About
Motswari is a private game reserve within the existing Timbavati concession – itself a part of Kruger National Park. Motswari is also the name of this particular paradise’s luxury lodge, pool and bungalows. Sleeping a maximum of 30 guests, it’s a family-run jewel set snoozily beside the Nhlaralumi River. Guests enjoy an attractive dose of rustic, Afro-chic style, and the rare chance of an overnight walking expedition.
Accommodation
Sleeping two people, each of Motswari’s 15 luxuious bungalows are air-conditioned, and each has sensational, grab-your-camera views of the bush and river. The natural furnishings inside include ancient chests and high thatched roofs, while the grand beds come framed by elegant white netting. Lanterns lend a romantic atmosphere after dark.
An alternative accommodation option is the more intimate Geiger’s Camp. Filled with photographs of the owners’ family, this bolthole nestled a few miles from the main lodge. Inside its two stone houses are four spacious en-suite bedrooms, plus a communal lounge area. The small outdoor pool and wrap-around, river-facing patio, both make perfect spots for a G&T.
Facilities
Inside Motswari’s airy main lodge are two bars, another pool and a library cum art gallery. High tea is served amid the spacious lounge, while delicious dinners are taken either at scenic trail locations or amid the open-air boma enclosure. Whatever the venue, a selection of Southern African wines will be ever-present.
Activities
As is standard practice among South African lodges, two daily Land Rover safari drives are offered: one departing before or at dawn, the other around sunset. Motswari shares 12 miles of unfenced border with Kruger, so seeing the Big Five – and many other beasts – is probable. In between are educational bush walks, and talks given by veteran guides. Motswari also offers two unusual evening experiences: sleep-outs at Giraffe’s Nest, a hide overlooking a watering hole, and Overnight Safari Walk Experiences. These latter involve hiking through the daytime and bedding down in luxury tents at nightfall.
Child Policy
Children aged 6 and over are welcome. But note that the bush walks are for over-16s only, and the Overnight Safari experience for over-18s.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
