Description
What makes Tswalu unique?
• Tswalu Kalahari, owned by the Oppenheimer family, is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 100,000 hectares (1000 sq km or almost a quarter of a million acres). For comparison, this is twice the size of Pilanesberg National Park and bigger than the entire Madikwe reserve
• This vast and magical landscape takes conservation as its first priority; Nicky Oppenheimer’s vision is to “restore the Kalahari to itself”
• Tswalu has superlative game and offers sightings of some of South Africa’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife, including:
o Desert black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis). Twalu’s population represents one third of South Africa’s entire remaining desert black rhino
o Black-maned Kalahari lions
o Meerkats
o Cheetah. Easily viewed in the open savannah
o Rare antelope such as roan, sable and tsessebe; Tswalu has significant populations of all three
o Diversity. Over 70 species of mammal and 230 species of birds (including endangered raptors). Other sightings may include the elusive aardvark, aardwolf, pangolin and porcupine
• The Kalahari is the ancestral home of the San people (Bushman). Some of their ancient engravings can be seen at Tswalu; current research suggests these may be amongst the oldest art on Earth
• At maximum capacity Tswalu will take only 30 guests in total. This represents the lowest imaginable density of visitors. The emphasis here is on privacy and exclusivity – your own private Kalahari
• Tswalu is located in a malaria-free area, welcomes families and actively encourages children to participate fully in the safari experience
• Because of its unique landscape, wildlife and experience, Tswalu combines perfectly into any itinerary and provides the ideal partnership with both the intensity of the lowveld or the glamour of Cape Town
Accolades and Awards
These include:
• Relais & Chateaux Member
• National Geographic Adventure Magazine’s Top 50 Eco Lodges in 2009
• Gold Achiever nominee in AA Travel Guides Awards 2008
• Conde Nast Traveller World Saver Award 2007
• First Choice Responsible Tourism; Best Conservation of Endangered Species 2006
• Winner of prestigious Relais & Chateaux Global Environmental Trophy 2006
• Previous winner of the Andrew Harper Grand Annual Award
• Fair Trade in Tourism Accredited
Accommodation
Tswalu accommodates a maximum of 30 guests in two beautiful locations, Motse and Tarkuni, both designed by the world-renowned Boyd Ferguson in an atmosphere of barefoot luxury.
The Motse
• Accommodates up to 20 guests in eight individual legae (suites) made from desert sand, rock and thatch
• Two of the eight legae were designed especially for families and comprise two separate bedrooms with their own en- suite bathrooms, sharing a spacious living area
• Each legae also has an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, an outside shower with desert views, an open fireplace, separate dressing and study area, telephone, safe, wireless internet, and a private sun deck with stunning views of the Kalahari
• The main lodge at Motse is designed with elevated decks, a spacious lounge and dining area, a library, a fully-equipped gym and adjacent spa, an impressive wine cellar and traditional Boma. All profits from its exclusive gift shop go to fund conservation research on the reserve
• Motse has a large, outdoor pool, and a smaller solar heated pool with views of a waterhole and the game it attracts
Tarkuni
• Set amid two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is the Oppenheimer family’s own personal retreat at Tswalu
• Recently refurbished to the highest standards, Tarkuni offers an oasis of serenity with beguiling views on every side
• Tarkuni is ideal for smaller groups, from family parties, close friends or even corporate retreats. The villa accommodates a maximum of 10 guests with five luxurious bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, a vast open-plan lounge and dining room, and an intimate library. A covered deck leads to a private sala and a swimming pool
• Tarkuni comes complete with a private vehicle, dedicated guide and tracker. In addition your personal chef creates the luxury of total flexibility in dining choices. An additional vehicle can be reserved for larger groups
Activities at Tswalu
Tswalu Kalahari believes that the day’s activities should be created around your individual needs; a personal consultation upon arrival ensures that you select exactly what you want to do, from activities which include:
• Game drives in open-sided canopied safari vehicles. Our game drives are never standard, tailored instead to guests’ interests. Our expert rangers and trackers are specially trained in the unique Kalahari ecology
• Bush walks, allowing the chance to get closer to the land; for adult guests, we can also arrange night walks which uncover the magic of the Kalahari after sunset and even tracking of desert black rhino on foot by day
• Encounters with meerkat colonies; viewing these enchanting animals at close range is possible at Tswalu
• Horse-riding safaris led by experienced guides, accompanied by grooms. Eleven top quality horses can accommodate all levels of experience from the absolute beginner to the advanced equestrian; tuition in an enclosed arena can also be arranged and all riding equipment is supplied. Few experiences rival riding through a herd of sable antelope on horseback.
