The ultimate off-the-beaten-track escape

Tswalu Motse

The largest, privately-owned reserve in South Africa, with the lowest number of guests for its size (100 000 hectares), this exclusive desert wilderness is a place of wildlife wonders. The Kalahari biosphere is inhabited by unique species such as the rare desert-adapted black rhino, meerkat colonies, pangolin, rare aardvark, sable antelope and brown hyaena. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu Motse is an isolated oasis which lies baking beneath the Kalahari sun. Overlooking the stretches of arid savannah grasslands the property is scenically beautiful, its natural stone, thatch and wood structure illuminated by the changing light of day. 9 secluded suites fuse contemporary furniture with traditional African style and boast sun decks with views over the waterhole. Character fireplaces banish the winter chill, and outdoor showers sluice away the heat of blazing summer mornings. Tswalu is known for its service and flexible programmes, individually tailored to meet each guest’s personal requirements. 

Tswalu Tarkuni

Tswalu Tarkuni is an elegant, exclusive-use camp, the ideal choice for families or small groups. The lodge was formerly the Oppenheimer family’s personal home on the reserve and has since been transformed into a fabulous retreat of sheer luxury. 5 indulgent suites fan out on either side of the main lodge and exude a chic and natural style, enhanced by the rough textures of stone, red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch.  Shady salas and a pool provide ideal spaces to relax in the heat of the day. Each suite has an oversized en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, and a private deck looks out onto the surrounding bush – there’s even a star bed for those wishing to slumber outdoors. Tarkuni has a dedicated team of staff for the ultimate in flexibility and independence, with the added benefit of a private vehicle for uniquely tailored activities. 

Details

Tswalu Motse

  • An elegant lodge against the dramatic backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountains
  • 9 secluded suites fuse contemporary furniture with traditional African style
  • An isolated oasis overlooking stretches of arid grasslands & sun decks with views over the waterhole
  • Natural stone, thatch & wood structure, sleep-out deck & a pool
  • Character fireplaces banish the winter chill & outdoor showers for blazing summer mornings
  • Kalahari biosphere: desert adapted species, black maned lion, habituated meerkats, aardvark & pangolin

Tswalu Tarkuni

  • An exclusive-use lodge ideal for families & small groups in a scenically beautiful area
  • 5 luxuriously private suites and a main lodge area with sublime views across the desert-like landscape   
  • Game activities are completely flexible, with a private vehicle, dedicated guide and tracker 
  • Kalahari biosphere with unique desert-adapted species makes for fascinating game viewing 
  • Explore this incredible desert landscape in a different way – on foot, or on horseback 

Trips featuring South Africa

There are thousands of ways our travellers can experience Africa. Our bespoke itineraries are created to ensure your trip is just right for you.

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Exquisite Namibia Fly-in Safari

12 days from $11,019 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

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8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

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10 nights featuring the best of Southern Africa

Cape Town, Vic Falls & Botswana

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10 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibia Self-Drive and Private Guided Safari

11 days from $5,885 per person

7 nights featuring the best of

Livingstone and Lower Zambezi

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12 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Enchanting Botswana

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8 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibia’s Desert Wanderers of the North-West

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15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Karoo & Eastern Cape Safari

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Ultimate South Africa

13 days from $13,405 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Overberg, Kruger and Mozambique

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11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Luxury Namibia Fly-in and Private Guided Safari

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Namibian Guided Safari for Families

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9 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Duba, Zarafa and Jacks

10 days from $18,965 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Battlefield Bush and Beach

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15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

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16 days from $16,345 per person

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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