What Is Motswari Private Game Reserve?
Motswari Private Game Reserve is an intimate, long-established safari lodge in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve on the western boundary of Kruger National Park in Limpopo, South Africa. One of the original private lodges in the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Motswari has been hosting safari guests since the 1980s and carries a reputation built on exceptional guiding, deep bush knowledge, and wildlife encounters that consistently rank among the best in the Timbavati.
Motswari means “keeper of the wild” in Shangaan — a fitting name for a lodge whose ethos centres on deep conservation commitment and authentic bush immersion over luxury aesthetics.
Where Is Motswari Private Game Reserve?
Motswari is located in the central Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, 15 kilometres east of Hoedspruit. The lodge is accessible by road from Hoedspruit (30 minutes) or by charter flight to the Motswari bush airstrip. Hoedspruit Airport has scheduled flights from Johannesburg on Airlink (approximately 1 hour).
What Does Motswari Offer?
- 18 thatched chalets in a classic African bush style; en-suite, air-conditioned, with verandas facing the surrounding bushveld
- Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with highly experienced Timbavati rangers and Shangaan trackers; off-road tracking permitted throughout the reserve
- Walking safaris — guided bush walks in the Timbavati wilderness
- Night drives after the evening game drive
- Private airstrip — charter flights land directly at the lodge
- Fully inclusive: accommodation, all meals, twice-daily game drives, most beverages
What Wildlife Can You See at Motswari?
Motswari’s location in Timbavati gives access to the full Greater Kruger wildlife spectrum:
- Lion — Timbavati prides regularly range across Motswari; including the possibility of white lion
- Leopard — resident and habituating; Motswari’s guides have exceptional knowledge of individual leopard territories
- Elephant — breeding herds; Timbavati’s elephant population is significant
- White rhino — well-established population
- Buffalo — large herds on the open mopane plains
- Wild dog — Timbavati/Klaserie is a critical wild dog area; pack sightings are possible
- Cheetah — small population across the open sections
How Much Does Motswari Cost?
Motswari occupies a mid-range position in the Greater Kruger market — delivering genuine private reserve guided safari experiences at a price point below the trophy Sabi Sands properties. Approximate rates per person sharing, fully inclusive:
- Low season: from ZAR 5,000–7,000 per person per night
- Peak season (June–September): from ZAR 8,000–11,000 per person per night
Plan Your Motswari Safari
African Safari Group can incorporate Motswari into a Timbavati itinerary or a broader Greater Kruger multi-lodge experience.
Enquire Now to plan your Timbavati safari at Motswari.