• Star-gazing under the Kalahari’s “diamond skies”
• Sleep-outs on the Kalahari’s dunes; Tswalu’s sleep-outs are authentic, “no-frills”, ranger-accompanied nights under the stars
• Exploring extraordinary archaeological sites in the Korannaberg hills where the San rock art may date to 380,000 years ago
• Discovering Tswalu in the traditional way in a classic Kalahari donkey cart, still a significant mode of transport for many here today
• Hot air ballooning over the endless savannahs can also be arranged; here prior booking is essential
Children at Tswalu
Tswalu Kalahari is a brilliant place for children; part of our mission is to involve the whole family in our conservation vision. Features which make this possible include:
• Open environment at both Motse and Tarkuni for play. Our pools are centrally located. There is no malaria to concern you
• Children under 12 in a Motse room stay absolutely free. The two specially designed family suites easily accommodate larger or older families at attractive rates
• Children’s menu, with any individual likes catered for. Flexible dining (times and locations) for families; free babysitting to allow parents to enjoy more formal or private evenings
• Exciting programme of bespoke activities for children including
o Archery; making your own bow and arrow
o Spoor identification and casting
o Tracking on foot and with technology
o Picnics, special children’s bomas, baking
o Children’s bush walks
• Backpack on arrival including Tswalu’s Junior Ranger training guide
• And unlike many reserves, we are happy to include younger children on private game drives
Dining at Tswalu
Tswalu’s Executive Chef, Theresa Fehrsen, has a style which defines modern South African cuisine; her cooking emphasises the quality of core ingredients, new takes on classic dishes and inspiration drawn from the Kalahari itself. Dining options include:
• Constantly changing venues for dinner
• Private dining on request in the privacy of your own deck
• Bush dinners, sundowners on the dunes
• Tswalu’s Kalahari Feast, a modern interpretation of the traditional boma dinner
• New game drive snacks menu – “A Taste of the Kalahari”
Special Occasions at Tswalu
Tswalu creates the perfect place and atmosphere for the most special occasions. Weddings and honeymoons spent at Tswalu could not be more memorable. Here too the emphasis is on creating an experience together with, as well as for, our guests; our staff will help you build in imaginative details throughout your stay. As a sample of what is possible, our ” Honeymoon under the Diamond Skies” comprises
• 3 night stay in a Motse Suite
• Champagne on arrival
• Private vehicle with dedicated guide and tracker throughout your stay
• Private horseback ride through the savannah to a romantic sundowner in the dunes together
• Relaxing reflexology or massage treatment for both
• Private deck dinner on your last night with a telescope to gaze at the stars of the southern hemisphere
• R40,000 per couple
And for weddings, milestones, or simply the holiday season, we can work with you to create your own personal vision in the desert.
Tswalu lies in the southern Kalahari, in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province
Tswalu Kalahari is
• 560 km west of Johannesburg
• 850 km north of Cape Town
• 270 km north west of Kimberley
• 180 km north east of Upington
Full directions and distances by road to Tswalu are detailed later.
When to go
The seasons in the southern Kalahari can be described in traditional terms, spring, summer, autumn, winter, but their nature and duration are very different. Summer lasts for almost 6 months.
Spring: September – October
The weather starts to warm up and days are very pleasant with cool evenings in September.
