Tswalu Tarkuni
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve covers more than 1,000 square kilometres (110,000 hectares) on the edge of the Kalahari desert, making it the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa. Children of all ages welcome at Tswalu Tarkuni.
Accommodation & Facilities
Tarkuni Villa is in a private area of the Tswalu Reserve, and is perfect for families and small groups of up to ten guests. The Villa can be taken by two separate groups or exclusively. Guests at Tarkuni have complete flexibility with private wildlife viewing vehicles, a guide and a dedicated chef. Built amid rolling mountains the accommodation consists of five luxury bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Sliding glass doors lead onto outdoor decks and private terraces with star beds which can be made up on request, so that guests can experience the thrill of sleeping under the stars. There is also an open plan lounge and dining room, library, covered patio and a heated, child friendly swimming pool. Children are well provided for, with two sets of bunk beds and separate nanny quarters with two single beds and an en-suite bathroom.
Tswalu has two sleep-out platforms. The Malori is in the sand dunes, and has a thatched roof towards the back of the platform to provide shelter if required, and an ensuite bathroom. The Naledi is located closer to the Korannaberg Mountains, and is simpler in style and a family friendly option, raised well above the ground, and equipped with an ensuite bathroom. Malori must be booked in advance, for an additional charge, while Naledi can be arranged on arrival and is currently complementary.
Eating & Sleeping
Individual meal preferences can be accommodated with flexible dining times and venues to suit. Specific dietary requirements can be catered with advance warning. Complimentary babysitting is available to allow parents to enjoy more formal or private evenings.
Wildlife & Activities
Guests can take guided walks across the stunning, silent red dunes. Wildlife drives in open-sided safari vehicles allow visitors excellent wildlife viewing, and to enjoy an impressive sunset or a splendid bush dinner. Bird-watching, star-gazing, rhino tracking and exciting visits to the habituated meerkat dens of Tswalu are just some of the activities on offer. Optional horse riding trails, with a qualified guide, enable guests to become one with nature and to experience close encounters with wildlife. Tswalu has a helicopter that can take five guests on scenic flights around the reserve, as well as to other places of interest nearby, which adds a fantastic new dimension to exploring this magnificent part of the Kalahari. Please ask us for pricing details for helicopter flights and the Malori sleep-out.
Specifically for children …
On arrival, children receive a backpack which includes Tswalu’s Junior Ranger training guide. The guides are very family orientated and tailor make days to suit, including special activities for children such as:
• Archery and making bows and arrows.
• Spoor identification and casting.
• Children’s bush walks.
• Tracking wildlife on foot and with technology.
• Picnics, special children’s boma meals.
• Baking.
• Guided horse trails.
