Motswari Private Game Reserve

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Star rating

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 (1032)
  • Very good (46)
  • Average (18)
  • Poor (8)
  • Terrible (3)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Reservation cancelled due to flooding weeks prior, only given 5 days notice, given runaround regarding alternatives

Feb 11, 2026 Levi A

We were very excited for our stay and looked forward to it for months. When we saw the news of flooding in Kruger we checked Motswari’s website and social medias but they all stated they were still open. Upon arriving to South Africa, a few days before our stay, they emailed us telling us Motswari is closed and we can either get a refund or stay… Read more
We were very excited for our stay and looked forward to it for months. When we saw the news of flooding in Kruger we checked Motswari’s website and social medias but they all stated they were still open. Upon arriving to South Africa, a few days before our stay, they emailed us telling us Motswari is closed and we can either get a refund or stay at another reserve. We spoke with a representative on the phone to clarify our options, as we had already booked our flights to Hoedspruit, and they assured us because of the inconvenience (and the money lost on flights) they would handle our transportation from Johannesburg to the alternative reserve. The night before our stay, the reserve reached out to inform us the transport would cost 13,000ZAR ($800 USD) After calling them again to clarify this, they said they miscommunicated, and will not be covering our transportation, and our only option is to cancel. I’m absolutely appalled at the level of incompetence of the management (Newmark) to make no effort to right this situation. Instead of a beautiful vacation, we had to play travel agents, email back and forth with them, book and cancel flights, and then ultimately went home without going on a safari, losing thousands of rands on flights we couldn’t use. I would advise looking at other stays in Kruger. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Motswari Private Game Reserve – Solo Traveler

Jan 30, 2026 Mark D

If you’re traveling alone and want a true African safari experience, Motswari is hard to beat. The game drives are incredible, with knowledgeable guides and trackers helping you spot wildlife (often including the Big Five) in a beautiful private reserve setting. Reviews consistently praise the warm, friendly staff, excellent food, and comfortable,… Read more
If you’re traveling alone and want a true African safari experience, Motswari is hard to beat. The game drives are incredible, with knowledgeable guides and trackers helping you spot wildlife (often including the Big Five) in a beautiful private reserve setting. Reviews consistently praise the warm, friendly staff, excellent food, and comfortable, scenic accommodation that make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. It’s a peaceful place to unwind between drives, though there’s little in-room Wi-Fi and downtime between activities can be long — perfect if you want to disconnect and soak up nature. Overall, most solo travelers leave with unforgettable memories and new friends among staff and guests. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best experience of our life - will definitely return

Jan 21, 2026 Fran H

Motswari has our whole heart. Even though this was once in a lifetime / Bucket list kind of a trip we will return. Here’s why: We shared the Land Rover with in total 8 guests and with our incredible guide Josh and tracker David. All of which love animals and truly excited for each sighting/game drive. It makes a real difference having a… Read more
Motswari has our whole heart. Even though this was once in a lifetime / Bucket list kind of a trip we will return. Here’s why: We shared the Land Rover with in total 8 guests and with our incredible guide Josh and tracker David. All of which love animals and truly excited for each sighting/game drive. It makes a real difference having a tracker and a guide, you have a 4 eyes check everywhere you go. Enabling you to spot more animals but to also feel SAFE. From the moment we stepped onto our truck we trusted Josh and David 100%. At no point did we feel at risk. We would be 2m away from lions, an elephant would be in Musth but they would know the signs to move on. Even down to explaining termite mounds, leaves, spiders webs and birds they knew it all. They are both also super kind and cool people to be around. May we add that all guides and trackers are equally as incredible as them but our review is to solely shine a bright light on those two men because they made our journey as special as it was. Then there is the Motswari culture, the food is incredible, the staff are the most loveliest people we have ever met, the hotel is beautiful with all of Marion Geigers artwork everywhere, they bring the SA traditions to life with singing and trust me we are still singing (one of six)of my partners birthday song(s). They even made him a handmade birthday cake on the day it was delicious. We even had a couple of hyenas join us for dinner one night and loved it 🫶 There is only wifi in the communal area which forces people to connect in the bar/lounge areas and we met some incredible people who we grew fondly of in a short space of time & created great memories with. This in my opinion was a massive plus, you can switch off and really enjoy the grounds/ people. Motswari is based in the Greater Kruger, in the Timbavati Game Reserve with less rules than the Kruger National Park. They still have animals at the heart of all their rules and only allow 2 vehicles at a time per sighting whereas we stayed in one lodge in Kruger and was 3- sometimes 4 trucks! We saw 10x more sightings and better game viewings here than in the depths of the Kruger Park itself. This lodge is another level, I can’t explain it until you experience it for yourself. If you are toying between hotels then this should be on your list. South Africa for us was going to be a one time trip, but we already know we will return to this special place. Thank you to all of the staff from cleaners, chefs, waiters, bar staff, receptionists, guides, trackers, the lovely night guard and everyone else. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An exellent experience.

Jan 12, 2026 Jeanette C Nuneaton, United Kingdom

Absolutely brilliant, everything! Both Owen and George the trackers and guide were great, showing us everything we wanted to see. explanation and details of everything from different grasses and plants and animal behaviour were outstanding . It was like our own personal David Attenborough in Owen. Our room was Leopard, and the décor and the… Read more
Absolutely brilliant, everything! Both Owen and George the trackers and guide were great, showing us everything we wanted to see. explanation and details of everything from different grasses and plants and animal behaviour were outstanding . It was like our own personal David Attenborough in Owen. Our room was Leopard, and the décor and the outside bath and shower were a lovely in the wilderness kind of experience . The inside bathroom was also lovely with another deep bath and lovely shower. everything was clean and spotless. even though it had a rustic African feel. Meal times were fabulous and quite overwhelming, with lunch time entrance from the kitchen staff delivering our buffet style platters with beautiful traditional African songs. The chef made her announcement of what our dishes were and she delivered with pride and enthusiasm. and she should be proud , the food is outstanding! All the staff were exceptional and obviously enjoyed working in the lodge. The Pool area was super relaxing and the pool was a lovely temperature and we often had a dip. Wildlife was often seen across the river bed and was a real treat when they turned up. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Greater Kruger Motswari Experience

Jan 4, 2026 TCube_22 Sydney, Australia

I (23) had an amazing experience with my parents and younger sister with Motswari and our tour guide Hayden and our tracker Patrick! We were fortunate to see the big 5 animals and great conversations throughout. The food was great and I highly recommend Hayden and the Motswari experience! They both went above and beyond with the service and made… Read more
I (23) had an amazing experience with my parents and younger sister with Motswari and our tour guide Hayden and our tracker Patrick! We were fortunate to see the big 5 animals and great conversations throughout. The food was great and I highly recommend Hayden and the Motswari experience! They both went above and beyond with the service and made our time amazing. Read less