Best hotels in Tswalu Kalahari

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.

As South Africa's largest privately-owned reserve, Tswalu already has the edge on exclusivity and wide-open spaces, but Loapi takes it one step further with its all-encompassing 'homes'. Overlooking endless golden grasses and looming mountains, there are just six sleek and chic and fully-private residences crafted from glass, steel and canvas. The mostly local team – including a private chef, tracker and guide – ensures you quickly feel like family, and your private butler is always on hand to offer a cold towel after another exploration into the wilderness. And by that we mean everything from game drives to meerkat encounters...

Guests are accommodated in a tented lodge which offers incredible game viewing and sensational star-gazing opportunities to all who visit! There are five two-sleeper tents each with an en-suite bathroom (rooms are shared between guests). There is a kitchen and dining tent, a shaded outdoor section for guests to relax, and a boma for outdoor dining. There is electricity and hot water at the lodge, and safe drinking water is available. Catered and self-catered options are available.