At Tswalu, South Africa's largest private nature reserve, the mesmerising Kalahari desert sets an awe-inspiring scene for exclusive safari adventures. It’s, therefore, no wonder that their newly added luxury micro-camp, Loapi, blends seamlessly with the savannah, promising guests an experience that's intimately immerse in nature.
Named after the Setswana word meaning ‘the space below the clouds,’ Loapi is inspired by the nomadic and environmentally conscious spirit of camping, keeping guests connected with the stunning wilderness through panoramic windows, shaded outdoor decks and sustainable, locally sourced materials.
Masterminded by Cape Town’s GAPP Architects, with cosy and comfortable interiors by Gregory Mellor Design, the six individual tented safari villas – tucked into the valley of the Korannaberg Mountains – are spacious standalone camps that combine eco-friendly, low-impact tourism with high-quality design. Loapi features sustainable solutions such as energy-saving air-conditioning, solar-powered pumps for the water-conscious plunge pool, and insulated walls to aid temperature regulation.
"The overarching design philosophy was that the new camp needed to be as low impact as possible, to reflect Tswalu's ongoing commitment to sustainability and the owners’ vision of regeneration of the environment," Sally Tsiliyiannis of GAPP Architects tells AD. The modular tent design – combining canvas, steel and glass – was largely manufactured off-site, to minimise the construction-based disruption and protect the iconic shepherd’s trees in the valley. “The main design intent was that – should it ever be required – it would be possible to take the built structure apart and cart it away, leaving the environment exactly as it was found."
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The perfect antidote to the adrenaline-pumping South African safari drives, the camp's interiors were imagined as relaxing sanctuaries where visitors could appreciate the local culture, craft – and even wildlife spotting – from an artfully curated vantage point.
The warm and earthy tones – expressed through natural materials like locally sourced wood, stone, brass and clay – offer the perfect place to rest between activities, whether you fancy a quick dip in the pool or a well-earned nightcap by the fire pit after dinner.
The design is minimal but layered, with pops of over-scaled art and ceramics, huge Swazi tapestries and entire walls of carved wooden panels crafted by African artisans taking centrestage. A mix of textures, from smooth to rugged, recreates the sensations of the outdoors inside.
“The landscape of the Kalahari is the real star here,” says Marc du Toit of Gregory Mellor Design Interiors. “Because there is this extreme contrast between the blue sky and the red sand of the earth, we thought that instead of having very opposing tones, why not have multiple shades of the same colour palette?” As a result, colours flow into each other, with gradual progression through warm ambers, ochre and beiges, going into the dark browns, charcoal and black.
“All the furniture is quite robust, organically shaped and chunky. And we've left a lot of space between the furniture and the art, to avoid any overwhelming or crowded areas. Negative space was as important as the actual furniture,” he added. “Whenever we tackle a project, it's very important for us to have local context, so Loapi had to feel African. We wanted it to be contemporary, with touches from the region, but ultimately, we wanted the interior to take a backseat to the vastness of the landscape.”
What makes the Tswalu Reserve experience so unique is the privacy and personalisation afforded to each guest. With the addition of Loapi to the two existing communal camps – Motse and Tarkuni – the entire 114,000 hectares site now hosts only 40 guests at one time.
At Loapi, the villas are at least 50 metres apart to ensure solitude and each home comes with a private support team – a homathi (butler) and chef, a private vehicle, and the undivided attention of an experienced guide and tracker – ensuring each stay is an utterly bespoke adventure.
"Embracing a true wilderness experience, Loapi speaks to a much-needed change of pace for unscripted time in nature, with space to breathe out, be present, and reconnect with what truly matters.” Tswalu’s marketing and public relations director Russell Binks says. “The tented homes offer complete freedom to explore the reserve’s vastness and diversity at one's own pace, knowing that everything is being taken care of behind the scenes.”
Expect incredible meals using local ingredients – all sourced from or close to the reserve – alongside game meats, all of which are tailored to your preferences. Expertly crafted dishes, like the smoked ostrich with roasted butternut squash, carrot and ginger soup and springbok venison, combine African flavours and techniques with global flair.
Anyone staying two nights or longer will be treated to a multi-course, theatrical culinary experience at Klein JAN, a special concept created by Michelin Star-winning Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen staged at an ancient farmstead at the reserve. Here, native seasonal ingredients and captivating storytelling come together to craft life-long memories.
Most guests will typically set out on two drives each day (morning and late afternoon to early evening, or possibly a night run for nocturnal species), choosing what animals they want to spot. The black-maned Kalahari lions are a must-see, lazing in the sunshine, as well as the playful packs of African wild dogs, and an up-close experience with habituated meerkats.
The knowledge of the guides is incredible, spotting animals hidden in the bushes with practised ease and tracking wildlife across the reserve, all whilst imparting interesting facts about the habitual movements of the reserve’s cheetahs or identifying birdsong and listening for hushed footsteps.
With luck, adventurers might also spot the elusive black rhinos and leopards, but it’s impossible to leave disappointed, with giraffes, zebra, bat-eared foxes and various antelope species all thriving around the reserve.
Days spent at Tswalu also further the conservation efforts of the reserve, vital to protecting the fascinating flora and fauna of the region. If a magical stay at Loapi contributes to preserving our planet, who are we to say no?
