Built on the largest private game reserve in South Africa, within the vast Kalahari ecosystem, Tarkuni Lodge is an exclusive-use villa that offers small groups and families a tailor-made desert and wilderness experience. The private homestead has a dedicated staff, and you and your family have the luxury of designing your itinerary. Game drives are tailored to the group’s interests, and you can discover some of the Kalahari’s habitats and wildlife including meerkats, pangolins, aardvarks, wild dogs, black rhinos, and black-maned lions.

Flexibility in the daily schedule makes Tarkuni ideal for families, and children are welcomed with a backpack of goodies and can enjoy fun-filled activities such as archery, spoor identification and casting, tracking games, and picnics. The award-winning spa allows parents to take some well-deserved time off, and signature therapies incorporate elements of the Kalahari - think desert mineral crystals, indigenous aloe treatments, and mineral-rich red dune sand.

Highlights

• Sleeps 10 in complete privacy
• Personal guide, tracker, chef & host
• Track desert & endangered animals like lions & rhinos
• Massive private reserve to explore
• Horse riding, balloon safaris & nature walks
• Archery, cooking lessons, children’s boma & babysitting
• Spa room, library & games room

Activities

• STAR GAZING
• HORSE RIDING
• BUSH DINING
• SUNDOWNERS
• PICNICS
• GAME DRIVES

One of my favorite places on earth, Tarkuni epitomizes the best of what the Kalahari has to offer. You will be treated like royalty and surely shed a heartfelt tear when you leave as a family.

Rooms

Tarkuni Private Homestead

The main bedroom at Tarkuni Lodge features a double bed as well as comfortable seating and study areas. You have a full en suite bathroom with bath and indoor and outdoor showers. Slide back the room’s large glass doors and you step out onto a private balcony with exquisite Kalahari views.

The other four bedrooms have either double or twin beds and a similar design to the main bedroom, featuring an en suite bathroom plus an outdoor balcony.

All the en suite bathrooms at Tarkuni have been refurbished and feature bathtubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Fluffy white towels and dressing gowns are a welcome feature and you have a range of complimentary luxury toiletries.

There are several outside areas for guests to relax, sunbathe, read, dine, and socialize. A large wooden deck, complete with sun loungers and shade umbrellas, sits around the swimming pool; guests can also make use of private dining platforms, a fire pit encircled by comfortable chairs, and the outdoor barbeque station.

Facilities

Tarkuni Lodge is nestled between two mountain ranges and the spacious home features an outdoor swimming pool and deck, five bedroom suites, en suite bathrooms with outdoor walk-in showers, and two plush lounges with open fireplaces. Shady verandas with daybeds and alfresco furniture ensure there is always a quiet spot to relax with a good book, and the dedicated staff - including a private chef, host, and ranger - will ensure you enjoy a leisurely time in the Kalahari.

Dining

Gourmet cuisine features classic South African fare with an elegant and contemporary twist on traditions and flavors. Because Tarkuni has a private chef, you can enjoy meals at the location and time of your choosing, and there are also traditional boma barbeques under the stars, as well as private dining in scenic locations. An award-winning wine list allows you to select the perfect accompaniments for a memorable dining experience.