Tswalu: Loapi Tented Camp

Tswalu Loapi Tented Camp is an immersion into the untamed beauty of the remote, Mars-like Kalahari. Tswalu’s most luxurious retreat seamlessly blends luxury with environmental consciousness.

• The low density of game vehicles—the lowest of any reserve in South Africa with only 17 vehicles in the private reserve, which is South Africa’s largest
• Star-gazing in the Kalahari from the comfort of your outdoor deck and fire pit
• The diverse range of activities––seeing the meerkats, visiting bushman rock paintings, horseback riding or sleeping under the stars

Opened in a private reserve in the Kalahari Desert in July 2023, Loapi Tented Camp is the swankiest of the Tswalu's three properties, which includes Motse Camp and Tarkuni Homestead. All three camps offer a South African safari experience that is completely different from the more conventional Kruger or Sabi Sands safari. The landscape is not just dramatic—it's a spectacle of remoteness, akin to stepping onto the surface of Mars. At the heart of this reserve, Loapi Tented Camp is a haven of luxury nestled within the natural contours of a valley in the Korannaberg Mountains.

Loapi comprises six standalone safari homes designed by local architects. There are four one-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes spanning 3,360 square-feet and 4,660 square-feet, respectively. The decor and layout echo the earthy tones of the surroundings, creating a seamless connection with nature. On the outdoor patio, the dining table is ideal for enjoying breakfast or lunch after a morning drive, while the sunbeds and couches overlooking the desert are primed for relaxation. Inside, the homey ambiance complements the rugged exterior—think cork-lined floors and ceilings, tapestries above the beds and a cozy living room seating area with a fireplace. In the bedrooms, the outdoor shower showcases desert vistas and the indoor daybed is an ideal spot for a nap. The absence of a main lodge elevates the sense of seclusion and privacy. Guests are immersed in the splendor of their private home, which comes with a dedicated chef, butler and tracker/guide, ensuring an intimate and personalized stay. Each home is carefully spaced at least 165 feet apart, allowing guests to relish their outdoor spaces safely within the fenced-in areas.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa's largest private reserve, sprawled across approximately 282,000 acres. What sets Tswalu apart is its commitment to conservation—it has the lowest vehicle density of any reserve in the country. Loapi extends this commitment by guaranteeing a private vehicle for all guest groupings, allowing game drives to be as frequent or infrequent as desired. With a maximum of 40 guests at a time (spread out across the three lodges), there are hardly any other guests to be seen. Tswalu is transparent about the allocation of funds generated by conservation-based tourism and publishes its yearly impact statement on its website.

Beyond the conventional game drives, there are plenty of unique activities exclusive to the Kalahari; whether it's an up-close meerkat experience at sunrise, horseback riding through the vast desert or capturing the beauty of the animals with an in-house photography guide. For the more adventurous, sleeping under the stars is an option.

Travelers seeking South Africa’s more elusive animal species like black rhino, cheetah, black-maned lions and brown hyenas—plus, avid stargazers in an exclusive setting.

Families with young children