Swain Destinations uses cookies to enhance your Browsing experience. By using this site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy and our Cookie Policy. Close
Swain Destinations
Start Planning Today
1-800-22-SWAIN
or Call Your Travel Advisor

The Motse Camp, 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.


The main property, the Motse, nestles at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, facing westwards across the grasslands of the Kalahari. Motse means “village” in Tswana and the village consists of just nine spacious and secluded “legae” (another Tswana word, for “little house”) or suites.
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
The Motse Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Room Information

This luxury safari camp is designed with individual couples and families in mind, accommodating a maximum of 18 adults in 9 legae or suites. 6 legae (suites) for two guests, and 3 family legae (suites) for up to four guests – two bedrooms linked by a living room. All suites have en suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers and a freestanding bath (no bath in the children’s bedrooms). Each legae has a sitting area with a wood-burning stove, a study area, and a private, shaded veranda with a large day bed. A gourmet snack pantry filled with homemade treats and personalized mini bar – your choice of refreshments, including still or sparkling water, soft drinks, beers, spirits and fresh milk or a dairy alternative for tea and coffee.

Indigenous gardens throughout the camp are a haven for antelope and birds, while a waterhole in front of the main guest area attracts a variety of wildlife, especially in the dry season. The main camp’s communal guest area comprises a series of generous spaces for relaxing and dining indoors and outdoors. Covered verandas lead to two swimming pools and a fire pit for sundowners. The main lounge has a feature stone fireplace, mezzanine library and walk-in wine cellar stocked with premium South African wines. An intimate boma is the setting for barbecue dinners under the stars.

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

Laundry Services

Mini Bar

On-Site Activities

Safe

Spa

Swimming Facilities

Start Planning

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.