In a pristine location in an untouched wilderness, An African dream beckons, one that is defined by extraordinary scenery, an authentic bush ambience, and warm hospitality. Here guests arrive as visitors and leave as lifelong friends. This is Motswari Private Game Reserve, a family-owned and operated luxury Kruger Park safari lodge. Here, majestic creatures, including the Big Five, offer nature lovers incredible once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunities, as they go about their business and bask in their natural habitat.
Motswari derives its name from Tswana, one of South Africa’s 11 indigenous languages. It means “to conserve and protect”. This perfectly defines the objective of the reserve’s management.
Motswari Private Game Reserve, located within the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, comprises about 150 square kilometres. It has been operating successfully for over four decades and its friendly staff are intrinsic to its success story.
Huge emphasis is placed on personalized attention, ensuring that each visitor to Motswari feels pampered and instantly at home in this magnificent setting.
Artworks by owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo, add vibrancy to the reserve’s special ambience and enhance its unique visual appeal.
The Main Camp comprises a total of 15 en-suite bungalows, all interspersed in the natural bush. This reserve retains its exclusivity by not hosting more than 30 guests at any given time. Each unit has been decorated in a traditional style that blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings yet maintains an exclusive luxurious feel.
The camp’s experienced rangers take each guest’s safety very seriously, offering them unique insight into their surroundings as they accompany them when they move about between the buildings. This add a sense of security to their experience.
BUNGALOWS
Each bungalow is a private retreat in the heart of the bushveld. Traditional African decor relates South Africa’s vibrant history, and neutral tones create an atmosphere of classic elegance. Each bungalow sleeps two guests.
GIRAFFE’S NEST
For the romantic at heart, an intimate under-the-stars experience awaits only a short game-drive away from the Main Camp. Giraffe’s Nest is nestled in an exclusive location overlooking the Xanatsi Dam. It is a luxury treehouse that accommodates two.
Here you can lie and revel in the beauty of the African sky at night, yet the room is completely secure and extremely private, and can be covered by a retractable canvas roof if you choose to. Shortly before sunset a knowledgeable guide will escort guests to the dam, where they will be left to enjoy the tranquillity and intimacy of this amazing location until the following morning. Drinks and an understated, yet scrumptious dinner are provided. Adding to the comfort of this location, the treehouse boasts an eco-bathroom upstairs, eliminating the need to leave the safety of the elevated platform.
Although dining at Motswari Private Game Reserve is always a truly unique African experience, the hint of fine-dining flair is unmistakeable.
Delectable meals can be enjoyed at a scenic location out on the trail in the company of one of the highly-trained guides.
Motswari also has an exquisite dining area where guests can sit down to a formal dinner, or-
depending on the season – evenings can be spent dining in the bush or in the open-air boma, the perfect spot for relaxation and socializing with friends.
Meals are accompanied by an award-winning selection of superb Southern African wines.
Visits to Motswari and Giraffe’s Nest Hide are inclusive of brunch, High Tea (late lunch) and dinner.
A special bush breakfast can also be arranged upon request. Romantics opting for a sleepover at the Giraffe’s Nest Hide, can request an intimate dinner for two to be enjoyed under the stars.
While waking up to the fresh bush air and the splendid scenery, guests can prepare for an exciting day in the bush by indulging in a scrumptious, buffet-style continental breakfast as well as a generous selection of cooked-meal options, prepared on the open fire in the boma.
Guests are welcome to enjoy a spot of relaxation or unwind in the outdoor lounge area, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Be on the lookout for game frequenting the waterhole close by or watch them as they leisurely go about their daily business. Wi-Fi is available in this area, allowing for convenient connectivity.
The distinctive sound of African drums signals the start of dinner, and staff, dressed in traditional attire. will welcome the diners to their tables. The latter are beautifully set surround a controlled fire pit for a memorable ambience that never ceases to surprise. Pre-dinner drinks, night caps or a range of superb coffees can also be enjoyed at the bar throughout the evening.
The camp’s swimming pool is perfect for unwinding after an exciting day in the bush. The pool is surrounded by lush vegetation, lending to its tranquil appeal. Loungers dotted around the pool are perfect for doing some reading or soaking up the peace and quiet of this African bush paradise.
Professional field guides offer guests the opportunity to experience the wilderness like never before, during the morning and evening game drives on open safari vehicles. Together with the experienced trackers, the guides will share their exceptional and intimate knowledge of the bush and its creatures, great and small. These experiences are guaranteed to leave visitors in awe of the magical wilderness that is Africa. A private vehicle and guide can also be arranged for a minimum of four guests, at an extra fee per day, inclusive of two game drives per day.
A mobile spa is available and offers a selection of in-room massages, inspired by Swedish and Indian techniques, but with an unmistakeable African touch. Relaxation in complete privacy awaits after an exciting day in the bush.
A welcoming library is open to all guests, where they can immerse themselves in a good book or discover more about Motswari Private Game Reserve’s fascinating history. On cooler days, they can spend quality time next to the cosy fireplace. Art lovers can saviour and appreciate the authentic artwork created by owner, Marion Geiger.
A selection of memorabilia to remind guests of their memorable visit, is available from the quaint curio shop at the Motswari Main Camp. Specialized items include a range of traditional African souvenirs, crafted by the women from a local village, as well as toys, a selection of books about the reserve and other stunning artworks.
Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve’s 15 000 hectares of unspoilt wilderness, showcase the finest of Africa’s natural habitats. For the more adventurous at heart, who are looking for more than just a chance to rewind, a range of activities, amenities and services are available to choose from at Motswari Private Game Reserve. Here visitors can enjoy a comprehensive bush experience, way beyond that of just a relaxing breakaway.
The most intricate of Africa’s bush secrets are ready to be discovered during special guided safari walks, which can be arranged on request after the morning game drive and breakfast. These walks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the wilderness like never before – up close and personal. A professional guide will open up a whole new magical world to the naked eye and provides guests with the opportunity to view small fauna and flora from a truly unique perspective.
During a delectable High Tea, the reserve’s knowledgeable game rangers will share fascinating information on a wide variety of topics, in a relaxed environment. Guests will have the opportunity to pose questions and learn more about the unspoiled wilderness in which they find themselves, while enjoying some scrumptious treats.
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MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).