Northern Cape Camps & Lodges
The Northern Cape is a vast stretch of semi-desert and a wild western coast that is known for its abundant fishing grounds. This is one of the best regions to view San rock art which was painted on cave walls and rocky overhangs centuries ago. In the western area, Namaqualand is known for the extravagant beauty of the wild flowers that bloom in the spring. 
The city of Kimberly is well known as the place where diamonds were discovered in the 1870s. Visitors can view the mining museum and the “Big Hole” the sight of the richest diamond mine. The industry has now created The Kimberly Accord to self-regulate the industry and prevent the trade of conflict stones. There are wildlife sanctuaries and private reserves here in this sparsely populated section of the country that offer great get-aways.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Set at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains near the border with Botswana is Tswalu, the largest privately-owned game reserve in South Africa. This land, currently owned by Nicky Oppenheimer's family, is a conservation success story, since these 250,000 acres have undergone a dramatic recovery since the mid-1990s. Thousands of indigenous game animals have been successfully re-introduced including the rare desert black rhino, sable and roan antelope, Cape buffalo, lion and cheetah. The Reserve was awarded the 2006 “First Choice Responsible Tourism Award” for best conservation of an endangered species. This area is the ancestral home to the San Bushman.
Tswalu Motse and Tswalu Tarkuni
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Winner of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Global Environmental Trophy in 2006, this property offers luxury and solitude in a beautifully remote setting. The emphasis at Tswalu is on unparalleled exclusivity and personal service, which is why the entire reserve can accommodate no more than 30 people at a time.
The Motse is made up of eight authentically stone walled bungalows with thatch roofs where no creature comfort has been spared. Designed to blend into the mountains, the décor is African style with understated elegance.
Tarkuni, is a separate dwelling on the reserve that is ideal for groups of 8 to 12 people who desire even more privacy and personal service. The accommodation contains four luxury bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor heated shower, open plan lounge and dining room, library, covered patio and heated swimming pool. Special accommodation for children is available, with separate nanny quarters.
Activities in this malaria-free reserve include game drives, bird watching, visits to the habituated meerkat dens, guided horseback trail riding and game walks, excellent stargazing and spa treatments. Tswalu operates its own air shuttle that flies directly to the reserve daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Tswalu also offers destination wedding packages.
November, 2008 Update: Tarkuni will be closed for renovation from January 15 to March, 2009. The result will be a 5-suite, exclusive use acommodation for 10 guests.
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