Excursion Overland experience: tswalu kalahari - safari of the spirit tour at Durban

Overland Experience: Tswalu Kalahari – Safari of the Spirit

Journey to the remote and soul-stirring landscapes of the southern Kalahari for an immersive safari at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa’s largest private wildlife sanctuary. This exclusive Overland Experience offers four days of intimate wildlife encounters, ecological discovery, and elevated hospitality at Tarkuni Homestead - a secluded luxury retreat set at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains.

Tswalu is more than a safari; it is a conservation-first experience. Covering 120,000 hectares (over 460 square miles), this vast reserve is a sanctuary for iconic wildlife, rare species, and ancient cultures. Guests enjoy access to game vehicle, guide, and tracker, as well as tailor-made experiences such as habituated meerkat visits, tracking pangolins and aardvarks, bushman rock art walks, horseback safaris, and stargazing from the dunes.

The experience is enhanced by a private chef, Boma-style dining, and a celebratory dinner at Restaurant Klein JAN, an award-winning culinary destination created by Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Your time at Tswalu is more than a retreat - it’s a contribution to the ongoing restoration of the Kalahari’s delicate ecosystem and culture. Every night spent here supports long-term conservation and community upliftment.

The Property

The entire homestead has been thoughtfully redesigned with sustainability in mind. All the bedrooms have spacious bathrooms and private verandahs. A graciously proportioned lounge and dining room with a feature back-to-back fireplace leads onto a deep, shaded veranda for easy, relaxed living around the water-wise plunge pool or at the sundowner fire pit. There is an intimate boma for barbecue dinners under the stars and a gazebo for massages or afternoon naps. There is also a spa treatment suite. Guests staying at Tarkuni have access to the Gym, Photographic Studio and the Gallery, a boutique stocked with art, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs, all located at the Motse.

FULL TOUR DESCRIPTION

(03MIDDUR-A) Overland Experience: Exclusive Tswalu Kalahari – Safari of the Spirit

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Departs from: Durban, Monday, April 27, 2026, at approximately 10.00 a.m.

Re-join ship: Port Elizabeth, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at approximately 3.30 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Silver Shore Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this program. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the program fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this program.

All Overland Experience fares are subject to change and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Overland Experiences are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Overland Experiences may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA and VACCINATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa and vaccination requirements. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas and vaccinations before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the South African Rand; however, Euros and US Dollars are accepted by most vendors. Credit cards are widely accepted at lodges and major stops.

DAY ONE – Monday, April 27, 2026 – Durban / Kalahari

Charter Flight to Tswalu Private Airstrip

Depart Durban by chartered flight to Tswalu’s private airstrip in the southern Kalahari.

Arrival and Transfer to Tarkuni Homestead

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your dedicated host and team. Settle into Tarkuni, your exclusive-use home in the reserve, featuring five suites, a plunge pool, shaded verandas, and private chef service.

Orientation and Sunset Game Drive

After high tea, head out on your first safari in a private open safari vehicle with your personal guide and tracker for the Tarkuni Homestead. Sundowners in the dunes cap off the evening.

Dinner at Tarkuni

Enjoy a relaxed dinner prepared by your private chef at the homestead’s veranda or intimate boma, with views of the starlit Kalahari sky.

Overnight accommodations in a Suite in Tswualu Tarkuni Lodge – Tswualu Private Wildlife Reserve

DAY TWO & THREE– Tuesday, April 28 & Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve

Early Morning Safari & Meerkat Encounter

Begin the day tracking wildlife or visiting the reserve’s habituated meerkat colonies, who are often up with the sun. Alternatively, track rare species like pangolin or aardvark.

Breakfast & Optional Activities

Return to Tarkuni for breakfast. Optional midday experiences include horseback riding, spa treatments (at additional fee), or visiting ancient rock art sites with a guide.

Afternoon Game Drive or Bush Walk

Choose a walking safari or enjoy a customized afternoon drive, focusing on birding, photography, or predator sightings.

Other activities available during your stay in Tarkuni include:

• Morning Exploration & Wildlife Research: Join researchers from the Tswalu Foundation for insight into current conservation projects, from predator monitoring to pangolin protection.
• Visit the Local Community: Tour the on-site clinic, pre-school, and community gardens, a core part of Tswalu’s community development mission.
• Afternoon Leisure or Additional Safari: The afternoon is yours - relax by the pool, visit the Photographic Studio, or head out again for more wildlife encounters.

Dinner at Klein JAN

This evening, dine at the exclusive Restaurant Klein JAN, a celebration of Kalahari terroir by Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.

Overnight accommodations in a Suite in Tswualu Tarkuni Lodge – Tswualu Private Wildlife Reserve

DAY FOUR – Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve / Port Elizabeth

Optional Sunrise Activity & Breakfast

Take one last sunrise safari or simply relax with coffee and panoramic views before your farewell breakfast.

Transfer to Airstrip and Flight to Port Elizabeth via a connecting flight in Johannesburg

Transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Johannesburg. Here you connect to your flight to Port Elizabeth, where you will be met and transferred back to your ship.

PLEASE NOTE:

This Overland Experience involves off-road travel in open vehicles, moderate walking over uneven terrain, and remote conditions. It is suitable only for physically active guests in good health. Not recommended for those with mobility issues, serious medical conditions, or motion sensitivity. The Kalahari is a malaria-free area. Children under 12 are not permitted at Restaurant Klein JAN. Safari sightings are not guaranteed. Weather may impact some outdoor dining and safari elements. Flights to and from Tswalu may be shared charters and have baggage restrictions (soft-sided luggage only; 20 kg max per person including carry-on).

Program Includes:

• Three nights’ luxury accommodation at Tarkuni Homestead, Tswalu
• Charter Flight from Durban / Tswalu Airstrip
• Seat in flight from Tswalu Airstrip to Johannesburg & a scheduled flight Johannesburg / Port Elizabeth
• Private safari vehicle, guide, and tracker for Tarkuni Homestead
• All meals, beverages, and dining experiences including Michelin Star Restaurant Klein JAN
• All scheduled safari activities and guided experiences
• Access to community and research projects
• Laundry, Wi-Fi, in-suite minibar and gourmet pantry
• All transfers and porterage

Not Included:

Gratuities, visas, personal expenses, premium spa treatments, optional boutique purchases, or meals not specifically listed above.