Tswalu Motse Lodge, Tswalu Kalahari | Timbuktu Travel
Tswalu Kalahari

Tswalu Motse Lodge

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Tswalu Motse Lodge

Safari chic in an endless desert wilderness
This upmarket designer lodge is located in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in northwestern South Africa. Motse (the word means 'village' in the local Tswana language) lies at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, with views across the wide, wide Kalahari plains. The accommodation is desert-style African chic, and the wildlife is varied, with busy meerkats, black rhino, African wild dog, aardvark and pangolin. There's a spa for pampering, a library for reference or settling back with a book, a pool to cool off in and good wholesome meals to satisfy you.
From $2.6K per person/per night
Safari
9 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

The thatched main area has stone and red-ochre, rough-plastered walls and decor that combines rustic African artefacts with stylish but comfortable furnishings. It's an elegant place in which to relax. There are lounge areas both inside and out, with snugly soft seating and the occasional one-of-a-kind designer piece. Meals are served in the main dining area or the outdoor boma, where the atmosphere is convivial. There's a library, walk-in wine cellar, gift shop, gym, heated infinity swimming pool and spa.

The rooms

There are just nine spacious suites or legae (meaning "little house”), including three family suites, so you're assured a peaceful stay. The units are built of stone, sun-bleached wood and thatch. and are decorated in neutral colours. En-suite bathrooms have his and hers basins, an indoor and outdoor shower and a freestanding tub. Rest your head on comfortable king-sized or twin beds, read in your deep chairs or recline on your private sundeck. Mosquito nets and fans are provided, and there's a fireplace for cool evenings.

Activities

Take a guided game drive to explore the private 100 000-plus-hectare game reserve and track the elusive desert black rhino and black-maned lions. Kit up for a walking safari – look out for aardvark and pangolin. Venture into the dunes and savanna on horseback or meet the local meerkat community. The junior ranger program introduces youngsters to the Kalahari and its secrets. See ancient rock art, take a cultural tour and enjoy the spa. Something for everyone, indeed.

What you'll love

What you'll love

Tracking one of the reserve's rhinos with a private guide and tracker – an exciting and rewarding experience.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

For a night to remember, sleep out beneath a billion stars on the raised and romantic Malori deck.
Something to think about

Something to think about

The lodge is very family-friendly with kids' activities and flexible schedules - you can even book the entire place for the whole brood.
Lodge positive impact

Positive Impact

The impact of your stay

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve prioritizes ambitious conservation efforts aimed at restoring the natural environment, protecting biodiversity, and preserving ecological processes in the southern Kalahari. The Tswalu Foundation supports scientific research, facilitating collaborations with academic institutions and conservationists. Successful conservation initiatives include the reintroduction of iconic species like brown hyena and wild dogs. Tswalu adopts a holistic approach, ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability through ecotourism.

South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari

A private game reserve and exclusive desert wilderness with superb activities and wildlife to boot.