The word “Tswalu” means “a new beginning” and Tswalu Kalahari is driven by two ambitions: to create an inspirational experience for its guests, and a conservation vision, to restore the Kalahari to itself.

These two goals sit in perfect equilibrium; each guest contributes directly to the sustainability of the reserve in a true model of eco-tourism. Safari Game drives at Tswalu will be completely tailored to your particular interests. There are no set routes or times here – guests determine their own adventure from the outset. As well as discovering many rare and endangered species, we believe everyone leaves with a deep appreciation of the beauty of this entire eco-system.

Guided bush walks are wonderful at Tswalu. We want people to get even closer to the land – to touch the unique vegetation, learn about each plant’s extraordinary properties, inspect nests and burrows, and examine the smallest insect.

A morning might begin by walking up to a meerkat colony as they first emerge to warm themselves in the sunshine before scampering off to forage. And at the end of the day, as the sun sets, so the sounds and sights of the desert change; night walks give you the chance of exceptional sightings such as aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine or brown hyena. Tswalu is a large conservation project in the Kalahari. We have recognised the importance of answering some of the questions about the ground pangolin and the factors limiting their survival. For the past two years we have funded collaborative research into the ecology of the pangolin and potential threats of climate change to their survival.

Expect sightings of some of Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife, including black-maned lions, African wild dogs and pangolin. You will be allocated your own game drive vehicle, guide and tracker so that you can enjoy a completely flexible itinerary.

Between game drives, indulge in boma feasts and bush dinners, sundowners, wine tastings, champagne breakfasts and dune picnics. Or book a treatment in the unique Tswalu Spa with its outdoor treatment area and indigenous spa garden.

While Tswalu is home to most of the “charismatic” African big game species such as lion, cheetah, wild dog, desert black rhino and buffalo, the arid habitat also supports a surprising array of smaller animals, birds and plants (there are already over 77 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians confirmed as occurring at Tswalu). We thus believe that the conservation awareness (and socio-economic benefits) gained by attracting tourists to this largely unknown destination is a noteworthy accomplishment.

Tswalu’s horses accommodate riders of all abilities and levels of experience. Children are welcome on horseback. And Tswalu’s expert staff can also create an entire day’s activity at the stables for them.

On horseback, the vastness of the Kalahari strikes you even more deeply and many of the animals react differently to your presence.

Gently walk the grassy plains and rolling dunes against the pink and mauve backdrop of the Korannaberg mountains in the late afternoon sun, and enjoy the views of the arid savannah whilst becoming part of the landscape.