Tintswalo has expanded its safari portfolio with the opening of Tintswalo Scops Rest in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger. Named after the elusive Scops Owl native to the region, this exclusive-use bush villa brings a new level of privacy and luxury to one of South Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
The villa is designed for families and groups of up to eight guests who value exclusivity and comfort. Four en-suite bedrooms, generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, a private gym, and a swimming pool overlooking the wilderness create a refined, home-away-from-home setting. Guests set their own pace, with flexible schedules and spa treatments available on request, ensuring complete freedom in how each day unfolds.
For those seeking adventure, two private treehouses are available as optional sleep-outs under the African night sky. One overlooks the reserve’s largest dam, offering a rare chance to experience the sounds of hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife in their natural habitat.
Each stay includes the dedicated services of a private chef, butler, and professional safari guide, along with an exclusive safari vehicle for twice-daily Big 5 game drives or guided bush walks. Culinary offerings range from traditional bush breakfasts and boma dinners to elegant international menus prepared for the most discerning tastes, with all meals and house drinks included.
Children are welcomed at Tintswalo Scops Rest, where tailored bush activities foster a connection to nature and cultural exchanges such as pottery-making create meaningful experiences. Parents benefit from the option of childminding services, allowing for time to unwind or enjoy romantic evenings.
According to Tintswalo CEO Lisa Goosen, the property offers rare advantages that distinguish it within the safari landscape: convenient access just 30 minutes from Hoedspruit and Eastgate Airport, low vehicle density within the reserve, and Tintswalo’s exclusive 3,000 hectares of river frontage. “This new addition complements our portfolio by offering something truly unique for exclusive-use guests,” she explains. “With 10,000 hectares of traversing rights, including 18 kilometers along the perennial Klaserie River, we can provide unrushed, uninterrupted game viewing in a Big 5 territory that remains wild, free, and untouched.”
The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, established over 50 years ago through the unification of 36 private farms, today spans 60,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness. It shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, forming part of one of Africa’s most significant conservation corridors. The reserve protects endangered species, supports biodiversity, and sustains community initiatives, making Scops Rest not only a private luxury retreat but also a gateway to one of Africa’s most vital ecosystems.