• Some cold fronts can still sweep through and so it is best to be prepared for these just in case
• In the bush, blackthorn and honey bush are in blossom, scenting the evening air
• “Dry storms” may start forming on the horizon promising the approach of the rainy season
• Barking gecko’s start calling for mates with a cacophony unique to the Kalahari
• The “three thorn” thickets blossom with soft tissue- like flowers
• Meerkat pups begin emerging from their dens in anticipation of the rains
Summer: November – March
Days are hot and evenings mild with only an occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
• Migrant birds arrive making birding productive and exciting
• Many of the antelope calf early in summer and signs of new life abound
• Jackals and foxes bring their pups above ground after the first rains to enjoy the suddenly prolific insect life
• Rain is always unpredictable in the Kalahari, but if you are fortunate enough to experience it, the rapid transformations will astound you as the desert turns into a lush green spectacle with carpets of golden flowers
Autumn: April – May
Mild days and cooler evenings. There may even be some late season’s rains.
• This is the greenest time of the year. The savannahs take on a beautifully silky appearance as the grass produces seeds which are blown away by a gentle autumn breeze
• May is the season where most of Tswalu’s “hands-on” wildlife work is done (such as translocations)
• Autumn is the time of the rut. A frenzied time where antelope such as impala are in their best physical condition. They begin fighting to establish territories and seek mates.
• Animals which hibernate through the short winter (such as leguaans and tortoises) become very active, eating as much as they can before the first frost
• Many of the Kalahari fruits that have been growing through the summer ripen and provide food for birds departing on their long migrations
Winter: June– August
Daytime temperatures are cool and evenings become cold.
• The first frost falls as night time temperatures can drop below freezing on occasion
• Conditions become very dry as humidity falls
• As the grass and bushes dry, sightings, of rarer, smaller mammals, such as aardvark, aardwolf and pangolin increase. These shy nocturnal animals emerge in daylight to escape the cold evenings and enjoy the late afternoon sunshine
• Raptors begin building nests
• Large flocks of sandgrouse begin accumulating around dwindling waterholes in the morning
• The clear evening skies offer the best star-gazing spectacle
• Dust devils (small swirling dust storms) drift across the sand dunes
How to get to Tswalu
Tswalu operates its own daily scheduled service direct to the reserve’s own airstrip.
• Departures from BOTH Cape Town International and Johannesburg OR Tambo
• Departures from Signature executive hangar (CPT) or Anglo American private hangar (JNB) respectively
• Fly in Pilates PC12, exclusive pressurised private aircraft
• Luggage allowance of 12kg per person in a soft sided bag plus one hand-held item
• Rates valid from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010
o Johannesburg R2800 per person one way
o Johannesburg R5500 per person return
o Cape Town R3300 per person on way
o Cape Town R6500 per person return
• N.B. Flights are non-commissionable
Tswalu’s runway lies within the reserve and is of the highest standard
• CAA licensed tar runway, (Category 1)
• Suitable for corporate jets
• Landing lights available by arrangement
• Elevation: 4000ft, length 2030 metres
• Co-ordinates: S27° 12’ 10.1”, E022° 28’ 51.0”
• Radio frequency 130.40mhz
Directions to Anglo American hangar (Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport)
• From R24 Johannesburg, take the R21 North (Pretoria /Kempton Park)
• From the R21 North take the M43 Atlas Road off ramp
• From (Pretoria) R21 South take the M43 Atlas Road off ramp. Proceed to the traffic light
• Turn right at the traffic lights. The signboard reads: M45 Benoni (left), M43 Boksburg (straight), Bonaero Drive (right). Proceed to the security Gate. Turn left and proceed for about 200m and then turn right. The signboard reads: Non-Scheduled Carriers. There is a small sign which reads: Anglo American. Please sign the book and proceed to the Anglo hangar (large blue hangar)
• Map can be provided on request
• Should you have any difficulties, please call ++27 11 395 9200
Directions to the Signature hangar (Cape Town International Airport)
• From the N2 approaching the airport, stay in the right hand lane
• At the traffic lights (at the BP garage) turn right
• Drive past the car hire companies on the left until you get to the Stop sign next to the security complex
• Turn left into the security gate and please sign in
• After signing in, turn right immediately, passing the Red Cross hangars
• Follow the road as it makes a 90 degree turn to the left (running behind the Stellenhof Hangar)
• Turn left at the Stop street
• Proceed straight to the reception
• Should you have any difficulties, please call ++27 21 934 2940 / 2941 / 0350
Alternative transport arrangements
Take a scheduled South African Airlines or SA Express flight to Upington or Kimberley
• Charter flights from both Upington and Kimberley are available
Driving to Tswalu
You can choose to drive to Tswalu by road; about xx% of our guests do so.
