Most people picture dense Lowveld bush when they think of a South African safari. Tswalu Kalahari is the opposite, and that is exactly what makes it one of the most distinctive safari destinations in Africa.
A Different Kind of Wilderness
Tswalu sits in the Green Kalahari at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains. At over 114,000 hectares it is the largest private reserve in South Africa, a sweep of red dunes, golden grassland and mountain scenery. There are no fences, no crowds and never more than 30 guests. The open country means you can see for kilometres.
The Wildlife You Will Not See Anywhere Else
Tswalu’s draw is the species you struggle to find elsewhere. It is one of the best places on earth to see pangolin, with a dedicated research and tracking programme that lets guests follow them on foot at night. Aardvark, brown hyaena, bat-eared fox, black-maned Kalahari lion, cheetah and the endemic Kalahari springbok are all regular sightings. You can join the pangolin team yourself through one of Tswalu’s hands-on conservation experiences.
Conservation at Its Core
Owned by the Oppenheimer family, Tswalu exists to conserve and restore the southern Kalahari. The Tswalu Foundation funds long-term research on pangolin, aardvark, desert black rhino and brown hyaena, and guests are welcome to join researchers in the field. It is real work, and it connects you directly to it.
The Experience
Every group gets a private vehicle with its own guide and tracker. No shared drives, no fixed schedule, no rush. Want to spend three hours on a single pangolin? You can. Horseback safaris, walking safaris, mountain biking and star beds out on the dunes are all on offer. The lodges are warm and earthy, the design considered, and the food very good.
Who Is It For?
Tswalu suits repeat safari-goers after something different, families who want the flexibility of a private vehicle, photographers chasing unusual subjects, and anyone who cares about conservation. It is also one of the most romantic couples’ safari properties in the country.
If Tswalu appeals, get in touch. It is one of our favourite places on earth, and a fixture on our Southern Africa safaris.
Leave a Reply