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South Africa

Tswalu Tarkuni

PLAN MY TRIP

On the private residence of the Oppenheimer Family, Tarkuni is now an elegant bush camp nestled between two mountain ranges in the South African portion of the Kalahari.

Recently redesigned, the camp has five luxurious suites to choose from for a maximum of ten guests. It can be booked as an exclusive-use camp or for smaller individual groups. Each suite has two twins or a king-size bed dressed in exquisite cotton linen, and en-suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Sliding glass doors provide stunning views of the open savannah grasslands across to the Korannaberg Mountains. The homestead has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure a completely personalized service including a private vehicle, personal field guide, and tracker.

Tarkuni is located in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve which now extends over nearly 400 square miles of the Kalahari after being restored to its natural habitat by owner Nicky Oppenheimer of the De Beers family. In truth, the Kalahari belies its desert name as it is more semi-arid grassland than true desert. Its diverse habitat supports over eighty mammals and nearly 250 bird species. Many species of antelope as well as buffalo and white rhino make their homes in the Reserve. Rarer mammals including the desert black rhino, roan, sable, Tsessebe, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and of course the Kalahari lions known for their beautiful manes live here.

Six 4×4 game viewing vehicles let by expert trackers have exclusive access to the reserve, ensuring maximum privacy. A morning bush walk with a knowledgeable guide takes a more intimate look at the flora and fauna. There are even night walks available for a chance to spot such nocturnal animals as aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, or brown hyena at even closer range. For a unique view of the desert, horseback safaris allow guests to explore the dunes and savannahs on well-mannered horses, which are suitable for all ages and all levels of experience. For the kids, a Junior Ranger program starts of by giving each child a backpack with guides and tools. They can make their own bow and arrow for archery, learn how to identify spoor, and track game on foot.

The main house includes a vast veranda with plenty of seating and dining areas, a pool and shady sala lounge. Indoors there is an airy sitting room warmed by a double-sided fireplace that also heats the dining room and adjacent cellar. There is even a well-stocked library and games room. Delicious barbecues are enjoyed around the traditional boma fire. While the award-winning spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys
1 of 12
2 of 12
3 of 12
4 of 12
5 of 12
6 of 12
7 of 12
8 of 12
9 of 12
10 of 12
11 of 12
12 of 12

South Africa

Tswalu Tarkuni

PLAN MY TRIP

On the private residence of the Oppenheimer Family, Tarkuni is now an elegant bush camp nestled between two mountain ranges in the South African portion of the Kalahari.

Recently redesigned, the camp has five luxurious suites to choose from for a maximum of ten guests. It can be booked as an exclusive-use camp or for smaller individual groups. Each suite has two twins or a king-size bed dressed in exquisite cotton linen, and en-suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Sliding glass doors provide stunning views of the open savannah grasslands across to the Korannaberg Mountains. The homestead has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure a completely personalized service including a private vehicle, personal field guide, and tracker.

Tarkuni is located in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve which now extends over nearly 400 square miles of the Kalahari after being restored to its natural habitat by owner Nicky Oppenheimer of the De Beers family. In truth, the Kalahari belies its desert name as it is more semi-arid grassland than true desert. Its diverse habitat supports over eighty mammals and nearly 250 bird species. Many species of antelope as well as buffalo and white rhino make their homes in the Reserve. Rarer mammals including the desert black rhino, roan, sable, Tsessebe, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and of course the Kalahari lions known for their beautiful manes live here.

Six 4×4 game viewing vehicles let by expert trackers have exclusive access to the reserve, ensuring maximum privacy. A morning bush walk with a knowledgeable guide takes a more intimate look at the flora and fauna. There are even night walks available for a chance to spot such nocturnal animals as aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, or brown hyena at even closer range. For a unique view of the desert, horseback safaris allow guests to explore the dunes and savannahs on well-mannered horses, which are suitable for all ages and all levels of experience. For the kids, a Junior Ranger program starts of by giving each child a backpack with guides and tools. They can make their own bow and arrow for archery, learn how to identify spoor, and track game on foot.

The main house includes a vast veranda with plenty of seating and dining areas, a pool and shady sala lounge. Indoors there is an airy sitting room warmed by a double-sided fireplace that also heats the dining room and adjacent cellar. There is even a well-stocked library and games room. Delicious barbecues are enjoyed around the traditional boma fire. While the award-winning spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys