Tswalu Reserve<br/>Kalahari

South Africa

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Select Your Stay From Lodges at This Reserve
“Come to Tswalu for a journey that leaves not only footprints, but fosters renewal—on your heart and the horizon.”
Adventure
Conservation Focus
Family & Generational
Group
Honeymoon
Long Run Member
Luxury
My Epic Africa Stay Partners
Photography + Safari
Private Residence + Family
Safari

Stays

  • The Motse – 9 spacious stone-and-thatch suites (including family suites)  <br/>
  • Tarkuni – 5-bedroom exclusive-use homestead with private chef & vehicle  <br/>
  • Loapi – 6 contemporary tented safari homes (micro‑camp)
  • Adventures

  • Private game drives with dedicated ranger & tracker  <br/>
  • Guided bush walks & horseback safaris  <br/>
  • Habituated meerkat encounters  <br/>
  • Stargazing & Malori sleep-out under pristine skies  <br/>
  • San rock art walks & dune-top dining
  • Features

  • South Africa’s largest private reserve—1,200 km² with minimal guest impact  <br/>
  • One of few places for desert black rhino, black‑maned lion & pangolin  <br/>
  • Malaria‑free, family‑friendly with children’s Junior Ranger program  <br/>
  • Michelin-level cuisine featuring hyper‑local ingredients
  • Only Here

    “Step into the red sands of renewal—where every journey restores both soul and savannah.” Tswalu offers a rare blend: luxury in remote wilderness, unmatched exclusivity, and deeply meaningful conservation impact. It's perfect for families, couples, solo explorers, and eco-minded travelers.

    View Our Video

    A Regenerative Safari Beyond Compare

    “Come to Tswalu to experience true wilderness regeneration—a place where luxury meets conservation, and each stay gives back to the land.”

    Why Stay Here

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    Choose Your Experience

    From James, Founder of Wild Earth Stays "One of the reasons I fell in love with Tswalu is that it doesn't try to impress you with grandeur—it invites you in with soul". Below are just a few of the moments that have left a lasting mark on me, and that I know will stay with you too:
    Meerkat Mornings
    Details +
    Less -
    “Tiny Guardians of the Dunes, Big Moments of Wonder”

    There’s something humbling about sitting in silence as the sun rises and a family of meerkats pops up around you. They go about their day—stretching, warming themselves, keeping watch—and for a brief window, you’re part of their world. I always recommend this as the first experience at Tswalu. It grounds you in the rhythm of the Kalahari.

    Malori Star Bed Sleepout
    Details +
    Less -
    “Sleep Under Stars That Have No End”

    I remember my first night at Malori—just me, the stars, and the sound of the Kalahari. There’s no roof, no walls—just openness and a quiet that sinks into your soul. If you do one thing at Tswalu, do this. Whether you’re with a partner or on a solo retreat, sleeping under the stars here is something you’ll never forget.

    Horseback Safaris
    Details +
    Less -
    “Ride the Wind Across the Red Dunes”

    There’s no better way to feel the vastness of this place than from horseback. Galloping or gently walking across the dunes, with wildlife all around, makes you feel part of the land, not just a visitor. It’s wild freedom, pure and simple—and always a highlight for our most adventurous travelers.

    Research Immersion
    Details +
    Less -
    “Be More Than a Guest—Become Part of the Story”

    Tswalu isn’t just about luxury—it’s about legacy. Guests are invited to the Dedeben Research Centre, where conservation science is unfolding daily. Join researchers tracking pangolins or helping catalog butterflies. I’ve never felt more inspired than standing beside those quietly doing the work of protecting this wilderness. It’s a privilege, not just an activity.

    Rock Art Excursions
    Details +
    Less -
    “Where Stones Speak and Time Stands Still”

    Imagine placing your hand beside an engraving that’s thousands of years old. That’s what these rock art excursions offer. These sacred sites hold the stories of the San people—etched into stone, passed through generations. They remind us that this land has always been alive with meaning. It's history you can feel in your bones.

    Nocturnal Tracker Walks
    Details +
    Less -
    “Follow the Shadows—Discover the Kalahari After Dark”

    This is one of those rare, otherworldly experiences. With a seasoned tracker, you follow silent signs through the darkness—looking for pangolins, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes. It’s not about how much you see, but what you feel: anticipation, wonder, a primal connection to night and earth. Some of my favorite memories happened under moonlight here.

    Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - Sustainability In Action

    <h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerating the Kalahari<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">for generations</span> through pioneering stewardship</h2>

    Tswalu Sustainability in Action - Conservation That Transforms

    Tswalu is a proud member of The Long Run (since 2020) and achieved Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification in 2024—their highest sustainability accolade Formerly degraded farmland, the reserve now spans 118,000 ha of flourishing semi‑arid landscape, supported by the Tswalu Foundation and ongoing scientific research. Community programs include onsite healthcare, pre‑school, adult education, and local procurement—empowering neighboring communities. Guests may visit the Dedeben Research Centre and participate in butterfly surveys, pangolin tracking, or lichen‑diversity mapping—turning every stay into a personal conservation story.

    View Fact Sheet
    Partner with Wild Earth Stays <br/> and Let the Kalahari’s Wild Soul Welcome You
    Let’s craft your Kalahari journey together

    Ready to explore Tswalu? Let us craft your custom itinerary—handpicking the perfect camp, pace, and unforgettable experiences just for you. Be sure to ask about our exclusive “My Epic Africa” safari service—your personal gateway to the most inspiring, soul-stirring adventure on the continent.

    Request a personal experience or see our list of sample itineraries.

    Choose Your Experience

    From James, Founder of Wild Earth Stays "One of the reasons I fell in love with Tswalu is that it doesn't try to impress you with grandeur—it invites you in with soul". Below are just a few of the moments that have left a lasting mark on me, and that I know will stay with you too:
    Meerkat Mornings
    Details +
    Less -
    “Tiny Guardians of the Dunes, Big Moments of Wonder”

    There’s something humbling about sitting in silence as the sun rises and a family of meerkats pops up around you. They go about their day—stretching, warming themselves, keeping watch—and for a brief window, you’re part of their world. I always recommend this as the first experience at Tswalu. It grounds you in the rhythm of the Kalahari.

    Malori Star Bed Sleepout
    Details +
    Less -
    “Sleep Under Stars That Have No End”

    I remember my first night at Malori—just me, the stars, and the sound of the Kalahari. There’s no roof, no walls—just openness and a quiet that sinks into your soul. If you do one thing at Tswalu, do this. Whether you’re with a partner or on a solo retreat, sleeping under the stars here is something you’ll never forget.

    Horseback Safaris
    Details +
    Less -
    “Ride the Wind Across the Red Dunes”

    There’s no better way to feel the vastness of this place than from horseback. Galloping or gently walking across the dunes, with wildlife all around, makes you feel part of the land, not just a visitor. It’s wild freedom, pure and simple—and always a highlight for our most adventurous travelers.

    Research Immersion
    Details +
    Less -
    “Be More Than a Guest—Become Part of the Story”

    Tswalu isn’t just about luxury—it’s about legacy. Guests are invited to the Dedeben Research Centre, where conservation science is unfolding daily. Join researchers tracking pangolins or helping catalog butterflies. I’ve never felt more inspired than standing beside those quietly doing the work of protecting this wilderness. It’s a privilege, not just an activity.

    Rock Art Excursions
    Details +
    Less -
    “Where Stones Speak and Time Stands Still”

    Imagine placing your hand beside an engraving that’s thousands of years old. That’s what these rock art excursions offer. These sacred sites hold the stories of the San people—etched into stone, passed through generations. They remind us that this land has always been alive with meaning. It's history you can feel in your bones.

    Nocturnal Tracker Walks
    Details +
    Less -
    “Follow the Shadows—Discover the Kalahari After Dark”

    This is one of those rare, otherworldly experiences. With a seasoned tracker, you follow silent signs through the darkness—looking for pangolins, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes. It’s not about how much you see, but what you feel: anticipation, wonder, a primal connection to night and earth. Some of my favorite memories happened under moonlight here.

    Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - Sustainability In Action

    <h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerating the Kalahari<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">for generations</span> through pioneering stewardship</h2>

    Tswalu Sustainability in Action - Conservation That Transforms

    Tswalu is a proud member of The Long Run (since 2020) and achieved Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification in 2024—their highest sustainability accolade Formerly degraded farmland, the reserve now spans 118,000 ha of flourishing semi‑arid landscape, supported by the Tswalu Foundation and ongoing scientific research. Community programs include onsite healthcare, pre‑school, adult education, and local procurement—empowering neighboring communities. Guests may visit the Dedeben Research Centre and participate in butterfly surveys, pangolin tracking, or lichen‑diversity mapping—turning every stay into a personal conservation story.

    View Fact Sheet
    Partner with Wild Earth Stays <br/> and Let the Kalahari’s Wild Soul Welcome You
    Let’s craft your Kalahari journey together

    Ready to explore Tswalu? Let us craft your custom itinerary—handpicking the perfect camp, pace, and unforgettable experiences just for you. Be sure to ask about our exclusive “My Epic Africa” safari service—your personal gateway to the most inspiring, soul-stirring adventure on the continent.

    9 Motse Villas
    9 Motse Villa
    2 guests | King Bed
    From $1000 pp/night
    In James' Words:

    "The Motse is where it all began for me at Tswalu—and it’s the kind of place that gently reorders your sense of time. It’s not flashy or overdone. It’s warm, grounded, and quietly luxurious in a way that invites you to breathe deeper, slow down, and just be".

    Details +
    Less -
    6 Loapi Tented Suites
    6 Loapi Tented Suite
    2 guests | King Bed
    From $1000 pp/night
    In James' Words:

    "Loapi is wild in the truest sense of the word—not because it’s rugged or remote (though it is), but because it strips away all the noise.". There are no walls between you and the land—just canvas, sky, and silence. You hear the wind move through the grass, the low call of a lion at night, and sometimes… nothing at all. <br/><br/>Each tented home is completely alone on the landscape. You don’t see another soul unless you choose to. It’s just you and this vast, powerful wilderness. And yet, the experience is anything but basic—everything is designed with care: your own chef, butler, and space that honors both solitude and soul.

    Details +
    Less -
    Tarkuni Homestaed Family Residence
    Tarkuni Homestaed Family Residence
    10 guests | 5 King Beds
    From $1000 pp/night
    In James' Words: 

    "Tarkuni feels like a love letter to togetherness. It’s the kind of place you go not just to escape, but to reconnect—with family, with old friends, or even with yourself". The moment I walked through the doors of Tarkuni, I felt a quiet calm—it’s completely private, beautifully designed, and grounded in the spirit of the land.

    Details +
    Less -

    Choose Your Experience

    From James, Founder of Wild Earth Stays "One of the reasons I fell in love with Tswalu is that it doesn't try to impress you with grandeur—it invites you in with soul". Below are just a few of the moments that have left a lasting mark on me, and that I know will stay with you too:
    Meerkat Mornings
    Details +
    “Tiny Guardians of the Dunes, Big Moments of Wonder”

    There’s something humbling about sitting in silence as the sun rises and a family of meerkats pops up around you. They go about their day—stretching, warming themselves, keeping watch—and for a brief window, you’re part of their world. I always recommend this as the first experience at Tswalu. It grounds you in the rhythm of the Kalahari.

    Malori Star Bed Sleepout
    Details +
    “Sleep Under Stars That Have No End”

    I remember my first night at Malori—just me, the stars, and the sound of the Kalahari. There’s no roof, no walls—just openness and a quiet that sinks into your soul. If you do one thing at Tswalu, do this. Whether you’re with a partner or on a solo retreat, sleeping under the stars here is something you’ll never forget.

    Horseback Safaris
    Details +
    “Ride the Wind Across the Red Dunes”

    There’s no better way to feel the vastness of this place than from horseback. Galloping or gently walking across the dunes, with wildlife all around, makes you feel part of the land, not just a visitor. It’s wild freedom, pure and simple—and always a highlight for our most adventurous travelers.

    Research Immersion
    Details +
    “Be More Than a Guest—Become Part of the Story”

    Tswalu isn’t just about luxury—it’s about legacy. Guests are invited to the Dedeben Research Centre, where conservation science is unfolding daily. Join researchers tracking pangolins or helping catalog butterflies. I’ve never felt more inspired than standing beside those quietly doing the work of protecting this wilderness. It’s a privilege, not just an activity.

    Rock Art Excursions
    Details +
    “Where Stones Speak and Time Stands Still”

    Imagine placing your hand beside an engraving that’s thousands of years old. That’s what these rock art excursions offer. These sacred sites hold the stories of the San people—etched into stone, passed through generations. They remind us that this land has always been alive with meaning. It's history you can feel in your bones.

    Nocturnal Tracker Walks
    Details +
    “Follow the Shadows—Discover the Kalahari After Dark”

    This is one of those rare, otherworldly experiences. With a seasoned tracker, you follow silent signs through the darkness—looking for pangolins, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes. It’s not about how much you see, but what you feel: anticipation, wonder, a primal connection to night and earth. Some of my favorite memories happened under moonlight here.

    Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - Sustainability In Action

    <h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerating the Kalahari<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">for generations</span> through pioneering stewardship</h2>

    Tswalu Sustainability in Action - Conservation That Transforms

    Tswalu is a proud member of The Long Run (since 2020) and achieved Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification in 2024—their highest sustainability accolade Formerly degraded farmland, the reserve now spans 118,000 ha of flourishing semi‑arid landscape, supported by the Tswalu Foundation and ongoing scientific research. Community programs include onsite healthcare, pre‑school, adult education, and local procurement—empowering neighboring communities. Guests may visit the Dedeben Research Centre and participate in butterfly surveys, pangolin tracking, or lichen‑diversity mapping—turning every stay into a personal conservation story.

    View Fact Sheet
    Partner with Wild Earth Stays <br/> and Let the Kalahari’s Wild Soul Welcome You
    Let’s craft your Kalahari journey together

    Ready to explore Tswalu? Let us craft your custom itinerary—handpicking the perfect camp, pace, and unforgettable experiences just for you. Be sure to ask about our exclusive “My Epic Africa” safari service—your personal gateway to the most inspiring, soul-stirring adventure on the continent.

    Tswalu Kalahari Reserve - Sustainability In Action

    <h2 class="ts--heading-l">Regenerating the Kalahari<br/><span class="u-capitalize--none u-italic">for generations</span> through pioneering stewardship</h2>

    Tswalu Sustainability in Action - Conservation That Transforms

    Tswalu is a proud member of The Long Run (since 2020) and achieved Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification in 2024—their highest sustainability accolade Formerly degraded farmland, the reserve now spans 118,000 ha of flourishing semi‑arid landscape, supported by the Tswalu Foundation and ongoing scientific research. Community programs include onsite healthcare, pre‑school, adult education, and local procurement—empowering neighboring communities. Guests may visit the Dedeben Research Centre and participate in butterfly surveys, pangolin tracking, or lichen‑diversity mapping—turning every stay into a personal conservation story.

    View Fact Sheet
    Partner with Wild Earth Stays <br/> and Let the Kalahari’s Wild Soul Welcome You
    Let’s craft your Kalahari journey together

    Ready to explore Tswalu? Let us craft your custom itinerary—handpicking the perfect camp, pace, and unforgettable experiences just for you. Be sure to ask about our exclusive “My Epic Africa” safari service—your personal gateway to the most inspiring, soul-stirring adventure on the continent.

    Choose Your Experience

    From James, Founder of Wild Earth Stays "One of the reasons I fell in love with Tswalu is that it doesn't try to impress you with grandeur—it invites you in with soul". Below are just a few of the moments that have left a lasting mark on me, and that I know will stay with you too:
    Meerkat Mornings
    Details +
    Less -
    “Tiny Guardians of the Dunes, Big Moments of Wonder”

    There’s something humbling about sitting in silence as the sun rises and a family of meerkats pops up around you. They go about their day—stretching, warming themselves, keeping watch—and for a brief window, you’re part of their world. I always recommend this as the first experience at Tswalu. It grounds you in the rhythm of the Kalahari.

    Malori Star Bed Sleepout
    Details +
    Less -
    “Sleep Under Stars That Have No End”

    I remember my first night at Malori—just me, the stars, and the sound of the Kalahari. There’s no roof, no walls—just openness and a quiet that sinks into your soul. If you do one thing at Tswalu, do this. Whether you’re with a partner or on a solo retreat, sleeping under the stars here is something you’ll never forget.

    Horseback Safaris
    Details +
    Less -
    “Ride the Wind Across the Red Dunes”

    There’s no better way to feel the vastness of this place than from horseback. Galloping or gently walking across the dunes, with wildlife all around, makes you feel part of the land, not just a visitor. It’s wild freedom, pure and simple—and always a highlight for our most adventurous travelers.

    Research Immersion
    Details +
    Less -
    “Be More Than a Guest—Become Part of the Story”

    Tswalu isn’t just about luxury—it’s about legacy. Guests are invited to the Dedeben Research Centre, where conservation science is unfolding daily. Join researchers tracking pangolins or helping catalog butterflies. I’ve never felt more inspired than standing beside those quietly doing the work of protecting this wilderness. It’s a privilege, not just an activity.

    Rock Art Excursions
    Details +
    Less -
    “Where Stones Speak and Time Stands Still”

    Imagine placing your hand beside an engraving that’s thousands of years old. That’s what these rock art excursions offer. These sacred sites hold the stories of the San people—etched into stone, passed through generations. They remind us that this land has always been alive with meaning. It's history you can feel in your bones.

    Nocturnal Tracker Walks
    Details +
    Less -
    “Follow the Shadows—Discover the Kalahari After Dark”

    This is one of those rare, otherworldly experiences. With a seasoned tracker, you follow silent signs through the darkness—looking for pangolins, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes. It’s not about how much you see, but what you feel: anticipation, wonder, a primal connection to night and earth. Some of my favorite memories happened under moonlight here.

