Motswari Safari Lodge - Timbavati Private Reserve

From 1975 to 1977, before Motswari was in Geiger hands, the focus was on wildlife breeding programmes: nyala, cheetah and wild dog, specifically. Back then, this was also hunting territory and the game was skittish. Paul had observed this and, in 1980, he purchased the Java farm in the Timbavati, striking up a relationship with neighboring Motswari. What began as an effort to get the animals used to the presence of safari vehicles, grew into much more: a life-long love affair with the region and between the Geiger family and Motswari, which means ‘to keep and conserve’ in Tswana, the local language. A year later, Paul bought a share in the property and shortly thereafter he acquired it in its entirety.

Having been chairman of the Timbavati meant that he was very involved in key decision-making that shaped both of the reserves. He was also completely dedicated to the well-being of both the land and the people that called it home. Today, Motswari is a vast and bio-diverse territory that harbors many endangered species, like the rhino and the rare wild dog. At one stage, the lodge was a rehabilitation centre for the magnificent canines and, it’s exciting to note, that after five decades under protection, the population is stable, thriving and denning in the area.

The Main Camp includes 15 en-suite Bungalows that are interspersed in proximity to nature. The reserve remains exclusive since we host a maximum of 30 guests at any given point in time.

Here, on the dry expanse of the African bushveld, you’ll experience the Big 5 – living naturally and without human interference.

The lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino are just some of the highlights you’ll see in Motswari Game Reserve’s open-top safari tour. All of the safaris are led by experienced game rangers, who have in-depth knowledge of the indigenous flora and fauna that has existed in the reserve for centuries. These game rangers are passionate about nature conservation, and educating guests on the bush and its inhabitants. The game reserve’s conservationists are dedicated to responsible tourism and environmental management, striving to minimize the impact on the wildlife’s natural habitat and the carbon footprint.

No children younger than 6 years old are allowed at Motswari. Children sharing with parents pay 50% of room rate per night. Children in inter-leading rooms pay single occupancy rate for the room. Children should be 6 years and older for game drives, 12 years and older for bush walks and 18 years for Overnight Safari Walk Experience.