Tswalu falls within the arid savanna biome of southern Africa and has three main habitats – dunes, plains and Korannaberg mountains. The presence of these mountains form a huge basin which acts as a natural rainfall catchment. This provides a healthy water table and encourages a large, successful diversity of life - with about 80 species of mammals and 240 species of birds. The main focus of the Tswalu Kalahari tourism experience is to expose guests to the wonders of the Kalahari ecosystem. Our guides are encouraged to explore all aspects of this ecosystem including plant life, insects, birds, reptiles and the smaller mammals and to help our guests to understand the importance of conservation with particular reference to Tswalu’s vast and unique wilderness. Rare and endangered species. While Tswalu is home to most of the "charismatic" African big game species such as lion, cheetah, wild dog, desert black rhino and buffalo, Tswalu has developed into a vast area of unique biodiversity and natural beauty which offers safe haven to a number of rare and endangered species, including pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf, African wild dog, rare antelope such as roan, sable and tsessebe and endangered raptors.
Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, there is nowhere like Cape Town. Cape Town, the "Mother City", is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. The unique topography of the region makes it easy to orientate oneself as long as you remember that with Table Mountain behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa.
De Kelders is a small town in Walker Bay, about two hours drive from Cape Town. Protected coves and inlets provide the ideal conditions for Southern Right Whales to mate and give birth, and, every year between July and November, these giant creatures can be spotted in the waters. A collection of caves offer much to explore; at Klipgat, some of the oldest human remains and stone artefacts have been found; while Drup Kelders presents a freshwater pool cave perfect for swimming and decorated by striking stalagmites and stalactites. The tranquil cove at Standford’s Bay is another perfect place to swim, surrounded by 150-year-old fig trees. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, angling, quad biking, and horse riding in the area, and the exquisite natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Make sure to visit one of the local restaurants, too, which serve up wonderful fresh seafood.
