Palm Bay Resort
Opening in July 2023 (stay tuned for more photos). Backed by the foothills of the Korannaberg mountains, Loapi is set to become Africa’s top luxury tented safari camp. Offering a true wilderness experience that is both private and exclusive, the camp’s six private safari homes under canvas are positioned to make the most of unimpeded views south across the reserve’s characteristic arid savannah. With at least 100 metres (330 feet) between each residence, guests are assured of solitude and seclusion with a dedicated Homathi (butler) and chef to take care of everything. In Setswana, Loapi means ‘the space below the clouds’, aptly reflected in the camps environmentally sensitive, modular design, combining canvas, glass and steel. Uncluttered, sculptural interiors, enriched by nature’s colors, forms and shapes, optimize the sense of space and evoke the carefree, nomadic spirit of camping.
Pioneering and nomadic in spirit, Loapi Tented Camp’s six individual safari homes are surrounded by open savannah grasslands and accommodate two or four guests for the ultimate private wilderness experience. The 4 one-bedroom homes and 2 two-bedroom homes, spanning over 300 square meters (about 3200 square feet) and over 400 square meters (about 4600 square feet) respectively, are for those desiring complete privacy on safari. Sustainably designed and environmentally sensitive, each tented home is tucked into the contours of a valley between the Korannaberg mountains. The six homes are at least 50 meters (165 feet) apart to ensure privacy and solitude. Personal service is provided by a dedicated butler and all meals are prepared by a private chef in the interactive kitchen. As with all our camps, a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker is guaranteed.
Designed as contemporary glass and steel pavilions, the living and dining areas form the heart of each home together with the kitchen and fully stocked pantry and bar. Deep, shaded decks feature day beds for relaxation, an environmentally friendly plunge pool and a fire pit for sundowners and early morning coffee. The bedrooms are cocoon-like sanctuaries under canvas, connecting guests to the sights and sounds of nature while providing exceptional comfort and insulation from the Kalahari’s extreme temperatures.
AT A GLANCE
• 6 individual tented safari homes designed for exclusive use, each operating as a mini camp
• No communal or shared guest areas or services
• One-bedroom homes span 303 square metres (3260 square feet)
• Two-bedroom homes span 433 square metres (4660 square feet)
• Dedicated Homathi (on-site butler), plus private safari vehicle, guide and tracker
• Fully equipped interactive kitchen with private chef
• Full bar, including a collection of South African wines
• Private study with wifi
• Spacious tented bedroom suite with indoor and outdoor showers (no bath tub)
• Plenty of shaded outdoor space for dining, and daybeds for relaxing and game viewing
• Plunge pool and fire pit
• In-room spa treatments
Just like at the other Tswalu properties, itineraries are planned around guests' individual needs and a personal consultation on arrival allows guests to choose their daily activities, which include:
Private Game Drives in open-sided, canopied vehicles
Each booking receives their own private vehicle, guide and tracker for the duration of their stay. Game drives are never standard and are tailored to guests' interest. Expert rangers and trackers are specially trained in the unique Kalahari ecology.
Bush Walks
For adult guests, we can also arrange night walks which uncover the magic of the Kalahari after sunset.
Encounters with Meerkat colonies
Spend time viewing these enchanting animals at close range.
Horseback Safaris for all ages
We have a variety of horses ranging from 14.2HH to 17.1HH. The breeds include Boerperd cross, Quarter Horse cross, Thoroughbred, Shire, Appaloosa cross, Arab cross and Saddler cross breeds. An experienced horse guide and backup rider accompany all rides, equipped with radio and comprehensive first aid kit. We accommodate from first time riders to experienced equestrians. We also accommodate children on the rides. Younger and nervous children, depending on riding experience, may be put on lead ropes. The weight limit is 100kg. We use Trail saddles, but also have a few English saddles available for those guests that prefer them.
Stargazing under the Kalahari’s “diamond skies”
Certainly one of the best places to stargaze in South Africa.
Exploring extraordinary archaeological sites
Pack a picnic and explore the Korannaberg hills where the San rock art dates back 380,000 years.
Spa
The award-winning spa offers a welcome lounge, two beautiful therapy suites with adjacent sensation showers with a private garden. In keeping with Tswalu’s philosophy, the spa is crafted from natural materials with reed ceilings and dry-stone walls in the indoor and outdoor showers.
Helicopter Experiences
See Tswalu from above with the Agusta Westland 119, a versatile single-engine helicopter ideally suited to VIP transport. Based at Tswalu, the Augusta is available for private helicopter flips on Tswalu, excursions to nearby points of interest and historical landmarks, and a shuttle service to Upington airport.
The Malori Sleep-out
Spend the night surrounded by the calls of nocturnal animals, with nothing between you and the brilliant stars of the Kalahari night sky…
• There is no compromise on luxury
• An adjacent outdoor toilet, basin and shower are just a short distance away along a lighted walkway
• On arrival, the guide sets up drinks and snacks while guests enjoy the spectacular views
• Enjoy sundowners followed by a delicious meal
• Wake at sunrise to birdsong and the sounds of the early morning in the Kalahari
• Children's camping beds are available, so the whole family can enjoy a Kalahari sleep-out
Junior Ranger's Programme
Children are welcome at Tswalu and the reserve is well equipped to cater for them. Tswalu believes that they too can be part of the conservation vision.
The youngsters will be introduced to the Junior Ranger programme and given a backpack with guides and tools to help them learn about the Kalahari. During their stay they will make their own bow and arrow for archery, learn how to identify spoor, and track game on foot.
In between game walks and drives there are activities at The Motse specially designed to occupy the kids while mom and dad relax. Tswalu’s stables will create a special “pony camp” for any child who shares their passion for horses. There is no malaria in this part of the Kalahari and the pool is a big attraction. They can chat to the rangers, decorate cup cakes and even cook their own bush dinner in the special children’s boma. A separate children’s menu caters for their individual tastes.
Babysitters can be arranged for younger children if parents want time alone.
Community
As well as being an incredible community of flora and fauna, Tswalu is also an extended human family of people from the Kalahari and beyond. We find strength in our diversity, and because we all share the same vision for the future of Tswalu, we can combine our energies and passion to make Tswalu’s vision a reality.
The Tswalu community consists of our staff members and their families, researchers, visiting doctors that support the healthcare centre, visiting artists in residence, and each of our guests, alongside a wider community of neighbours, conservationists and everyone who cares about the restoration of the Kalahari.
The Tswalu Foundation
The Tswalu Foundation exists primarily to support ecological research at Tswalu. Through accumulating a growing body of quality output on the fauna, flora and the unique habitat of the southern Kalahari we have been able to make informed conservation management decisions to better support our shared vision.
This information has been made freely available to our neighbours and other interested parties so that, as we seek to add to our shared understanding of this rich and diverse landscape, they too can care for their land in the best long-term interests of the wildlife and people of the Kalahari.
During your stay at Tswalu, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with researchers studying both iconic and more obscure species and witness scientific conservation in progress.
