Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

....to be a leader in this demanding industry takes determination and concerted effort - in recognition of this achievement, Tswalu has been awarded with the AA travel guide - winner best lodge 2005, at Indaba held in Durban this year....

Surrounding the rugged Koranneberg Mountains in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa,
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve covers 1000 square km (100 000 ha) of land on the edge of the mysterious desert wilderness that is the Kalahari.

In the Kalahari, the thornveld and sweeping sand dunes are home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. It is here that you will find Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, the most extensive private game reserve in South Africa owned by the well-known Oppenheimer family. Their purchase of Tswalu in October 1998 was an addition to their other major conservation initiatives in Gauteng and in the UK.

The word 'Tswalu' is a Tswana word meaning 'new beginning'. Tswana is spoken widely in Southern Africa - throughout the Northern Cape, the central and western Free State as well as in the North-West Province. At Tswalu, you can experience the excitement of game viewing while savouring the solitude and endless space of a timeless land.

Free from malaria and other tropical diseases, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve boasts 70 species of mammal including lion , cheetah, desert black rhino, sable and roan antelope. More than 200 species of bird can also be found. Tswalu is the historical home of the San, whose storytelling and dream imagery can be seen at the many archaeological sites found in this unique private game reserve.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve boasts the ultimate in luxury game reserve accommodation. The Motse (Tswana for 'village'), designed to blend inconspicuously into the surrounding mountains, consists of eight spacious legaes (Tswana for 'homes'). Their design reflects the harmonious fusion of classic African style with understated elegance. And, set in its own private part of Tswalu between two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is an exclusive, secluded retreat whose charm lies in its remoteness and idyllic tranquillity.

Each day in the Kalahari dawns over a magnificent landscape. Welcome to a private game reserve where the myriad of shades and textures, sounds and contrasting silences of the wilderness will leave you with a profound sense of peace. Welcome to a landscape virtually unchanged by the passing of time. Welcome to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is a Diamond Birding Route property: The Diamond Birding Route (DBR) is a partnership between BirdLife South Africa (BLSA), De Beers and E Oppenheimer & Son which seeks to enhance the conservation of birds and their habitats through the development of the Diamond Birding Route on properties owned by De Beers and the Oppenheimer family. This project also aims to create further socio-economic opportunities for communities in and adjacent to these areas. The vision for the Diamond Birding Route is to create site-focused activities with the primary theme of birds and birding as core to commercial, conservation and social actions. The Diamond Birding Route was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 and aims to add perceived and real value to bird-related and other activities. The program defines an innovative world-class strategy that achieves multiple objectives through positively affecting people's lives and ultimately ensuring that birds benefit. Please read more about the Diamond Birding Route on www.diamondbirdingroute.co.za