The new Loapi Tented Camp at Tswalu Nature Reserve has taken the safari experience to new heights. With just a handful of guests welcomed at any given time, the sense of exclusivity is woven into every facet of this remarkable reserve. The reserve is like your very own private sanctuary, where the symphony of nature unfolds before your eyes without any distractions or interruptions. After the two-hour private plane flight from Cape Town, the guests are welcomed by their guide and taken to one of the three different and unique accommodation offerings. Recently opened, the Loapi Tented Camp is a beautifully designed and carefully curated experience.
Nestled amidst the open savannah grasslands, this camp comprises six individual safari homes, accommodating two or four guests each, ensuring an exclusive and private wilderness experience. With a focus on sustainability and environmental sensitivity, these tented homes are thoughtfully designed, seamlessly blending into the contours of the valley between the majestic Korannaberg mountains. Privacy and solitude are paramount at Loapi Tented Camp. Each home has a dedicated team of staff to cater for their every need, including a butler, a chef, a guide and a tracker, to name a few.
The heart of each tented home lies in the contemporary glass and steel pavilions, where the living and dining areas, fully stocked pantry, and bar create a welcoming space. Shaded decks beckon relaxation with day beds, and guests can cool off in the environmentally friendly plunge pool or gather around the fire pit for sundowners and morning coffee. The tented bedrooms are under canvas, immersing guests in the sights and sounds of nature while providing exceptional comfort and insulation from the Kalahari’s extreme temperatures.
Privacy a priority
The six individual tented safari homes each operate as independent mini-camps, offering unparalleled privacy. The full bar is stocked with an impressive collection of South African wines, to pair beautifully with meals cooked by your private chef. The hospitality offer is rounded off with a private study with Wi-Fi and a spacious tented bedroom suite with indoor and outdoor showers. It is perfect year-round as the plunge pool brings welcome relief on warm summer days, whilst the fire pit brings warmth and ambience in the winters.
While the Loapi Tented Camp is the crown jewel of Tswalu Nature Reserve, two other luxurious camps provide additional options for discerning travelers. Tarkuni, an exclusive-use villa, offers lavish accommodations for ten guests in five rooms, each with a private deck and en-suite bathroom. Common areas such as a pool, wine cellar, library, games room, and lounge encourage socializing and relaxation.
The Motse, a more traditional safari camp, caters to individuals and couples. Its nine high-roofed thatched suites accommodate up to 18 guests. The bedrooms feature four-poster beds beneath detailed maps of the property, with large windows showcasing the breathtaking views. Multiple seating areas, including an outdoor patio with high-backed chairs and a round table, create inviting spaces for dining, games, and private relaxation.
While game drives remain a highlight at Tswalu, allowing guests to encounter unique desert-dwelling creatures such as aardvarks, porcupines, brown hyenas, and pangolins, the reserve’s vast size and low vehicle density make sightings a thrilling pursuit. The knowledgeable guides offer various possibilities, including rare sightings of the black-maned Kalahari lions.
Beyond wildlife, Tswalu Nature Reserve offers a captivating blend of scenic beauty, world-class cuisine, and exceptional hospitality. With impressive conservation goals and management, it’s a destination that deserves to be appreciated slowly. Whether paired with other reserves or enjoyed as a stand-alone experience, Tswalu promises an unforgettable journey filled with wonder and discovery.
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