Motswari Private Game Reserve

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Star rating

Waterbuck Room
Lion Room
Elephant Room
BOMA
Geiger's Camp
Geiger's Camp, Motswari Private Game Reserve
Geiger's Camp, Motswari Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Geiger's Camp
Giraffes Nest
Giraffes Nest
Waterbuck Room
Lion Room
Elephant Room
BOMA
Geiger's Camp
Geiger's Camp, Motswari Private Game Reserve
Geiger's Camp, Motswari Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Geiger's Camp
Giraffes Nest
Giraffes Nest

The hotel

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.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (998)
  • Very good (45)
  • Average (17)
  • Poor (8)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An outstanding experience

May 29, 2025 Richard F

This place took our breath away. The quality of the welcome, food, rooms, service and attention to detail was far above our expectations. Our room ('elephant') was absolutely first class and gave us spectacular views of both the river and watering hole, whilst being calm and away from any noise... Not that there was any unwanted noise, just the… Read more
This place took our breath away. The quality of the welcome, food, rooms, service and attention to detail was far above our expectations. Our room ('elephant') was absolutely first class and gave us spectacular views of both the river and watering hole, whilst being calm and away from any noise... Not that there was any unwanted noise, just the occasional lion, hyena, baboon etc. The grounds were beautifully manicured. When not on our drives we were able to relax by the pool, on the veranda, in the library, on our terrace. Our desires were met by the cheerful staff. Jan deserves a mention; always singing / dancing and a pleasure to be around. One night we treated ourselves to a stay in the "Giraffe's Nest". This is a "room" on stilts next to a watering hole. I say "room" but it's so much more than that. At the end of our evening Game Drive, we were dropped off at the Giraffe's Nest to find dinner, breakfast choices and drinks all prepared for us. The joy of this spot is the utter silence and the ability to sleep under the stars (and a mozzie net - not that we were aware of any). We were woken by lions having a drink and various other creatures during the night. The following morning we were collected for the morning drive. Truly a magical experience. And the main act... Our guide (Eden) and tracker (Magic) deserve a special mention. Through their knowledge, kindness, enthusiasm and humour they created a little group of us who spent a spellbinding 6 hours together each day on our drives. We saw... Everything!! We had 5/5 sitings on the big 5 but also so much more, from crocs to matabele ants, and getting to appreciate that leopard scent really does smell like hot popcorn!? These 2 guys made the trip simply unforgettable. At Motswari we relaxed, learned and laughed. This place has real soul and there were tears when we were collected to head back to the airport at the end of our stay. Motswari promises that you will "Arrive as a guest and leave as a friend". It is true. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Highly recommended!

May 25, 2025 Explorer05286244535 Toledo, Ohio

Housing, safari, sites, guide, meals… everything was above our expectations. We were there for 3 days: 3 sunrise/ morning and 3 later/ sunset safaris. Our guide was well informed and found many opportunities to see the animals up close in their natural state. Highly recommended!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful experience we will return

May 16, 2025 Sandra P

Accommodation is clean and comfortable. Staff went above and beyond, they were always smiling, happy and did anything they could to make sure we had the best time, their singing and dancing was amazing. The food was very good and included something for everyone. The restaurant team especially Tim and Jan made us welcome and made us smile… Read more
Accommodation is clean and comfortable. Staff went above and beyond, they were always smiling, happy and did anything they could to make sure we had the best time, their singing and dancing was amazing. The food was very good and included something for everyone. The restaurant team especially Tim and Jan made us welcome and made us smile everyday. The game drives were special, our guide Owen and tracker George were knowledgeable, helpful and also looked after us from the moment we got to the lodge to when we left. We saw the big five plus cheetah, wild dog. Honey badger, crocs, hippo, giraffes and zebra to mention just a few, it was a real privilege and unforgettable. Must also mention Clifford who escorted us back to our lodges at night from dinner, he kept an eye out at night to keep us safe. THIS IS A MUST TRIP WE WILL RETURN. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First safari. Struck gold.

May 9, 2025 Denise B

This was our first safari and we couldn't have chosen a better place. The staff were friendly and very welcoming. We were allocated the same guide Lola and tracker Tembo for our full stay. They made us feel part of the adventure and not just spectators. Their wealth of knowledge and experience added greatly to our game drives. The lodge itself… Read more
This was our first safari and we couldn't have chosen a better place. The staff were friendly and very welcoming. We were allocated the same guide Lola and tracker Tembo for our full stay. They made us feel part of the adventure and not just spectators. Their wealth of knowledge and experience added greatly to our game drives. The lodge itself was very comfortable with an excellent river view. The food was excellent. Presented by joyful staff .Lots of thoughtful touches such as sundowners on the game drive. We hope to return . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Motswari experience

Apr 29, 2025 Matthew S Jersey, United Kingdom

We had a superb time at this beautiful lodge. The rooms were great and the food (and dancing) were excellent. Of course, the game drives were fantastic. Lola and Thabo were brilliant, and very knowledgeable and professional. Yoga on the decking was a surprise. I would highly recommend this.