Tswalu Kalahari Riding Experience
Five Days Riding the Red Dunes of Africa’s Largest Private Reserve
Overview
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa’s largest private reserve — over 1,200 square kilometres of rolling red dunes, golden grasslands, and ancient mountains on the edge of the southern Kalahari. Horse riding is one included activity within a fully inclusive private safari, where every booking receives a dedicated 4x4, guide, and tracker. This is not an expedition; it is the gentlest way to add mounted exploration to Africa’s most exclusive safari experience.
Rides traverse Kalahari grasslands and rolling dunes, typically framed as gentle, immersive exploration rather than high-speed riding. Longer rides travel west across dunes for sunset drinks or toward the Malori sleep-out deck. Between rides, your private vehicle opens access to black-maned lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, desert black rhinos, meerkats, and the elusive nocturnal mammals — aardvark, pangolin, aardwolf — that make Tswalu legendary.
Who It's For
Intermediate-to-expert riders seeking a luxury private safari with horseback riding as a highlight rather than the sole activity. Ideal for honeymooners and couples who want world-class riding in a broader safari context. Not a dedicated riding expedition.
Package Highlights
Kalahari Dune Rides
Ride across red dunes and golden grasslands in Africa’s largest private reserve
Meerkat Encounters
Habituated meerkat colonies — Tswalu’s signature wildlife experience
Malori Sleep-Out
Optional open-air sleep-out deck under Kalahari stars
Rare Wildlife
Black-maned lions, pangolin, aardvark, desert black rhino
Fully Inclusive Luxury
All meals, South African wines, private guide and vehicle included
Sunset Dune Rides
Long rides west across the dunes culminating in sundowners
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Tswalu’s private airstrip and transfer to The Motse, the reserve’s flagship lodge. Meet your dedicated guide and tracker, settle into your suite, and enjoy an afternoon game drive to orient yourself to the Kalahari landscape — red sand roads, camel thorn trees, and the chance of cheetah or gemsbok on the open plains.
🏨 Accommodation: The Motse (4 nights)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
The Motse
📍 Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Northern Cape, South Africa
Tswalu’s flagship lodge on the edge of the southern Kalahari — spacious legae suites of stone, thatch, and glass facing red dunes and golden grassland. Every stay includes a private vehicle, guide, and tracker, with horse riding among the activities alongside drives, walks, and meerkat encounters.
From $1,875 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic Kalahari
(~$1,875/night)
Four nights at The Motse with a private vehicle, guide, and tracker — riding, drives, walks, and meerkat encounters fully inclusive.
Get QuoteSignature Suite
(~$2,450/night)
Four nights in a larger family or premium suite — more space, flexible dining, and the Malori sleep-out deck subject to availability.
Get QuoteExclusive Use
(~$3,375/night)
Sole-use Tarkuni homestead-style exclusivity for private groups — dedicated guiding team and completely bespoke daily programme.
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 4 nights luxury accommodation at The Motse
- ✓ All meals, soft drinks, local spirits, South African wines, and beer
- ✓ Private 4x4 vehicle with dedicated guide and tracker
- ✓ Horseback riding with experienced horse guide
- ✓ Game drives, guided walks, meerkat encounters
- ✓ Return charter flights Johannesburg ↔ Tswalu
- ✓ Malori sleep-out deck (subject to availability)
- ✓ Laundry service
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to/from Johannesburg
- ✗ Comprehensive travel insurance
- ✗ Premium imported spirits and champagne
- ✗ Gratuities
- ✗ Spa treatments
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The Kalahari rides year-round, but the May–October dry season offers cool mornings, comfortable riding, and game concentrated around water; summer (November–March) is hotter with green landscapes and dramatic skies.
Why Choose This Package
Riding Within Ultra-Luxury
Add gentle, immersive horseback exploration to a stay at South Africa’s largest private reserve — over 1,200 square kilometres.
Your Own Safari Team
Every booking includes a private 4x4, guide, and tracker, so riding sits alongside drives, walks, and meerkat encounters at your pace.
Extraordinary Wilderness
Rolling red dunes and golden grassland home to black-maned lions, cheetah, and desert-adapted species — viewed responsibly.
Malaria-Free & Accessible
Direct charter flights from Johannesburg and a malaria-free reserve make this an easy, family-friendly luxury option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Tswalu Kalahari Riding Experience?
From $7,500 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates