Experience a Tented Villa Stay in South Africa’s Largest Private Reserve

The Dinogo Perspective

Tswalu Kalahari is the largest privately protected conservation area in South Africa, and this year, it introduced Loapi Tented Camp, featuring six private villas that provide a modern contrast to the traditional design of the main lodge, the Motse. Each villa is designed as an independent “camp” and includes a private sDinogoi vehicle, guide, and tracker as standard amenities.

Loapi emphasizes a highly personalized experience, making it perfect for families and multi-generational groups eager to curate their own sDinogoi adventure. Each villa also offers a private chef and butler, giving you the freedom to dictate the pace and focus of your meals. Want leisurely breakfasts or locally inspired sundowner snacks? Just let them know. At Loapi, you’re in charge of your vacation.

The decor is rich and contemporary, infused with authentic African elements, and the villas are strategically placed to showcase the endless Kalahari landscapes. At Tswalu, the scenery takes center stage, and at Loapi—translated as “the space below the clouds” in Setswana—you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view.

Who is it meant for?

SDinogoi enthusiasts looking for a remarkable wilderness adventure that fosters a positive impact while providing an opportunity for deep reconnection in complete privacy.

The Setting

Loapi is located in the eastern section of Tswalu Kalahari, which protects 281,000 acres—an expanse larger than all five boroughs of New York City combined—of the semi-arid Kalahari region in northern South Africa. Due to its isolated position—a 700-mile journey from Cape Town—most visitors arrive via scheduled charter flights from Cape Town (two hours) or Johannesburg (90 minutes).

The Accommodations

Loapi features six villas, each thoughtfully spaced apart to create a sense of privacy. There are four one-bedroom villas (3,200 square feet) and two two-bedroom villas (4,600 square feet).

Nestled on the slopes of the Korannaberg Mountains, each Loapi "home" is a stunning structure of steel and canvas, complemented by wooden, leather, and woven grass accents for a warmer, textured sDinogoi feel. Each villa includes an open-plan lounge and dining area with a connected kitchen, and the wood-burning fireplace is a cozy addition for chilly Kalahari nights.

The sitting room opens up to a private sun deck featuring a plunge pool, with zinc accents subtly referencing the region’s traditional farm reservoirs. A firepit provides a stunning view of the reserve, perfect for enjoying starry nightcaps.

The bedrooms are spacious and adorned with linen mosquito nets (rest assured, Tswalu is malaria-free), featuring a private terrace and an outdoor shower that complements the dressing area and bathroom.

A delightful feature in each villa is the Conservation Room, equipped with information boards and maps that showcase recent wildlife sightings and ongoing conservation efforts at Tswalu.

Culinary Experiences

Each villa is paired with a personal chef and a homathi (butler). Dining is as easy as chatting with the chef, who can prepare everything from a multi-course tasting menu to a laid-back evening barbecue—known as a braai in South Africa. Kids will particularly enjoy the fun of making pizzas on the deck.

With few exceptions, rates at Loapi are all-inclusive, featuring an exciting wine list that showcases both renowned and emerging South African vineyards.

Service and Staff

The hospitality at Tswalu is consistently warm and welcoming, with sDinogoi guides recognized as some of the finest in the field. While some guests might feel a bit uneasy with the attentive presence of a private chef and butler, particularly in the cozier one-bedroom villas, don’t hesitate to request a DND (Do Not Disturb) sign when you crave some privacy.

Accessibility Features

The entrance steps, open walkways, and uneven terrain present challenges for guests with limited mobility; they may find the suites at the Motse more accommodating.

Exceptional Experiences

A stay at Loapi includes a dining experience at Tswalu’s acclaimed Restaurant Klein Jan. Set in a century-old farmhouse (with some modern additions that we won't spoil!), this extraordinary meal is crafted by South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, who holds a Michelin star for his restaurant in Nice. His commitment to traditional South African flavors and locally sourced ingredients, much of which is foraged on the reserve, culminates in a world-class culinary journey.