Where to stay in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
2 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve guide
Overview
Tswalu Kalahari is South Africa’s largest private game reserve. It lies in the Northern Cape, in the southern Kalahari, at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains. Former cattle farms were bought, cleared of fences and returned to wildlife, and the reserve is run by the Oppenheimer family.
The landscape is made of red sand dunes, golden grassland, camelthorn trees and the mountains. The Kalahari here looks very different from the bushveld of the Lowveld.
Tswalu takes very few guests, and each group has its own vehicle and guide. Activities include game drives, walks, horseback riding and time with researchers. It’s malaria-free and is reached by private flight.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Predators
Kalahari lions, cheetah, wild dogs, brown hyena, leopard and aardwolf live in the reserve.
Desert specialists
Habituated meerkats are a highlight. Pangolin, aardvark and bat-eared fox are often seen, and black rhino and sable live in the reserve.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: March to May and September to November, when temperatures are milder.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Mar – May | Autumn | Warm days and green grass after the rains. |
| Jun – Aug | Winter | Very cold nights, but clear and sunny days. |
| Sep – Nov | Spring | Warming up. Good for walking and seeing meerkats. |
| Dec – Feb | Summer | Very hot, with storms. |
Pack warm layers for winter mornings, which can be below freezing.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| O.R. Tambo International (JNB), Johannesburg | Long-haul arrivals and self-drive | Charter flights to the reserve airstrip, about 1.5 hours. |
| Upington (UTN) | Domestic flights | About 3 hours by road. |
By road
Most guests fly in. By road, the reserve is reached via Kuruman and Hotazel on the R31.
Entrance & Fees
Tswalu doesn't charge a separate reserve fee. Conservation fees and activities are included in the lodge rate.
Confirm what is included when you book.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Tswalu website.
