The Motse at Tswalu: Our full report
In the Northern Cape region of South Africa, nestled close to the Kgalagadi National Park and Botswana, Tswalu ...
... Kalahari Private Game Reserve is arguably the largest in South Africa. Situated within this 1,000km² reserve at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains is The Motse, facing out across the grasslands of the southern Kalahari. The scenery is beautiful and though wildlife isn’t prolific, the diversity of species more than make for this.Re-opened in June 2019 after an extensive renovation, The Motse is now even better than ever. We are in the process of writing up a new webpage for The Motse at Tswalu, so please call us for further details in the mean time.
Our view
The Motse at Tswalu is a smart lodge in a fascinating area, quite different to the rest of South Africa. Desert wildlife dominates with chances of seeing the famous meerkats and black-maned lions, as well as the possibility of catching a rare glimpse of the extremely elusive aardvark or pangolin.
Country manager: South Africa
Geographics
- Location
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- 5 nights to give you a chance to fully explore.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All drinks including a full selection from the wine list, as well as in-suite bar.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- The Motse welcomes children of all ages.
- Special activities & services
- Motse runs a special children's Junior Ranger programme.
They also offer a baby-sitting service, though do note that this is usually just one of the female staff who have children of their own as opposed to a qualified child-minder.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from The Motse at Tswalu
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at The Motse at Tswalu have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
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Communications
- Communications
- The Motse has Wi-Fi available.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Upington.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Night drive
Sleeping under the stars
Extras
- Disabled access
Other lodges in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Twee Rivieren
The Kgalagadi's largest restcamp, Twee Rivieren is the centre for the park's administration, and an obvious stop for food and fuel for self-driving visitors.
Kalahari Tented Camp
Kalahari Tented Camp, with self-catering accommodation, is an unusual and well positioned base for exploration of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Ta Shebube Rooiputs
One of just three private lodges in the Kgalagadi, Ta Shebube Rooiputs offers a well-appointed base from where you can explore this delightful National Park.
Mata Mata Rest Camp
On the western border of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Mata Mata Restcamp offers camping and simple self-catering chalets, great for adventurous travellers on self-drive explorations of this park.
Nossob Rest Camp
A basic but very well positioned rest camp within the heart of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Simple self-catering accommodation is available as well as camping options
Gharagab Camp
Gharagab Wilderness Camp is located in a remote corner of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is wonderful if you like wilderness areas. However, access takes time - so it's not the best base for exploring the park.
Bitterpan Camp
Bitterpan is a basic self-catering camp in the Kgalagadi's central dune-field; it suits experienced self-drivers comfortable with remote travel.
Grootkolk Camp
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp has quirky sand-bag self-catering accommodation and simple amenities, offering a comfortable place to stay while exploring the north western Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
!Xaus Lodge
!Xaus Lodge mixes guided wildlife safaris with very good community interactions, suiting those who prefer not to drive and cater for themselves.
Ta Shebube Polentswa
Although accessed via South Africa, Ta Shebube Polentswa is situated just across the border, in a private concession on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Urikaruus Camp
Urikaruus is one of the most popular wilderness camps in the Kgalagadi National Park with lovely riverside cabins set high up on stilts overlooking the Auob riverbed.
Kielie Krankie Camp
Perched high atop a huge red sand dune, the small Kielie Krankie wilderness camp it is well positioned for accessing both east and west sides of the Kgalagadi National Park.
Molopo Lodge
Less than an hours' drive from the Kgalagadi, this makes a good base near to the park if you're arriving late in the afternoon.
