Tswalu is unique in offering an exclusive Kalahari Desert experience in South Africa. We believe that this exclusive and exceptional experience would be complimented by, and combine excellently with, a stay at either of the Singita's – Singita Private Game Reserve or Singita Lebombo Concession. Both Tswalu and all of the Singita's are Relais and Chateaux members.
"Tswalu" means "new beginning" in the Tswana language. The Kalahari is the ancestral home of the San people, also known as the Bushmen, where despite the harsh environment; these people carved a livelihood for many millennia. In the Kalahari, the thornveld and sweeping sand dunes are home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. The harsh environment makes Tswalu a unique safari experience.
Tswalu is elegant, simple and luxurious. The emphasis is on exclusivity, which is why the entire reserve can accommodate no more than 30 people at a time.
The Motse, which means "village", offers the main accommodation. It is built in the style of an African village consisting of authentically stone walled and thatch-roofed bungalows. It can accommodate a total of 20 guests in eight legaes (two are family suite's accommodating four people.).
Accommodation at Tswalu epitomises the stylish yet rustic elegance typical of luxury game reserve accommodation. No creature comfort has been spared with each legae overlooking the watering hole and there being indoor and outdoor heated showers in every suite (the outdoor version looks out across the Kalahari plain), private suite sundecks and a library.
There is a swimming pool which is open to the remarkable scene of animals drinking at a nearby watering hole.
At Tswalu, dining entails many options. At the main house in the Motse, guests can either enjoy meals in the dining room, or in the privacy of their own suite lounge. There is also a traditional African boma for dining under the stars. There is a wonderful wine cellar at Tswalu.
Tswalu's team of highly trained and enthusiastic chefs headed up by executive chef Karl Shiltz has compiled a cuisine using traditional and modern techniques. Ingredients that are used are sourced both locally and from abroad, guests can look forward to meals drawn from local flavours with infusions of a contemporary South African style.
For those guests looking for privacy that extends even further they should consider staying in Tarkuni. This is a separate, freestanding African dwelling that is ideal for a small party or family; it is available for parties of up to 14. With accommodation for nannies, as well as its own private sundeck, Tarkuni is the ultimate in luxury game reserve accommodation with its unparalleled exclusivity and personal service. Tarkuni's surroundings are elegantly simple with a luxury swimming pool opening to the remarkable scene of animals drinking at a nearby watering hole.
At Tswalu, the game viewing is fantastic and because the wildlife found here in the Kalahari is very different to that in other areas of South Africa such as the Sabi Sands the safari experience here is unique. Guided walks meander across silent red dunes. Drives in open-sided safari vehicles traverse the Kalahari wilderness and stop at the most scenic spots to allow visitors to enjoy an impressive sunset or splendid bush dinner. Bird watching, star gazing, hot air ballooning and exciting visits to the habituated meerkat dens of Tswalu are just some of the activities on offer.
Optional horseback trails, with a qualified guide, enable guests to become at one with nature and to experience close encounters with wildlife – 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.
Guests are also offered the opportunity of visiting archaeological sites and viewing rock engravings in and around the reserve.
There is a Sanctuary Spa at Tswalu which offers a wide range of massage therapies, including shiatsu, head massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, Swedish massage and combinations of all of the above.
Tswalu is approximately seven hours by road from Johannesburg and four hours from Kimberley. There are daily direct flights from Cape Town, two hours, and Johannesburg, one and a half hours.