Located in the Northern Cape of South Africa, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve covers over 1000km2 ( over 100 000 ha) on the edge of the mysterious desert wilderness known as the Kalahari. Tswalu is the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa and a conservation vision in progress, committed to "restoring the Kalahari to itself". The word Tswalu means "a new beginning" a fitting name for this expanse of former farm land which has become one of South Africa premier safari and conservation destinations. Tswalu provides luxurious accommodation for guests while remaining firmly committed to conservation in this protected area, and is a true model for eco-tourism in today's world.
Some of the conservation highlights at Tswalu include the reintroduction of true Kalahari Lions, the return of the majestic Cheetah and the reintroduction and growing population of Desert Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis) identified as being critically endangered by the South African IUCN Red Data book listing. Tswalu is home to over 70 species of mammal, including Sable and Roan Antelope and more than 250 species of bird.
Tswalu has received various awards in recognition of their conservation work including the USA Conde Nast Traveller World Saver Award 2007, the Relais & Chateaux Global Environmental Trophy 2006 and National Geographic Adventure Magazine's 50 Top Eco Lodges 2009.
Tswalu is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux and offers guests luxurious accommodation, splendid cuisine, and unparalleled safari experiences including guided walks, horse back safaris and hot air ballooning over the desert landscape. The Kalahari is malaria- free and Tswalu welcomes families and children of all ages.
The Kalahari
The name Kalahari is derived from the Tswana work “Kgala”, meaning the great thirst, or “Kgalagadi”, meaning the waterless place. It has been inhabited by the Bushman for 20 000 years as hunter-gatherers, who lived in a harmonious relationship with the environment until the influx of African and European man. However, due to its harsh environment, modern day man found its unfavourable conditions unsuitable to develop. Even with the introduction of borehole water, farming of livestock was a difficult pursuit. It is for this reason that man has had almost no impact on the land, and the Kalahari has remained a true wilderness area.
The southern Kalahari, due to its location and local climatic conditions, receives somewhat more rain than the central Kalahari, allowing it to support a large diversity of life. It is for this reason that the southern Kalahari is frequently referred to as the “Green Kalahari” – this is the home of Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.
lease find our rates below
Rates include:
* Luxury full board accommodation
* Two daily game drives in open safari vehicles
* Walking safaris led by experienced Field Guides and Trackers
* All local beverages
* Horse riding accompanied by an equestrian guide
* Baby-sitting service
* Laundry and valet services
Rates exclude:
* Private vehicle with personal Field Guide and Tracker (Available at R2,500 per day)
* Transfers to and from Tswalu
* Telephone calls
* Tswalu gift shop purchases
* Any additional transfers and activities
* Spa and Massage treatments
* Selected premier wines and all cigars
* Hot air ballooning
2011
Rates are per person
The Motse
Per person rate (based on 2 people sharing) R7000
Single occupancy R9600
Children under 12 yrs sharing with parents in a standard suite (max 2 children sharing) Free
Child over 12 yrs sharing with parents in a standard suite (max 1 child sharing) R3500
Family suite (based on 4 people, including private vehicle, dedicated personal guide and tracker) R20000
Family suite supplement R6000
Extra child in family suite R2000
Motse exclusive use rate (up to 20 people) R100000
Tarkuni
Exclusive use only (up to 10 people) R38000
Private Vehicle Hire with personal Field Guide and Tracker
Vehicle rate per day R2500
Flights
2011
JNB/Tswalu One way R2800
Return R5500
CPT/Tswalu One way R3300
Return R6500
Tarieven/Seizoenen (Prijzen zijn per persoon, per nacht)
Kamertype
Motse Family Suite
Motse Suite
Tarkuni
Overige informatie
Nee
Ja
Ja
Ja
Game drives in open-sided, canopied safari vehicles
Horse riding accompanied by an Equestrian Guide. With tuition offered in an enclosed post and rail arena, if necessary. All riding equipment is available
Bush walks led by experienced guides offering the opportunity to get close to nature and to experience the uniqueness of the Kalahari vegetation
A variety of dining experiences, including sundowners on lantern-lit dunes, boma dining and mountain lookouts under the umbrella thorn acacias
An awesome stargazing experience awaits you in the Kalahari also known as "the diamond skies" Your guide will point out all the major constellations
Archaeological sites in the Korannaberg mountains allow guests to see first hand the rock engravings of the San people
Meerkat colonies are often encountered but a habituated group allows viewing at close range
Transfers to Tswalu
Daily direct flights to Tswalu - depart from Cape Town International and Johannesburg OR Tambo
Depart from Signature & Anglo American Hangar, minimum 2 passengers.
Luggage allowance 12kg's in soft sided bag
Rates valid 1 January 2010 - 31 December 2010
Johannesburg R 2 800 per person one way
Cape Town R 3 300 per person one way
Johannesburg - R 5 500 per person return
Cape Town - R 6 500 per person return
Alternatively take a scheduled SA Airlink or SA Express flight to Upington or Kimberley.
Charter flights from Upington /Kimberley to Tswalu are available
One can also drive by road to Tswalu.
Flights are non-commissionable.
Flights to Tswalu
Tswalu Kalahari offers daily scheduled flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The aircraft we use most is a Pilatus PC12, often our very own plane decorated with designs inspired by Bushman rock art. The Pilatus is pressurised and your journey will be in luxury and comfort.
In Cape Town, you will depart from the ExecuJet private hangar and in Johannesburg, we use the Anglo American hangar. Simple directions to each can be found here.
Flight Times to Tswalu
Depart Arrive
Cape Town 11.00 13.00
Johannesburg 13.00 14.30
The Cape Town return flight departs from Tswalu at 13.30 with a flying time to Cape Town of around 2 hours. The Johannesburg return flight departs from Tswalu 15.00 with a flying time of 1 hour 30 minutes to Johannesburg.
We will run a scheduled service with a minimum of 2 passengers. Please arrive at the hangar one hour prior to your flight with us. The Anglo American hangar is open from 10.00 am.
Our Flight Rates include meeting you at Cape Town International Airport (please confirm if you would like us to do so) and transferring you to the ExecuJet private hangar (also upon request); a return transfer from ExecuJet to the International terminal is also available to you.
The same service is offered in Johannesburg where guest can be collected from OR Tambo International or any of the airport hotels. Please advise our reservations office of all your incoming flight details should you require a transfer.
Drinks and snacks are served on both Johannesburg and Cape Town flights to Tswalu Kalahari.
Alternative Flights & Private Charters
Guests can also take a scheduled SA Airlink or SA Express flight to Upington or Kimberley. Charter flights from Upington and Kimberley are then available. Please contact:
Tswalu is fully accessible by your own private plane. Our CAA licensed tar runway is 2030 metres in length and can accommodate most corporate jets. Our runway lights have been calibrated and approved by CAA, so night landings can take place. Please call us to arrange such a landing.
The runway’s precise details and co-ordinates are as follows:
License: Category 1
Length: 2030meters
Actual Position:
Northern end @ lights (18)
S 270 11’ 39.0”
E 0220 28’ 38.1”
Midway
S 270 12’ 10.1”
E 0220 28’ 51.0”
Southern end @ lights (36)
S 270 12’ 40.9”
E 0220 29’ 03.5”
Further Information
* Maps & Surroundings
* Flights to Tswalu
* Drive to Tswalu
* Our Seasons and Weather
