Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
After nearly 24 years, I can honestly still say, I love my job! There have been a handful of projects along the way, that have attributed to this, and that is the reason for keeping my passion going and this particular one, was definitely one of them, and close to being at the top of my list of all-time favorites.
Loapi Tented Camp, located on the well-known Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the southern Kalahari. Backed by the foothills of the Korannaberg Mountains, Loapi is set to become Africa’s top luxury tented safari camp. Offering a true wilderness experience that is both private and exclusive, the camp’s six private safari homes under canvas are positioned to make the most of unimpeded views south across the reserve’s characteristic arid savannah. With at least 100 metres (330 feet) between each residence, guests are assured of solitude and seclusion with a dedicated Homathi (butler) and chef to take care of everything. In Setswana, Loapi means the space below the clouds’, aptly reflected in the camps environmentally sensitive, modular design, combining canvas, glass, and steel. Uncluttered, sculptural interiors, enriched by nature’s colours, forms, and shapes, optimise the sense of space and evoke the carefree, nomadic spirit of camping.
No doubt, the project came with its own set of challenges (as per any construction site), this one largely due to the uniqueness of the building structure, the remote location to facilitate and inspect works during construction, and the need to ensure that the final product accentuated the beautifully designed “tents” yet blended into the amazing setting. On the technical side, also ensuring that there is always power to the homes, primarily off the mini solar farm, located a couple of km’s away.
– Christine Binedell
The final product, after months of design & construction, being one of sure magnificence, delicate & bold in a single entity. None of this would have been possible without the owners of Tswalu and the appointed professional team.
Special word on thanks to the following:
* The Oppenheimer family for their investment and belief in Tswalu
* Peta Bank of Designbank – overall project manager and Tswalu client representative
* The Tswalu team for their passion and commitment in turning Loapi into a reality
All photographs taken by Andrew Morgan.
