Welcome to Motswari Private Game Reserve

Open to the Kruger National Park and playing host to Africa’s Big Five is Motswari Private Game Reserve. One of South Africa’s jewels nestled within the Timbavati Nature Reserve, this authentic safari lodge prides itself on its warm atmosphere and luxurious accommodation. The name Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana and the owners have held the name to be a promise to each of their future friends who arrive to share in the splendour of

an African sunset at this vintage bush lodge.

The driving force behind our establishment lies within our outlook. The owners of Motswari, the Geiger family, are committed to service excellence in all aspects of day-to-day running of

the lodge.

LocationMotswari is situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, itself part of the Greater Kruger National Park Conservancy, some six hours drive from Johannesburg. Road transfers from Hoedspruit (the closest),

Nelspruit and Phalaborwa Airports can be arranged at the time of booking.

Motswari also has a private airstrip which can be used by private or chartered airplanes.

WildlifeAll of Africa’s Big Five are abundant in the area, as are countless numbers of other naturally-occurring African Plains Game, which traverse the open boundary between Motswari and the Kruger National Park. Our guides are residents of the area and have, in addition to the scientific knowledge that we encourage them to attain, an intimate experience of the location and wildlife

that comes from a lifetime of co-existence with their surrounds.

Supporting the Big Five are many other species of wildlife, including cheetah and wild dogs and herbivores from the antelope and gazelle family. There are a variety of nocturnal animals which make our sunset drives completely different from their daytime equivalent which include, but are not limited to, hyena, honey-badger, civet, the bush-baby and owls. The avian population is unrivalled for the avid birdwatcher, with well over 350 different species to be spotted year-round. Taken all together this is an unmatched chance to view the splendour of all manner of creatures

unique to the continent.

A professional game ranger will accompany you on two daily game drives in your own luxury open Land Rover. You could also decide to take a safari walk with a ranger to understand the

smaller details of the eco system.

Our EthosWe are conscious of our Motswari carbon footprint and continue to strive to ensure the preservation of

our natural resources and environment.

Motswari has incorporated Responsible Tourism as a key principle in our operating philosophy by further providing employment and opportunities for locals in the region since its inception. We are constantly on the lookout for ways in which we can assist the community surrounding our fair slice of Africa. Our employees are much more than simply workers as here at Motswari everyone is treated as a member of the family. This shows in the tight-knit way that we all interact with each other and with our visitors who

always leave us reluctantly, having come to relish the friendships they have forged during their stay.

Motswari Private Game Reserve is accredited by both Fair Trade in Tourism, South Africa (FTTSA), and Green Globe, although we have upheld these ideals since before the founding of these organisations. We are also proudly dedicated to the preservation of all forms of natural Southern African flora and fauna.

Inspired by wide horizons and wild animals, vivid birds and proud people, local artists produce truly original works of art which blend with nature in Motswari’s boma , bungalows and Art Garden. From decorative art to sculpture, from paintings to mobiles and weavings, the impact of this unforgettable

place is filtered through the consciousness of people who know and love it.

“Arrive as a visitor, leave as a friend”

This sentiment is the hallmark of our traditional camp that conjures up elements of African nostalgia, romance and charm, and combines these with warm, personal touches to provide you with a sophisticated, yet unobtrusive commune with nature. Motswari has minimized any man-made gardens to bring the wild bush to your doorstep. The accommodation is luxurious, yet relaxed and understated. With 15 en-suite bungalows, each with air-conditioning, and all offering unrivalled bush or river views, guests enjoy a high level of comfort which complements our level of service excellence. The naturally-furnished interiors of each bungalow reflect the wonders of nature that

exist just outside the windows.

The heart of the camp is a large open veranda lounge overlooking the Sohebele River with a curio shop, a bar and a rim-flow pool to relax the afternoon away. There is also an art gallery/library

where guests can access the Internet.

Meals are served at different venues in camp but an African boma evening under the stars around an open fire with great South African wines is a perfect way to end a safari day.

Geiger’s Camp embodies African beauty, style and comfort. This camp stands as a true place of reflection and tranquillity, quietly nestled a few kilometres from the lodge. The Camp comprises two stone houses boasting a total of four spacious en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area and a swimming pool. Views of the Nhlaralumi River and the tree tops until horizon ends are breathtaking, and the

wrap-around patio is the perfect place for a sundowner drink.

Geiger’s Camp is furnished with eclectic antiques and meaningful collections are displayed. Rich textures and colours add to the warmth of the stones and wood, creating the overall feeling of wellbeing. This captures the spirit and soul of a period in African history that has long since perished. Step into another time when you stay here, with old-world bathrooms and brass taps. This

was a time of romance, of simplicity and a profound connection between man and nature.

The Camp is large enough to find privacy if you’d like to relax with a book, and small enough to take pleasure in the company of close friends and family. It has electricity (including an i-pod docking station), though the evening lighting is purposefully gentle and will be mainly provided

by candles and paraffin lamps.

Imagine waking up high up in a hide, in the middle of the African bush, watching the sun rise over the horizon and the wildlife environment coming to life, shedding the mysteries of the night in its cleansing embrace. That is exactly what the Motswari Giraffe’s Nest will offer guests who decide to spend a night overlooking

Xanatsi Dam, providing an experience that will live long in the memory.

Offering the comfort and indulgence of our main camp, you can relax on the sumptuous bed or in one of the cosy chairs on the viewing deck. Adding to your comfort is an eco-bathroom upstairs so there is no need to leave your platform above the landscape. For those looking for a truly unrivalled experience, be sure to leave the front section of the roof open so that you can enjoy the stars on a clear night from your bed or cover up in case of the threat of rain with the retractable canvass roof. You may be lucky to hear hyenas, a leopard or lions

calling or the nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars piercing the night.

As our guest, you will be escorted to the dam shortly before sunset, with our guide detailing the evening ahead before leaving you alone to enjoy the tranquillity and privacy of this amazing addition to the Motswari

portfolio until the following morning. Drinks and a delicious simple diner will be provided for you to enjoy.

An overnight walking safari has now been added to the Motswari experience for avid bush lovers. You can engage all five of your senses as you become one with nature on a footpath through untouched wilderness with one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides as they lead you through majestic scenery to come up close and personal with the Big (and small) Five. Along the way, your guides will share their knowledge whilst using their

experience to give a wonderfully natural insight that will further your own appreciation of the African bush.

Guests who choose to experience the overnight walking safari will leave the main lodge after lunch to a chosen destination from where they will walk with a guide, stopping to enjoy nature. On foot, life slows down and our senses are sharpened to absorb the smaller things that surround us and make up this incredibly diverse ecosystem. You will enjoy every moment of this walk in the wild until you spot a tented campsite tucked under trees, deep in the bush. Here your guide will prepare a delicious meal on a warming fire. This experience is for a maximum of two guests accommodated in one or two tents. The tents are equipped with

proper beds and all luxuries you may need including a bush bathroom.

After an exciting night surrounded by the many aural sounds of the African bush, you will be awakened with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Soon after you will then set-off from the camp, meandering through the bush for

another walk filled with adventure, before returning to the lodge for brunch.

Tel +27 21 427 5900 Fax +27 21 427 5900

Email reservations@motswari.co.za www.newmarkhotels.com

Head Office 16 Hilton Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, South Africa

Postal Address PO Box 2, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa

Lodge Tel +27 15 793 1718 Lodge Email reception@motswari.co.za

www.motswari.co.za | www.motswariblog.co.za