Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Indeed, a highlight of any visit just has to be the luxurious sleep-out deck - The Malori (meaning 'dreamer' in Tswana) - which offers the unique opportunity for a safari sleep-out under the brilliant stars of the Kalahari night sky. The deck has been stunningly built so as to maximise the spectacular surrounding panorama of the vast Kalahari plains and your kingsize bed will be draped with exquisite linen. An adjacent toilet, basin and shower are just a short distance away along a well-lit walkway. Your chef will prepare dinner as you enjoy drinks and canapes whilst yet another incomparable Kalahari sunset hails the end of the day. As you wake at sunrise to the early morning birdsong, your guide will set up a delicious breakfast on your deck. African sleep-outs surely don't get much better than this!

The reserve is the vision of the late Stephen Boler, a British entrepreneur, who undertook one of the largest private conservation projects in Africa. Boler established the reserve in just four years, introducing thousands of animals, including the rare desert black rhino, sable and roan antelope, Cape buffalo, cheetah and waterbuck. Later acquired by the Oppenheimers (a well-known mining family of South Africa) in 1999, Tswalu is today the largest private game reserve in South Africa with 250,000 acres of arid savannah… you simply cannot get more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ than this!

Built from local stone, natural loose rock and rich red clay, Tswalu’s two unique lodges blend discreetly into a stunning backdrop of mountains and open plains. Here, the term ‘African chic’ is stylishly epitomised amidst an air of rustic elegance, with expansive views taking centre-stage in a design where no creature comfort has been spared. The main lodge, The Motse (meaning the ‘village’ in Tswana), consists of eight spacious and secluded ‘legae’ – or suites – each with an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, an outside shower with desert views, an open fireplace, separate dressing area and a private sundeck with stunning views of the Kalahari. Two of the ‘legaes’ were especially designed for families and comprise two separate bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathrooms and a spacious living area. The Motse also has an outdoor heated swimming pool, the Spa and gym, a walk-in wine cellar and a library with satellite TV, literature and artefacts.

Tarkuni, the separate villa, is the personal home of the Oppenheimer family and offers uncompromising comfort on an exclusive use basis for a larger family or group of friends travelling together. It has five luxurious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and comes complete with a dedicated host, chef, a private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker.

Safari takes on a whole new meaning here! You can track Africa's wildlife on foot, on horseback or in a 4x4 open game vehicle and the game viewing is superb! You can spot extraordinary wildlife such as desert black rhino, black-maned Kalahari lions and the curious meerkats!  Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over the Southern Kalahari, join a walking safari, go rhino monitoring or savour the simpler things in life such as star gazing and sleeping under the Kalahari night sky!

In the Kalahari, the thornveld and sweeping sand dunes are home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife, including those curious meerkats! Sleep late and indulge in a Champagne breakfast in bed or take an early morning game drive with a delicious gourmet picnic to enjoy along the way. Bond with the meerkats before they go foraging or spend the morning tracking the desert black rhino. Witness the sheer size and power of the Kalahari black-maned lion.

Indulge in boma feasts and gourmet bush dinners, enjoy sundowners, wine tastings and dune picnics.