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Tarkuni Homestead

Last updated: 30 June, 2024

This private, malaria-free retreat of the Oppenheimer family is set in 100,000+ hectares of arid savanana, with only two other camps around. The setting is miles and miles of nothing but desert sands and golden grass – and pinky mountains in the distance.

With so much solitude, with very little light pollution, the star-gazing is fantastic, and evenings can be spent around a campfire, learning about galaxies. Their malori – or star-bed – has been constructed out in the dunes so you can take in the stars from bed, without creatures coming (too) near.

Game & game viewing

Tarkuni delivers an exotic mix of exciting game: desert rhino, black-maned desert lion, cheetah and meercats (some habituated, so children can get up close). At night, you can spot aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine and pangolin. There are more than 230 species of birds, including endangered raptors. It’s an arid savanna, so no water-dependent big mammals – elephant, crocodile and hippo.

Guides & guiding

Guides are generally good and knowledgeable and clearly enjoy having a mix of both anthropological sites and game to show guests. They’re passionate about the ecosystem – from rare desert plants to the Bushmen who lived here thousands of years ago (the wilderness is speckled with rock art and Stone Age arrows).

The Oppenheimers are keen horsemen – there is a stable housing some of the continent’s best horses, which can be taken into the savannah grasslands. A spectacular way to take in the scenery and wildlife.

Taking the kids

The Junior Ranger programme educates children about the desert: plants, creatures, track-identification, stars, and campfire cooking. There are babysitters, 24 hours a day.

Getting there

Flights take two hours from Cape Town or 90 minutes from Johannesburg, on Tswalu’s private plane.

Price

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General amenities

Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room amenities

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Hot tub (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed