Activities at Tswalu, home of luxury African safaris

For those looking for luxury African safaris that offer the ultimate in travel convenience and on-site facilities, Tswalu is ideal. This is South African game reserve accommodation whose facilities extend to even before guests have arrived: from the Anglo American hangar at O R Tambo airport (ex Johannesburg International), Tswalu has its own air shuttle that flies direct to the reserve seven days a week. Increasingly becoming standard practice among the top private South African game reserves, Tswalu boasts its own private landing strip. To read more about getting to Tswalu, visit the traveller information section.

Tswalu also offers game drives in open-sided, canopied safari vehicles. All game drives are led by experienced rangers who provide a fascinating insight into indigenous wildlife of the region. Optional bush walks allow guests of this private South African game reserve to get even closer to nature, and are led by experienced field guides who are highly knowledgeable into the local vegetation, bush medicines and history of the San people. And if you want a break from game-related activities, why not play a round of golf at Sishen Golf Course, a renowned golf course that is rated eighth in the country.

Activities include:

Facilities at Tswalu include:

• a lounge and dining area
• library
• traditional African boma
• gift shop "Dimpho"
• children's room with child minder
• wine cellar
• sun deck
• outdoor heated swimming pool
• telephone
• safe and mini bar in each room
• dedicated chef
• private game viewing vehicle
• high powered telescope with which to explore the night sky
• private plane
• tarred landing strip and daily shuttle to the reserve
• laundry and valet services
• massage treatments - booking essential
• hot air ballooning - booking essential

Horse Riding at Tswalu

We ride across beautiful grassy plains and rolling dune veldt with 360-degree views.  The Korannaberg Mountains make an awesome backdrop to a late afternoon ride, draped in mauves and pinks, while the rolling dunes stretch out to infinity as we set out to explore in the early morning.  An experienced horse guide and backup rider accompany all rides, equipped with radio and comprehensive first aid kit.

We have a variety of horses ranging from 14.2HH to 17.0HH.  The breeds include Percheron X, Boerperd, Boerperd X, Quarter Horse X, Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, Arab X.  As most of our guests are novice riders, we have taken care to have horses that are suitable for them. We do however have a couple of horses that are for more experienced riders. 

We do accommodate children on the rides.  Children between 6 and 10, depending on riding experience, may be put on lead ropes.  An outdoor arena provides kids and more nervous adult riders with a chance to ride in a protected environment.  The weight limit is 100kg.

The horses are basically trained for Trail riding. We use Trail saddles, but also have a few English saddles available for those guests that prefer them.  Our horses are also schooled in the Western style of reining.

In summer the rides are a maximum of 2 hours (depending on heat) and winter we can go for 3-4 hour rides.  In winter we can also stop for lunch after a 3-hour ride and then ride back afterwards.  The most novice rider sets the pace.  We can however split the group up for a canter and rejoin the group later as we take two guides on rides.

Rides can go from Stable to Stable, Stable to Motse (lodge), Motse to Motse, Stable to Sundowner dune, Motse to Sundowner dune, Stable to Breakfast spot or Stable to Lunch spot.  Riders need only bring jodhpurs or can ride with comfortable trousers.  We supply hard hats, short and long chaps, gloves and boots.  Hard hats are compulsory for children under 18 years of age and strongly recommended for all other riders.

Please contact us if you have any further queries.

Sanctuary Spa at Tswalu

We offer a wide range of relaxing treatments to our valued guests, for more information and pricing on these, click here.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning over the Kalahari landscape can be arranged, prior booking essential. For bookings please contact Life ballooning on bookings@lifeballooning.co.za or [27] 082-882-3771. Alternatively you may contact Hot Air Ballooning SA on info@hotairballooningsa.co.za or [27] 11 802 4318.

Please discuss the terms and conditions when booking, as a no flying clause may be applicable in certain cases.