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- Kalahari Desert (South Africa)
Overview
Ideal Destination For
- Adventure
- Multi Gen.
- Safari
- Special Interest
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Tswalu The Motse
Tswalu’s main property is The Motse, which nestles at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, facing westwards across the grasslands of the Kalahari. Motse means “village” in Tswana and our village consists of just nine spacious and secluded “legae” (another Tswana word, for “little house”) or suites. These legaes are built of local stone, rich red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch.
Why we like it here
Sleep out under the stars at the Malori sleep-out deck and indulge in some extraordinary stargazing.
The most extraordinary, luxurious mind-blowing Kalahari experience on offer in Africa.
Largest private game reserve in South Africa.
Tswalu operates its own direct flights to/from Cape Town and Johannesburg via a private airstrip on the reserve.
Very child-friendly with children’s activities & special treats.
Visits to the meerkats.
Tswalu is unique in offering each group of guests their own vehicle, guide and tracker.
Things to be aware of
Only one flight daily from the reserve’s private airstrip.
Flight to/from Cape Town International Airport takes approximately two hours, whilst the Johannesburg flight (from O.R. Tambo International Airport) has a duration of one-and-a-half hours.
The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful living desert boasting expansive semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand. The desert spans over seven countries, including Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. The endless sand dunes of the Kalahari compose the largest continuous expanse of sand on earth. It is the last bastion of the San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. Visitors to this magnificent desert can enjoy the clear night skies for stargazing, excellent game viewing, nature walks, horse riding and thrilling 4×4 adventures. Commonly spotted wildlife include water buffalo, black-maned Kalahari lion, antelope, ostrich, meerkat and countless bird species.
The Green Kalahari is a lush oasis where the mighty Orange River dissects the larger Kalahari Desert. Here the river brings welcome water to this semi-arid region creating fertile valleys covered in thriving farmlands. Visitors can enjoy some wonderful attractions including the popular wine route, the mighty Augrabies Falls in the Augrabies Falls National Park, and the massive Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, home to an array of wildlife including springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, leopard, cheetah and lion. Explore the ruins of an ancient San village on the Bitterputs farm in the Verneuk Pan, discover numerous fascinating cave drawings and engravings and enjoy a variety adventure activities including camel safaris, white water rafting, hiking, bird watching, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, and game drives.
In the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, lies Tswalu Kalahari Reserve which is a privately owned game reserve. Stretching over 100 000 hectares, the landscape is characterised by vast grasslands, arid savannah and spectacular mountains. It is an area known for its crimson desert sunsets, meerkat colonies and abundant wildlife, including the desert-adapted rhino, cheetah, Kalahari lion, brown hyena, herds of buffalo and mountain zebra. Don’t miss the opportunity to adventure into the Korannaberg hills to discover archaeological sites featuring San rock art. A variety of popular activities including game drives, 4×4 trails, horse riding safaris and bush walks.