Safari Guru

Motswari Private Game Reserve

Motswari Private Game Reserve, located within the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, stretches out over 18, 000 hectares. It has been in existence for over four decades and its friendly staff members are intrinsic to its success. Great emphasis is placed on personal attention, ensuring that each guest instantly feels at home in this stunning setting. Artworks by owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo, additionally bring the lodge to life and add to its visual appeal.

Motswari Private Game Reserve, together with its sister property, Geiger's Camp Timbavati, is a family-owned and operated luxury safari lodge. Here, majestic creatures, including the Big Five, offer incredible viewing opportunities as they bask in their natural habitat. Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana and that is what the reserve aims to do.

This is where your African dream beckons, one that is defined by extraordinary scenery, an authentic atmosphere and warm hospitality.

A total of fifteen en-suite bungalows have been interspersed in nature and make up the Main Camp. This reserve remains exclusive as it never hosts more than thirty guests at any given point in time. Each unit has been decorated in a traditional manner that alludes to its surroundings and maintains a luxurious feel. Rangers accompany guests between buildings, offering peace of mind and a wealth of insight into the surroundings. Each bungalow sleeps two guests.

Dining at Motswari Private Game Reserve is a unique African experience, with a hint of fine dining flair. Meals are taken either at a scenic location out on the trail with one of the highly-trained guides or in the lounge area and, depending on the season, evenings can be spent dining in the bush or inside the open-air boma, a traditional meeting-place. Meals are accompanied by an award-winning selection of Southern African wines. Visits to Motswari Main Camp and Geiger’s Camp (as well as the Giraffe’s Nest Hide) are inclusive of brunch, high tea (late lunch) and dinner. Bush breakfasts are specially arranged on occasion. A romantic dinner for two may also be experienced, when staying at Giraffes Nest Motswari.

Motswari Private Game Reserve Guest Bungalow

Motswari Private Game Reserve Luxury Guest Accommodation

Motswari Private Game Reserve Giraffe Hide with Food Platter for Guests

Motswari Private Game Reserve Curio Shop with Trinkets and Clothes

The breathtaking Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves form part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves region, which borders on the Kruger National Park. The Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves share an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, which allows animal species to move freely between these expansive parks. Guests can therefore look forward to exceptional game viewing moments.

The region is easily accessible by air or road and is a six- to seven-hour drive from Johannesburg. The climate in this area is subtropical and rains fall during summer. The warmer months of the year roll in from October to March, whereas winter is from April to September. Generally speaking, daytime temperatures are pleasant, but mornings and evenings can be cool.

How to get to Motswari Private Game Reserve?

Motswari Private Game Reserve is ±1 hour from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, and can be accessed by car. The drive from Johannesburg is ±61⁄2 to 7 hours (505km), ±31⁄2 hours (210km) from Kruger Airport, and 3 hours (160km via the R40) from Hazyview.

The Timbavati Private Game Reserve has a number of authentic and luxury properties on offer, such as Simbavati River Lodge & Geiger's Camp, or in the neighbouring Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Reserve.

Contact Safari Guru for Motswari Private Game Reserve rates and availability.

Motswari Private Game Reserve

Property Details

Motswari Private Game Reserve Location

Timbavati and Umbabat, Limpopo, South Africa

Accommodation

15 luxury en-suite bungalows

Guest Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Motswari Private Game Reserve Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room

Family Policy

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome.

Activities

Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, Massages, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours

Available Services

Credit Card, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk. Spa

Included

Meals and Accommodation, House Wines and Local Drinks

Not Included

Premium Beverages, Gratuities, Spa and Massage & Curio Purchases

Why Motswari Private Game Reserve?

Family owned and operated luxury safari lodge, with an emphasis on personal attention and privacy.

Family Safari Specialists

If you’re dreaming of Africa, your journey has already begun!

Truly unique experience. Many thanks to Allan and his team for planning such a wonderful safari at Kruger National Park. Highly recommend!

Mikaël Schinazi

2023-01-09

This was our 4th trip to Africa and by far the best ever. All the details were properly handled; we had not flight problems or delays and the service provided by Safari Guru was outstanding. I would recommend them, and have to friends and family. We will be going back to Africa with the outstanding Staff of Safari Guru.

Ann Becher Smead

2022-11-17

We recently returned from Kenya, had a fabulous safari designed by Deon de Villiers of Safari Guru. We had some wonderful sightings and the whole thing went without a single hiccup. The guides were excellent. Deon was so helpful in allowing us to reschedule several times due to COVID restrictions preventing travel. We visited Sirikoi in the Lewa Conservancy and Serian Ngare, Serian Nkorombo and Mara Plains at Masai Mara, each place offering a different experience, each special in its own way. Loved the rhinocerous at Lewa, giraffe giving birth at Ngare, hippopotamus at Nkorombo and cats at Mara Plains, and so so much more. We highly recommend Deon and the Safari Guru team.

John M

2022-10-16

We finally got to take our Kenya/Rwanda adventure with Safari Guru post pandemic. Our trip was a fantastic experience that immersed us in Africa. The holiday went as planned, everything was organised so we were gently steered from place to place, which we enjoyed as we found we weren't "travel fit" after sitting on sidelines for two years! Our lodges in Kenya were beautiful, nice and small, felt like you were part of a family, rather than a customer! Rwanda was a highlight, an amazing country with a shocking past that is moving forward beautifully. The advice from Deon to do two gorilla walks was perfect. Our first day we hiked in to mountain and when we got there the heavens opened and it didn't stop! The scouts found 6 gorillas for us to glimpse as they were hiding from rain too! We trekked down in the mud, rivers of water ending up bedraggled! It was a great experience but the next day was perfect! Beautiful blue skies, trekked up and gorillas were everywhere, sunning themselves and eating vigorously. Was awesome being so close and they couldn't care less! Would highly recommend safari Guru, they planned us a perfect holiday and are easy to contact with queries and answer promptly. Travelling on our own was great as each place we stayed, there were like travellers from around the world to socialise with. Thanks Deon and Ashley

Jackie Helliwell

I was completely blown away with the service I received from Safari Guru. We had a most marvellous holiday in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Everything went extremely well and the Wilderness team were excellent in looking after us at each of their safari camps. Well done to Deon and Ashley, Morag Cotsell

Morag Cotsell

2022-10-15

Had an amazing experience working with Deon and Safari Guru. My wife and I went into this trip thinking of it as a once in a lifetime experience. Because of our experience we have another trip in mind to bring our children so they can have the same amazing experience that we had. Thank you Deon! We look forward to seeing you again!

John A. Mertz

2022-07-27

Thanks you Deon for amazing and wonderful experience of Masai Mara. It's once in a lifetime and on top great hospitality from Safariguru right from arrival, Resort stay and well designed itinerary. I would love to bring my family again this time for Botswana, so look forward to crafted trip next

Manish Shah

Safari Guru organized us an amazing journey in Namibia for our wedding anniversary; it will be long lasting and marvelous memories for years! We also greatly appreciated the dedication and support of Safari Guru's team during these challenging times of the Covid pandemic as they had to re-arrange 2 times our trip initially planned for 2020. Thanks and kudos to Deon and all at Safari Guru!

JF Redon

2022-04-19

We had a truly magical safari in Botswana. Deon and the staff of Safari Guru will guide you to the exact places you want to go specific to your desires and budget. Highly recommend!

barbara nelson

2022-03-23

Botswana! What an incredible destination as we begin to travel again. This is a trip of a lifetime. The game drives were exhilarating, the people are friendly, the food fantastic, and the accommodations are meant to spoil you. Our trip was beautifully planned and executed by Deon De Villiers and his team at Safari Guru. They have been to every camp they recommend and tailor your safari experience to you. What else could you ask for! We will travel with them again and highly recommend Safari Guru to plan your next trip!