Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Van Zylsrus, South Africa
Tswalu Tarkuni Lodge
Tarkuni is a luxurious safari lodge located in a secluded valley below the Korannaberg mountains within the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa. It offers exclusive-use accommodation for a maximum of 10 guests in 5 suites, making it ideal for families or groups of friends. The lodge provides a dedicated host and private chef to cater to guests' needs, along with a private safari vehicle, guide, and tracker for personalized safari experiences.
The homestead has been designed with sustainability in mind and features spacious bedrooms with private verandahs, a lounge and dining room with a central fireplace, a water-wise plunge pool, and shaded outdoor living and dining spaces. Guests can also enjoy a sundowner fire pit, a family-sized boma for barbecue dinners under the stars, and a gazebo for massages or relaxation. The lodge offers a spa treatment suite, a gym, a photographic studio, and a boutique gallery with art, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.
In terms of activities, Tarkuni provides various experiences such as dining experiences, meerkat encounters, horse riding, rock art exploration, star beds for sleeping under the stars, and photographic safaris. The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve itself spans over 1,200 square kilometers and is one of the largest privately owned wildlife reserves in South Africa.
The accommodation at Tarkuni consists of five luxury bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Sliding glass doors lead to outdoor decks and private terraces with star beds for a unique sleeping experience. The villa also features an open-plan lounge and dining room, a library, a covered patio, and a heated swimming pool. Families are well catered for with bunk beds and separate nanny quarters.
Guests can enjoy guided walks across the red dunes, wildlife drives in open-sided safari vehicles, bird-watching, star-gazing, rhino tracking, and visits to the habituated meerkat dens. Optional horse riding trails and scenic helicopter flights are also available for a more immersive experience in the Kalahari.
Overall, Tarkuni offers a luxurious and sustainable retreat in the heart of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, providing guests with exclusive accommodation, personalized service, and unforgettable safari experiences.