Recommended route from Johannesburg – distance approximately 650 km
• Estimated driving time is 7 hours
• Take M1 south, take Bloemfontein split and follow N12 and the signs to Kimberley
• Stay on the N12, proceed through Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, and Wolmaransstad
• At Wolmaransstad take R504 to Schweizer-Reneke, then R34 to Vryburg
• From Vryburg, continue on the N14 to Kuruman
• In Kuruman follow the signs to Hotazel / Black Rock (R31)
• Kuruman is the last fuel stop before you reach Tswalu
• Please contact the lodge to establish an estimate time or arrival (please call as we need to send someone to open the gate). Tel: ++27 53 781 9211 / ++27 53 781 9333. Mobile phone coverage is available all the way from Kuruman to the Tswalu gate
• Approximately 60 km from Kuruman you cross over a railway bridge at Hotazel
• Approximately 15km further (before Blackrock) turn left onto the tar road R31 following signs to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Van Zylsrus.
• After about 42 km the tar ends and you continue on a gravel road
• After 1 km on the gravel road, you will see a turn to your left (Sonstraal) – it is sign-posted Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
• Travel approximately 12km (on a gravel road) and Tswalu’s main entrance will be on your right
• You will be met at the gate sign posted ‘Tswalu Motse’
Recommended route from Upington (ex Cape Town)
• Estimated driving time is 3 ½ hours
• From Upington take the N14 to Olifantshoek – approximately 165 km
• Olifantshoek is the last point of communication and your last fuel stop before you reach Tswalu
• Please contact the lodge to establish an estimated time of arrival (please call as we need to send someone to open the gate) Tel: ++27 53 781 9211 / ++27 53 781 9333. Travel through the town and turn left onto a gravel road sign-posted following signs to Barton D3332
• Travel for approximately 60 km until you reach a four-way crossing
• Turn right following signs to Sonstraal
• Travel for 30 km which will take you over a mountain pass
• Pass signposts for ‘Tswalu healthcare Centre’ and ‘Tswalu Admin’
• Travel for a further 3.8 km
• You will be met at the gate sign-posted ‘Tswalu Motse’
Recommended route from Kimberley
• Estimated driving time is 4 hours
• From Kimberley airport – travel on the R31 for 35 km to Barkley West
• From Barkley West travel 96 km to Danielskuil
• From Danielskuil travel 71 km to Kuruman. In Kuruman continue straight through the traffic light and follow the sign to Hotazel / Black Rock (R31)
• Kuruman is your last fuel stop before you reach Tswalu
• Please contact the lodge to establish an estimate time of arrival (please call as we need to send someone to the date). Tel: ++27 53 781 9211 / ++27 53 781 9333. Mobile phone coverage is available all the way from Kuruman to the Tswalu gate
• Approximately 60 km from Kuruman you pass Hotazel
• Continue for another 12 km and then turn left onto a tar road R31 following signs to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Van Zylsrus
• After approximately 42 km the tar ends and you continue on a gravel road
• After 1 km on gravel road you will get to a turn on your left – it is sign-posted Tswalu Kalahari reserve.
• Travel about 12 km on gravel and Tswalu’s main entrance will be on your right
• You will be met at the gate sign-posted ‘Tswalu Motse’
Tswalu Reservations
Tel: ++27 11 274 2299
Fax: ++27 11 484 2757
Email: res@tswalu.com
Tswalu Marketing
Tel: ++27 11 274 2290
Fax: ++27 11 484 2757
Email: marketing@tswalu.comPO Box 61631
Marshalltown 2107
Gauteng, South Africa
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