Tswalu, up close
South Africa’s largest private reserve, for tracking black-maned lions, pangolins and aardvarks, and sitting beside a habituated meerkat colony at dawn.
Black-maned Kalahari lions, habituated meerkats, sleeping under the Milky Way, and elephant super-herds at Madikwe
See Pricing & Inclusions ↓OverviewDesigned for sophisticated safari connoisseurs seeking rare wildlife species, absolute privacy, and stunningly unique landscapes. This circuit contrasts the vast terracotta sand dunes of the southern Kalahari Desert with the rugged volcanic ridges of Madikwe — South Africa's largest private reserves, where crowds simply do not exist. Travelling via private aviation, you track highly elusive creatures including the desert black-maned lion, pangolins, aardvarks, and African wild dogs. Signature touches include sleeping under the Milky Way on an open-air luxury star-bed and floating over the desert dunes at dawn. This package is perfect for seasoned travellers who have already experienced the classic safari and now seek something truly unique and exclusive — and being entirely malaria-free at Madikwe, it is also ideal for families.
Tswalu Kalahari: South Africa's largest private reserve, tracking black-maned lions, pangolins, and aardvarks
Whisky and gin sundowner atop a brilliant red Kalahari dune as the sun dips below the desert horizon
Sitting quietly beside a habituated meerkat colony as they forage and play around your feet at dawn
Sleeping on Tswalu's luxury Malori star-bed deck under an unpolluted Milky Way
Sunrise hot-air balloon over the sprawling ancient red dunes of the southern Kalahari
Madikwe Game Reserve: malaria-free, with famous wild dog packs and large rhino populations
Tracking elephant super-herds of over a hundred individuals converging at Madikwe's dams
Exclusive Batswana cultural heritage tour with traditional folklore storytelling and dance

Tswalu: the rarest wildlife in Africa — black-maned lions, pangolins, aardvarks, and wild dogs in total privacy
Habituated meerkat colony encounter — one of the most charming wildlife experiences in Africa
Sleeping under the Milky Way on a luxury open-air star-bed — a genuinely unforgettable night
Madikwe's elephant super-herds — sometimes over a hundred individuals at a single waterhole
Madikwe is malaria-free, making this circuit ideal for families and malaria-sensitive travellers
Exclusive Batswana cultural tour with traditional storytelling and dance performance
Johannesburg · Tswalu Kalahari Reserve · Madikwe Game Reserve
VIP tarmac handling expedites you through customs at OR Tambo. private guide transfer to a high-end boutique estate. Early arrivals enjoy a private tour of the city's high-end art galleries or a diamond-tasting experience. An intimate fine-dining welcome dinner, where you meet your private pilot for a briefing on the journey ahead.

Private charter west to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve — South Africa's largest private reserve. Flying over changing landscapes from urban Johannesburg to the expansive desert-adapted paradise of the southern Kalahari. Check-in at Tswalu Motse, designed to blend seamlessly with the desert. Late afternoon private game drive on the reserve's vast red sand dunes. Premium South African single-malt whiskies and locally infused gins served atop a brilliant red dune as the Kalahari sun dips below the horizon.

A full day with your private tracker team exploring the vast expanse of Tswalu — tracking some of Africa's most elusive and rare species: black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, aardvarks, pangolins, and endangered African wild dogs. Unmatched opportunities to see these creatures far from any other vehicles. Your safari vehicle is stocked with an espresso machine, crystal glassware, and an artisanal picnic lunch.

Rising before dawn to sit quietly beside a habituated meerkat colony, watching them emerge from burrows to forage and play around your feet — a completely undisturbed natural encounter. A luxury continental breakfast basket served directly on the Kalahari sand dunes. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight: Tswalu's luxury Malori star-bed deck, sleeping safely under the unpolluted night sky with the Milky Way stretching endlessly above.

Rising before dawn for a hot-air balloon flight over the sprawling ancient red dunes of the southern Kalahari, watching geometric desert vegetation patterns unfold beneath you in golden light. After landing: a champagne toast and gourmet bush brunch. Afternoon: private charter northeast to Madikwe Game Reserve, malaria-free and set against the rugged Dwarsberg mountains. Check-in at Molori Safari Lodge.

Morning and evening game drives across the rugged volcanic terrain of Madikwe — tracking famous packs of African wild dogs and large populations of black and white rhinos against the dramatic Dwarsberg backdrop. Exceptional crowd-free game viewing. Late afternoon: a panoramic ridge sundowner with premium cocktails and gourmet canapés as the sun sets over the vast bushveld.

A private behind-the-scenes briefing with the reserve's anti-poaching or ecological monitoring team on rhino conservation. Direct access to experts on the front line of protecting these endangered species. Afternoon at leisure: a luxury spa treatment back at the lodge, followed by a private dinner on your suite's deck overlooking the waterhole.

Tracking the elephant super-herds that gather at Madikwe's large dams — sometimes numbering over a hundred individuals converging at the water's edge. The day culminates in a majestic open-air bonfire dinner around a roaring fire pit on a panoramic viewing deck overlooking a high-traffic waterhole, the sounds of the African night surrounding you.

A carefully curated cultural experience interacting privately with Batswana community elders and historians — traditional Tswana customs, cattle-centric history, and basket-weaving techniques. The highlight: a private performance of traditional folklore storytelling and dance — vibrant and deeply moving. A dignified, educational encounter ensuring total privacy and mutual respect. Farewell multi-course dinner paired with vintage wines.

A final relaxed game drive and luxury breakfast overlooking the African bush. Charter back to Johannesburg. Complementary spa session at your city hotel. International departure the following day.

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.
Tailor This Journey →



The Kalahari’s red dunes and meerkats at Tswalu, then malaria-free Madikwe for wild dogs and rhino.
South Africa’s largest private reserve, for tracking black-maned lions, pangolins and aardvarks, and sitting beside a habituated meerkat colony at dawn.
A whisky and gin sundowner atop a red Kalahari dune, a night on the star-bed deck beneath the Milky Way, and a sunrise balloon over the ancient dunes.
Molori Safari Lodge in a malaria-free reserve famous for its wild dog packs and large rhino populations, with a look at conservation work behind the scenes.
Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit
Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.
30% off the single supplement
Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.
Bring three, the fourth travels free
Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.
The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.
Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.
Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.
Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.
Varies by camp, activity and national park
Duffel, safari hat, vest and hooded jumper
Malaria-risk areas are limited and avoidable
Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Winelands are malaria-free year-round. Only the low-lying Kruger and northern KwaZulu-Natal reserves carry seasonal malaria risk — your specialist will advise if prophylaxis is needed for your specific route.
Visa-free for most nationalities
Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group