The Offbeat Goat Collection

Tarkuni Homestead

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

South Africa / Tswalu Kalahari Reserve / Tarkuni Homestead

A splurge-worthy desert-chic homestead in the grasslands of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Nestled in a fairy-tale valley carpeted with wild grasses, silvery scrub, and red sand, Tarkuni oozes sumptuous elegance with an out-of-Kalahari twist. Recently renovated by project architect Adrian Davidson, the sustainably designed thatch and stone homestead integrates nature into its build, optimizing light and air circulation and embracing a less is more mantra.

And smack dab in the heart of the unspoiled Tswalu reserve, far off the trodden path, Tarkuni is all about low-impact, high-quality tourism. And aside from a few rogue 4-legged friends, don’t expect any signs of civilization out here.

Screen Shot 2022-02-12 at 2.42.22 PM.png

“Tarkuni’s timely renovation was as much about being more sustainable and less consumptive as it was about meeting the needs of a new generation of travellers.”

—Tarkuni Homestead

See prices

the look.

Situated in the heart of the unspoiled Tswalu reserve, surrounded by silvery shrubs, red sands, and undulating hills, Tarkuni is a site to behold and stunning inside and out. Recently renovated, the stone, thatch, and wood homestead are lavishly decorated with bespoke African décor, glittering chandeliers, and uber-chic furnishings. A patina of warm woods, earthy tones, and impeccable safari-chic aesthetics define each room, with expansive windows blurring the boundaries between inside and out.

the experience.

game viewing

Join immersive safaris that are all about “slow and intentional” game viewings. Or grab your riding gear and track wildlife on horseback in the vast bush. And don’t miss the early morning coffee by the fire pit before heading out on a game drive.

conservation stories

Educate yourself on conservation practices with resident ecologists who love spotlighting Tswalu’s conservation initiatives.

star beds

Snooze away in one of the property’s starbeds under the Kalahari skies.

gourmet feasts

Discover your inner foodie by feasting on gourmet dishes prepared from scratch.

relax + mingle

Indulge in an afternoon siesta on one of the teak day beds by the pool.

Eco-design

Thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings, utilizing all organic materials in its build. Recent renovations focused on opening up the homestead to more natural light and improving the use of its resources.

Conservation-driven

Tarkuni's approach to tourism, emphasizing low impact and high value, contributes to funding the conservation efforts that define its very existence.

Awareness-building

Functions as a research center (funded by the Tswalu Foundation) that facilitates projects educating and building awareness for the impact of climate change on the surrounding ecosystem.

Community-focused

Committed to positively impacting the livelihoods of local communities and strengthening local and regional cultural heritage. Active in supporting a primary health care center for the local community. The Tracker Academy also trains Kalahari’s Khomani San (Bushmen) communities to be trackers.