    Why you'll stay forever
    Tswalu doesn’t just look different—it feels different.<br/> Features That Define This Incredible Reserve
    Private Safari Experience

    One of the rarest luxuries on safari: your own private vehicle, guide, and tracker, every time. It’s not a bonus—it’s a promise. This is your time, your pace, your adventure. Whether you want to sit for hours with a pride of lions or track a pangolin into dusk, your journey is entirely yours.

    Wine & Gourmet Culture

    This isn’t roughing it. Tswalu’s culinary scene is world-class, grounded in local produce and sustainability. There’s a walk-in wine cellar that rivals any in Cape Town, open kitchens that welcome conversation, and private chefs who craft every meal as an experience. I’ve had some of my best meals in the middle of this wild nowhere.

    Ultra-Low Footprint

    Imagine 120,000 hectares of wild Kalahari, shared with no more than 30 guests. That’s it. No queues, no crowds—just unfiltered wilderness. It’s the kind of solitude that resets something deep inside you. Tswalu gives you access to space and silence in a way no other reserve can.

    Holistic Spa & Wellness

    Each of Tswalu’s camps is designed not just for rest—but for restoration. The spa experiences are woven seamlessly into the environment, with massage, movement, and quiet moments that reflect the rhythms of the desert. After a day on the land, there’s no better way to reconnect with yourself.

    MEET
    YOUR HOST
    Brooke Berlin
    Connections Matter!

    Meet your dedicated Stay Host and Wild Earth Stay team members during a live consultation and let's plan your perfect journey as a team.

    Your host will be joined by members of the Wild Earth team to walk you through your stay and answer your questions live.

    From the Wild at Heart

    Populated by the CMS. Do not edit.

    Name, Date, Source

    “Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

    KATRYNM, DEC 2022

    “Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

    KATRYNM, DEC 2022

    “Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

    KATRYNM, DEC 2022

    “Absolutely stunning… perfect retreat for those seeking solace in nature without compromising comfort.”

    Trip Advisor,
    April 2025,
    — TripAdvisor traveler

    “Never more than 40 guests… you get a vast landscape … virtually to yourself.”

    The Times UK,
    Dec 2024,
    — The Times (UK)

    Explore Stays by Brand

    Browse all destinations where this brand brings nature and comfort together.

    Discover the full portfolio of stays by location. From there, let our expert team craft a custom itinerary tailored to your travel dreams.

    Where on earth
    BE BOLD.
    GO SOMEWHERE NEW.
    Location
    South Africa / Africa
    -27.2025897, 22.4807213
    Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Van Zylsrus, Northern Cape, 8465, South Africa
    NEAREST AIRPORT
    Tswalu Private Airstrip (flight charter) <br/> Upington International Airport (UTN) <br/> Kimberley Airport (KIM)
    Closest is Tswalu’s own airstrip—daily charter flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Alternatively, fly into Upington (350 km) or Kimberley (370 km), then enjoy a scenic private transfer through the Kalahari.
    BEST TIME TO VISIT
    May - September
    During the dry season, wildlife congregates at waterholes, skies are clear for stargazing, and daytime game drives are ideal in crisp weather.
    Where on earth
    Your Private Cabin Aways your Choosing
    No items found.
    Partner with Wild Earth Stays <br/> and Let the Kalahari’s Wild Soul Welcome You
    Let’s craft your Kalahari journey together

    Ready to explore Tswalu? Let us craft your custom itinerary—handpicking the perfect camp, pace, and unforgettable experiences just for you. Be sure to ask about our exclusive “My Epic Africa” safari service—your personal gateway to the most inspiring, soul-stirring adventure on the continent.

    Marketing Director
    Brooke Berlin
    Connections Matter!

    Meet your dedicated Stay Host and Wild Earth Stay team members during a live consultation and let's plan your perfect journey as a team.

    Your host will be joined by members of the Wild Earth team to walk you through your stay and answer your questions live.

    From the Wild at Heart

    Populated by the CMS. Do not edit.

    Name, Date, Source

    “Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

    KATRYNM, DEC 2022

    “Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

    KATRYNM, DEC 2022

    “Perhaps the most unique feature, is the opportunity to stay under the stars, in the middle of the bush, in the safety of a treehouse!”

    KATRYNM, DEC 2022

    “Absolutely stunning… perfect retreat for those seeking solace in nature without compromising comfort.”

    Trip Advisor,
    April 2025,
    — TripAdvisor traveler

    “Never more than 40 guests… you get a vast landscape … virtually to yourself.”

    The Times UK,
    Dec 2024,
    — The Times (UK)