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Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve offers a privately guided safari experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, a vast arid savannah recognized as South Africa’s last great wilderness. The ancient Korannaberg mountain range cuts through remarkably diverse habitats within a privately protected conservation area that spans 114,000 hectares (282,000 acres). Tswalu is a year-round destination with three secluded safari camps designed for couples, families and small groups. Every guest who stays here becomes part of the Oppenheimer family’s bold, regenerative conservation vision to restore biodiversity to the fragile Kalahari ecosystem and contribute to the socio-economic development of a remote, marginalized region of South Africa. Every booking is assured of a private 4x4 vehicle, guide and tracker, setting the scene for a safari of unparalleled exclusivity and flexibility. Sightings of iconic Kalahari species, including magnificent black-maned lions and endangered desert black rhinos, are matched by tracking the elusive, nocturnal species that find sanctuary here, including the brown hyena, aardvark, aardwolf and pangolin. Habituated meerkat encounters, horse riding across grassy red dunes, rock art walks, and an introduction to the Tswalu Foundation’s scientific research projects are some of the guest activities that are unique to this reserve.

Located in a secluded valley below the Korannaberg mountains, Tarkuni is an exclusive-use, private homestead with luxury accommodation for a maximum of 10 guests in 5 suites. Tarkuni creates an oasis of serenity in the desert. The home has its own dedicated team to ensure a completely personal service.
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Room Information

All the accommodation is under one roof, making the homestead ideal for families with children of all ages or a group of friends. Tarkuni becomes your private home for the duration of your stay with a dedicated host and private chef on hand to take care of every detail from dining to safari activities. The homestead also comes with a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker. The entire homestead has been thoughtfully redesigned with sustainability in mind. All the bedrooms have spacious bathrooms and private verandahs. A graciously proportioned lounge and dining room with a feature back-to-back fireplace leads onto a deep, shaded veranda for easy, relaxed living around the water-wise plunge pool or at the sundowner fire pit. There is an intimate boma for barbecue dinners under the stars and a gazebo for massages or afternoon naps. There is also a spa treatment suite. 

Things To Do

Must Do's at Tswalu

• Take an early morning game drive and don’t rush back for breakfast. Request a delicious gourmet picnic - breakfast in the bush is a memory to savor
• Bond with the meerkats before they go foraging for the day
• Spend the morning tracking the Desert Black rhino with arguably the best trackers in Africa
• Witness the sheer size and power of the Kalahari black maned lion - and enjoy the playful innocence of their cubs
• Enjoy an early evening safari tracking the elusive Aardvark and Pangolin - probably one of the best places in the world to view these rare animals
• Be pampered in the spa – from a massage to a facial – because you deserve it
• Get up close to the animals on horseback, and experience nature at its best
• Sleep out under the stars – just you and the expanse of the Kalahari …star gazing was never like this
• Explore the authentic flavors, heritage foods and cultures of the Northern Cape in a culinary journey of flavors and culture overlooking the bushveld
• Take a trip to the wine cellar and let the wine director assist in choosing something perfect for your palate
• Visit the community health center, children’s school, and adult learning center
• Sip a sun-downer cocktail on the dunes, and experience the real Africa
• See the immense benefit of the Tswalu Foundation in action - talk to the researchers about their studies
• Wonder at the rock art… recent archaeological research at Tswalu suggests that some of the Bushmen carvings may be up to 380,000 years old, which would make them some of the oldest art on Earth

Details

Location:

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Price:

$$$$$

Available Amenities:

Eco-Friendly

In-Room Dining

Internet Access

Mini Bar

On-Site Activities

Safe

Spa

Swimming Facilities

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Price Guide

$ = Up to $299
$$ = $300 to $599
$$$ = $600 to $999
$$$$ = $1000 to $2499
$$$$$ = $2500+
Starting price per room, per night, in USD and based on double occupancy.