeds. The Female travels alone unless in a family; however, when feeding, it hunts in groups. The cheetah never attacks humans and is not regarded as a scavenger, which is unusual for a large cat. Once focused on its intended prey, it does not veer off to attack another animal, but rather stays on its victim's trail.
The Gemsbok is the antelope of the Kalahari. It is most recognisable by its long sharp tipped horns. Other features are a greyish brown coat, dark shaded markings on the legs and parts of the body.
The zebra belongs to the horse family. Its distinguishing marks are its unique black stripes, akin to the fingerprints on humans. One of nature's great mysteries is why the Zebra has stripes. One theory is that the stripes help the zebra cool down. On hot days the black stripes get a lot hotter than the white area of the zebra and under the black stripes there are special layers of fat for protection. Hot air then rises off the black stripes forcing colder air down around the white areas thus cooling the zebra down. This, however is just a theory.
The ensuite baths feature a tub and his & her sinks.
The Buffalo moves around in large herds moving through woodland and during the night in open grassland. The male of the species is identified by its large horns. Their sheer numbers protect the large herds from attack and it is only when an animal breaks from the herd that it is at risk from predators.
Dress is casual during the day and smart casual in the evening. The summers are hot (+30 ºC) and the winters can be very cold (0 ºC) at times, especially after sunset. A warm outfit is essential in winter. Otherwise, its shorts, tee-shirt and swimsuit for the great Tswalu adventure, not forgetting a hat and, of course, an effective sun block. A sturdy pair of comfortable shoes and a tough pair of trousers are recommended for tracking on foot or horseback. Binoculars are a useful addition to the travel bag, but a camera is a must so as to capture forever the entrancing sights of Tswalu.
Whatever the setting - whether at the Motse, the Koranna Lookout or on safari - the food, like the surroundings, is superb. Tswalu's five star cuisine is Pan-African in style and prepared in traditional fashion by highly acclaimed chefs and complemented by the finest wines from Tswalu's cellar.

2002-2003 Daily Rates... November 1, 2002 - October 31, 2003: Motse-main lodge...R4,400 ($421) per person (double occupancy). Single Occupancy R6 000 ($633). Children under the age of 12 sharing with an ault stay free of charge. Children aged 12 and under not sharing with adults will be accommodated at 50% of the rack rate. Rates include: Fully inclusive luxury accommodation, two daily game drives in open sided game vehicles, walking safaris led by experienced rangers and trackers, all drinks (except from the special reserve of French wines), local telephone calls, and laundry and valet services. Rates Exclude: Transfers to and from Tswalu International. Telephone calls. Dimpho (the gift shop) purchases. Private open sided safari vehicle hire with personal field guide and tracker. Horse riding accompanied by qualified riding guide. Transfer to and from Sishen Golf Course. Baby sitting service. Rates are quoted subject to availability and inclusive of VAT at 14%. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival. All major credit cards accepted.

Reservation Information