Private and serene, Motswari Private Game Reserve is small and intimate with no more than 30 guests present at any one time, allowing for peace and quiet aplenty. Family-run and All Inclusive, you’ll enjoy Southern African hospitality at its best here. Individual bungalows, each slightly different, offer a superior level of comfort with luxurious bathrooms and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness from your terrace. The owner has personally added her own unique touch with individual art pieces across the property. Extended game-drives at sunrise and sunset allow plenty of opportunity to spot the 'Big Five' as does a guided walk through the Savannah with one of the resort’s highly experienced and very friendly trail guides. If the sun feels too warm, it’s not a problem, enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool any time of day. There’s also a lovely lounge area overlooking a waterhole where you can admire the visiting wildlife as you relax. Meals are served in the lounge or in the boma, a traditional fire side meeting place. Season dependent, you can also head into the bush for a picnic style breakfast or an early evening dinner under the stars.
Amenities
Safari
Bar
Internet Access
Laundry Service
Restaurant
Swimming Pool
Near National Park
Where is it
Set in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Kruger National Park Conservancy. Transfer time from Hoedspruit Airport: 50 minutes.
Hotel information
15 bungalows, 2 per unit. All with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a terrace offering unrivalled bush views, safe, hairdryer and some with outdoor shower offering a serene and peaceful environment. Standard Rooms are naturally furnished to reflect the African surrounds with 1 king-size bed or twin beds, generous sitting area and en-suite bathroom, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adult and 1 child.
All Inclusive of: all meals and soft drinks, local wines, beers and refreshments on game-drives. Daily game-drives and a guided safari walk.
Conservation fee is payable locally on departure.
Standard Interconnecting Rooms also available which are perfect for families, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children.
Geiger's Camp is a nestled a few kilometres from the main lodge and offers an escape to African beauty, tranquility and comfort. The lodge comprises of 2 stone houses with 4 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, a large communal lounge area/library and it's own swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Nhlaralumi River. Geiger's Camp is also available for exclusive hire - perfect for groups and families.
Why not spend a romantic night under the stars in your very own private treehouse? Add a night in the Giraffe’s Nest Treehouse to a stay in either camp.
Meals are served either in the lounge, inside the Boma or on the breakfast terrace. Bush breakfasts and dinners can be arranged locally. Bar. Infinity swimming pool. Library. Gift shop. Extended sunrise and sunset game-drives. Daily bush walks, bird watching and local community village tour. Giraffe's Nest Treehouse*. Complimentary WiFi access in the Indaba Room (public area). Library and art gallery. Curio shop. Laundry/dry-cleaning facility*.
2 nights between 1 May-30 Sep and 3 nights between 29 Dec-2 Jan.
* Denotes local charge.
Please note: children should be 6 years and older for game-drives, 12 years and older for bush walks and 18 years for the Giraffe's Nest Overnight Experience.
Please note: guests having dinner at Geiger’s Camp are requested to dress in smart/casual attire. Gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
Based on 1077 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (1005)
Very good (45)
Average (17)
Poor (8)
Terrible (2)
Trip of a life time giving us the ability to see a variety of animals and enjoy time with family.
Jul 1, 2025449jackisCalgary, Canada
We had the best time at the Motswari game reserve. The staff made us feel very welcome like family. The meals were great, the rooms were comfortable and views were amazing with Elephants, Mongoose and Impala visible right on the grounds. Our guide Owen and his tracker George were great, always providing tons of information on the animals and plant…
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We had the best time at the Motswari game reserve. The staff made us feel very welcome like family. The meals were great, the rooms were comfortable and views were amazing with Elephants, Mongoose and Impala visible right on the grounds. Our guide Owen and his tracker George were great, always providing tons of information on the animals and plant life. Making an effort to find all big 5 and other animals on our game drives. I came to see Giraffes and I saw so much more.
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A home away from home...
