The Motse and Tarkuni serve as focal points for your Kalahari experience, and as launchpads for your safari adventures. Built from organic materials and outfitted to the highest standards, they manifest the warmth and hospitality of the people of the Kalahari. Designed and sited to make the best of Tswalu’s dramatic and expansive views, The Motse and Tarkuni provide exclusivity, privacy, and unfettered access to one of southern Africa’s last true wildernesses.

The Motse comprises nine individual Legaes, three of which have been specially designed for families. Each has a private sun deck providing the perfect place to enjoy spectacular views. Tarkuni offers five luxurious double suites and sleeps up to 10 guests. All rooms at Tarkuni are beautifully designed and decorated with en-suite bathrooms featuring free standing tubs and both indoor and outdoor showers. The lodge is totally self-contained boasting delightful living and dining areas, a library, pool, chef and its own private game viewing vehicle.

Every moment of every meal at Tswalu reflects the culinary heritage of South Africa and is carefully designed to be as inclusive as possible. Sustainability is key: we forage for Kalahari ingredients and work with local suppliers who share our low-impact ethos. We believe that luxury is found in contextual, relevant flavours rather than wasteful over-abundance. Our food offering helps tell the story of Tswalu and it’s inspired by and captures the essence of the Kalahari. Working in partnership with Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, our chefs look to reinterpret the flavours they find around them and create unique taste touchpoints at every turn. Our choice of ingredients is only half the story; the context from which they come and in which they are served completes the picture.

Tswalu offers a number of dining options for guests who can dine indoors or out, in the dining room or at the pool deck, and can enjoy their meals at times that suit them. Motse serves delicious cuisine inspired by South African dishes and local Kalahari ingredients, complemented by the finest wines from Tswalu’s private cellar. The chef at Motse aims to both surprise and delight you with varied and imaginative food served in a variety of inspiring locations. Enjoy your meals in the dining room of the main house, in the privacy of your luxury suite or in the atmospheric boma under the stars. Your meals can be served around the swimming pool overlooking the Kalahari or you can ask for a picnic in the dunes.

Main House: Outdoor swimming pool. Sanctuary Spa & Gym. Walk-in wine cellar stocked with South African wines. Mezzanine library with satellite TV, literature & artefacts. Tswalu Foundation gallery. Facilities at the Motse include a mezzanine library equipped with satellite TV and WiFi access throughout the camp. Around the property are museum cases which display rare artefacts from the area; a curio shop, swimming pool and gym are also oh hand. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment areas offering authentic signature massages by local therapists. Dining can be enjoyed at the lodge, in the privacy of your own viewing deck, on the dunes or in the open air boma. Tarkuni features two lounge areas with cosy fireplaces, a pool and boma.