Northern Cape
Tswalu Loapi Tented Camp
Tswalu is South Africa’s largest privately owned reserve and one of the very few that are malaria-free. It is owned by the Oppenheimer family of De Beers fame, who have worked tirelessly to ensure it is a shining example of what can be achieved in conservation given enough resources and dedication.
The reserve covers an astonishing 441-square miles of land, all situated within the Green Kalahari bordering Botswana to the north. There are five main habitats within the reserve: bushveld, plains and mountain shrubveld, duneveld and calceous scrubveld. These create a mosaic of shelter and food resources to support the rich and fascinating diversity of species that you will see here. Each habitat contributes to the conservation of the entire ecosystem.
There are just three accommodation options at Tswalu : Motse Camp, the original Tswalu lodge; Loapi, with six tented villas; and the private Tarkuni Homestead, with beds for up to 10 guests, either multi-generational families or groups of friends.
Loapi Tented Camp is the recommended option for couples or small families wishing to experience that extraordinary reserve in exclusive, deluxe accommodation. You have a choice of one- and two-bedroom houses, each spaced around a hundred metres apart to ensure a sense of solitude and guarantee absolute privacy. A private chef and butler are on hand to see to your every need at any time of the day and you have the luxury of a private guide, 4×4 and tracker to show you the reserve’s natural delights.
Every three-night stay at Loapi includes an evening at Tswalu’s fine dining restaurant, Klein Jan, a culinary experience that begins in an old historic farmhouse before descending into its hidden, subterranean dining room – a unique setting that must be seen to be believed. The food is fabulous, too.
After arriving into South Africa, you are transferred to a private terminal from where a scheduled charter flight will whisk you to the private airstrip for this wonderful lodge. From then on, you will come to realise why we consider Tswalu one of the topmost game experiences available in South Africa today.
Facilities
Outdoor fire pit, plunge pool, outdoor dining table, day beds, indoor fireplace, outdoor shower, indoor window seat, lounge area, study with large desk. You will have a private chef, butler, tracker and guide. Spa treatments are available in your private residence.
There are six private dwellings, consisting of 4 x one-bedroom and 2 x two-bedroom options.
Local Wildlife
Meerkat, roan, sable, pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, wild dog, lion (including rare black-maned males), cheetah, black rhinoceros, brown hyena, giraffe, ostrich, sociable weaver, pygmy falcon, oryx, Hartmann's mountain zebra, warthog, klipspringer, black-backed jackal.
Optional Activities
Game drives at both day and night, wildlife tracking, Jan Klein restaurant. For children there is a junior ranger programme where activities such as archery and animal tracking are possible.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
Among other species, Tswalu is known for its pangolins, aardvarks and aardwolves. Being nocturnal and secretive creatures, they are usually very hard to see. The best time for a good chance to see them is during the South African winter, our UK summer months. At that time, the desert temperature becomes too cold at night, prompting the animals (especially the pangolins) to seek their food during the day. The beguiling meerkats, however, can be seen during the day very reliably.
If you have any questions regarding our South Africa tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Then on to Tswalu. Wow, wow! A very different experience and safari. Flew out in 6/8 seater plane. Great. Fantastic landscape and sightings - good and long including black and white rhino, cheetah cubs, leopard and youngster, with of course, their multitude of antelopes. Lions mating ! On an unbelievable night drive, we had amazing sightings with relaxed animals eg spotted genet, porcupine, aardvark, caracal, foxes, jackals and brown hyena. Not bad. Then you have the dining experience. What a place. It was magic.