30 years of hospitality experience

Think about waking up to a breakfast under the protection of overhanging branches, blooming with purple flowers. The warm doughy smell of freshly baked bread fills your nose and while you sit down, some warthogs forage for their own breakfast in the adjacent lush field of grass. At the family owned and family friendly Timbavati Private Game Reserve, over 30 years of hospitality experience awaits for you. Stay at the main lodge or – for the most intense bush experience - spend a night in one of the Giraffe’s Nest Hide sleep-outs. Hang over the edge of the swimming pool after a thrilling game drive, and just patiently wait until some big beasts pass. It will be hard to leave Timbavati Game Reserve, where you arrive as a visitor, but leave as a friend.

Motswari offers fifteen luxury-appointed bungalows with naturally furnished interiors that reflect the wonders outside. The bungalows are spacious, en-suite and air-conditioned and all look onto bushveld vistas. Geiger’s Camp is a few kilometres from the main lodge and offers exclusive use accommodation for those looking for a more intimate experience. Providing a serene and relaxing environment the main camp facilities include a lounge, library (internet facilities) and art gallery. There are two fully licensed bars, indoor dining, or depending on the season, boma or bush dining; a swimming pool and curio shop.

Activities at Motswari Game Lodge

With a warm cup of tea, your Land Rover awaits, accompanied by an enthusiastic tracker and ranger: that is the morning routine at Motswari Private Game Reserve. Your guides are ready to tell you all the stories about the African bush: any idea why hippos rarely eat meat? They do. After the morning game drive, it is time to unwind, or go on a bush walk: by foot the world moves slower and there is even more to discover. Watch fire flies while showering in the bush bathroom and go to sleep under the night breeze and the sounds of the savannah. Wake up to the smell of hot coffee and prepare for another bush walk in the fresh morning dew. You will be joining brunch back at the main lodge, full of stories. After the evening game drive – together with happy hour drinks - the excellent cooks won’t let you go before you tried their most delicious salads, Kudu meat (a lean, healthy meat similar to venison) and chocolate cake. Leaving is the hard part, but leaving as a friend makes it a little easier.

Tripadvisor comments Motswari Game Lodge

We stayed here for one night and it did not disappoint. There is no doubt you pay a reasonable amount upfront, however everything is included; food, game drives; drinks and the service is incredible! The highlight of our stay has to be the knowledge of our game drive guide, who although he was from Canada, was so informed and scientific; It was just incredible. We have been on many game drives before (both self drive and tours) and this was by far the best experience. Although we did not see all the big 5, it was not through lack of trying on our guides part. David and his staff also went over and above to ensure that our anniversary celebrations were just perfect; they cooked specific food to accommodate our dietary needs and we did not want for anything. Breakfast was just superb after the early morning drive. Our only regret was not staying a little longer so we could enjoy the experience more.

Roisin S from Sydney, Australia

Well, what can i say but a lovely place, and our four night stay was simply not long enough. We were so well looked after by everyone, and Chad and Goodman, our Guides were fantastic. We saw far more than I had expected and it was so wonderful to see all the animals up so close. Chad even found a Leopard for me on my birthday which blew me away. The photographic advice from Chad was briliant and I know has made a difference to my photos and memories. I had a lovely evening for my birthday and was quite taken aback with everyone coming out singing and my cake - so thank you for making it a truly special day for me. The hospitality, the food, everything was outstanding and cannot wait until we can return for another longer visit. Motswaris' strap line of "Arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend" is so true, so thank you..

Caltriana from Reigate, UK