Private Game Drives

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A private vehicle allows for unlimited time at sightings, which may include some of the elusive species that find sanctuary here, such as aardvark, pangolin, bat-eared fox, brown hyena, and aardwolf. Other iconic Kalahari species include the black-maned Kalahari lion, the desert black rhino, wild dog, oryx and cheetah.

 

At any time of the year, there are special sightings and transformations to the landscape influenced by seasonal changes and the absence or abundance of water. Spending time at one of the habituated meerkat colonies is often a highlight of a Tswalu safari.

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Meerkat Experience

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An early morning visit to Tswalu’s habituated meerkats to see them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable encounter.

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Guests have the opportunity to get within a few metres of one of three habituated family groups to watch them pop in and out of their burrows, stand sentry, groom and play with each other, soak up the sunshine, and forage in the sand for tasty morsels. The families are referred to as the Mokala, Gosa and Rockstar groups.

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Horse Riding

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Another wonderful way to appreciate Tswalu’s landscapes and wildlife is from the saddle. A guided horse safari allows up-close animal sightings that are sometimes not possible from a vehicle or on foot. Regardless of your level of experience, follow game trails through the grasslands, head over the dunes for a picnic lunch or ride out to the Malori star bed before sunset.

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Walking Safari

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Much of Tswalu’s beauty can be found in the smaller details, which is best appreciated by getting off the vehicle. Then you will get up close to the ripples left by the wind on the crest of a sand dune, notice a yellow flower opening to face the sun, or be able to trace the tracks left in the sand by a porcupine digging for roots.

 

A walking safari makes it possible to see these and other signs left in the wild that add to our understanding of this fascinating wilderness. Following the tracks of iconic Kalahari species, including cheetah, brown hyena and aardvark, adds to the thrill of exploring on foot.

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Star Beds

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Spending a night in one of our star beds, either directly under the night sky or under canvas, is an adventurous way to appreciate the sights and sounds of the southern Kalahari after dark.

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Rock Art

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Tswalu provides protection for many valuable rock art sites, featuring rock engravings, cupoles and paintings of people, animals, birds and abstract shapes that document the culture and history of the San and other early inhabitants of this place. Whether created as memories, maps or self expression, a visit to one of these sacred sites with your guide and tracker is bound to be thought provoking.

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Spa Treatment

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Our skilled spa therapists are here to work their magic with reviving face and body treatments in the cool, calm sanctuary of one of two treatment suites at the Motse or in Tarkuni’s private, upstairs spa suite. At both camps, massages, manicures and pedicures can also be arranged in the privacy of your bedroom or outdoors on the veranda. 

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Flooded with natural light, the gym at the Motse is air-conditioned and equipped with Technogym apparatus, free weights and a mat area for stretching, pilates or yoga.

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Photographic Safari

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Whether photographing the southern Kalahari’s iconic landscapes or its wildlife, taking the shot of a lifetime requires patience and time. The undivided attention of a guide, who combines a deep understanding of animal behaviour with slick photography skills, and who knows just how to manoeuvre the vehicle into the right position for the perfect capture, is highly advantageous.

 

While Tswalu guarantees a private vehicle and dedicated, experienced   guiding team  with every booking, those who are really serious about taking wildlife photos will appreciate the introduction of a fully equipped photographic safari vehicle and specialist guide.

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Like all Tswalu’s safari vehicles, the modified vehicle is a Land Rover. It’s geared to meet the needs of a solo photographer, but has plenty of space for a second guest. A rotating swivel seat allows for an uninterrupted, 270-degree arc and can be locked into position. The seat is fitted with a stabilising arm and platform for taking sharp, steady images, even with a long lense.

 

There are also brackets, slings and bean bags to assist with stability and sharpness. Hatches cut into the sides of the Land Rover afford the photographer the opportunity to lie flat on a firm mattress to photograph animals at eye level.