Jul 1, 2025Sunshine65980291602
Going into the trip we did not know what to expect, but from the moment we stepped into reception we received the most wonderful welcome. The staff really is what makes one's stay at Motswari. Each and everyone contributes to your stay in such a special way. We absolutely loved the food. It was the best food experience we had during our 5 night…
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Going into the trip we did not know what to expect, but from the moment we stepped into reception we received the most wonderful welcome. The staff really is what makes one's stay at Motswari. Each and everyone contributes to your stay in such a special way. We absolutely loved the food. It was the best food experience we had during our 5 night trip (3 nights were spent at Motswari). Our amazing guide Lola was such a joy to be around. She came with a wealth of knowledge along side the fantastic Thabo our tracker. Together they make a mean team and should we ever return we would definitely request for them again. We also want to give a special mention to the General Managers son (we did not catch his name), but this young gentleman was extremely professional, so kind, and always just on it with everything. Clearing dishes, asking if we wanted any drinks. Out of all the service staff his service was the best and we were really impressed with him. Overall we had a lovely experience and hope to return someday again!
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Motswari is Magical!
Jun 25, 2025granitecityrollerAberdeen
We had a fabulous 4 night stay at Motswari in May. We loved the place as soon as we arrived. The staff are wonderful- warm, friendly and very helpful. Always smiling. Loved their singing and dancing at mealtimes. The food was wonderful. Great breakfasts, really good healthy buffet selection at afternoon tea and dinner around the fire in the…
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We had a fabulous 4 night stay at Motswari in May. We loved the place as soon as we arrived. The staff are wonderful- warm, friendly and very helpful. Always smiling. Loved their singing and dancing at mealtimes. The food was wonderful. Great breakfasts, really good healthy buffet selection at afternoon tea and dinner around the fire in the BOMA felt really special. All the staff were lovely but I remember Jan was particularly helpful to me - reminded me of my son! The Game Drives with Owen and George were absolutely brilliant. So exciting. We saw so much - lots of the Big 5 but much much more. They pointed out and explained to us so many birds and plants and insects. I just can’t rate Motswari highly enough. We absolutely loved our time there!
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Fantastic Safari Lodge and brilliant people
Jun 24, 2025617vincent
My wife and I stayed at Motswari Private Game Reserve at the end of April for 4 nights at the end of a longer trip to South Africa. I cannot praise the people at Motswari enough. They collectively made our trip unforgettable. It is unfair on others to single out individuals, but I have to make a special mention about our game driver and guide,…
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My wife and I stayed at Motswari Private Game Reserve at the end of April for 4 nights at the end of a longer trip to South Africa. I cannot praise the people at Motswari enough. They collectively made our trip unforgettable. It is unfair on others to single out individuals, but I have to make a special mention about our game driver and guide, Owen, and our tracker, George. They were just unbelievably good, as well as being among the nicest people you could meet. We saw every animal on the list, not just the big 5, and at close quarters. Also, must mention one of the waitresses at the resort, Dimpho, who was so warm and welcoming and her quality of service first class. However, as I say, there were no exceptions, every one of the people at Motswari were excellent. If you are thinking of an African safari, I would strongly recommend Motswari.
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Just wow
Jun 14, 2025Nick T
Spent 3 nights of our honeymoon here and absolutely did not want to leave. The staff were amazing, the food was out of this world and we were treated to some amazing experiences on an our safari, a special mention to rudolf the guide and Lot the tracker. I never wright reviews but felt compelled as this place just gained a place in my heart,…
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Spent 3 nights of our honeymoon here and absolutely did not want to leave. The staff were amazing, the food was out of this world and we were treated to some amazing experiences on an our safari, a special mention to rudolf the guide and Lot the tracker. I never wright reviews but felt compelled as this place just gained a place in my heart, can’t recommend this highly enough.
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Trip of a life time giving us the ability to see a variety of animals and enjoy time with family.