Motswari Safari Lodge - Timbavati Private Reserve

Renowned for its remoteness, exceptional safari viewing and supreme hospitality, it is a lodge with an ethos that follows the great legacy and vision of its founder, the late Paul Geiger, an impassioned, conservation-focused legend of his time. Looking back on her father’s love affair with the Limpopo Lowveld and sharing some of her own personal journey, Paul’s daughter, Marion Geiger, and her husband, Fabrice Orengo de Lamazière, offered insights into the Motswari heritage that runs deep, is rooted in community and embodies the gracious spirit of its founding family.

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 neighbouring 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.

​​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.

Guests staying at this Timbavati Game Reserve accommodation can look forward to exciting game drives in open vehicles at sunrise or in the late afternoon. This is an ideal way to try and spot the Big Five and some of Timbavati's wildlife. Sip refreshing sundowners during the afternoon or evening game drive, and watch the sun set over the African bush. Night drives allow you to see some of the nocturnal African wildlife such as Hyena and Leopard.

Adventure seekers can participate in guided bush walks, which are ideal for learning more about the region and spotting some of the 350 different bird species.

Children 0 to under 6 years old are regrettably not allowed at Motswari due to safety regulations.

Children in inter-leading rooms pay single occupancy rate for the room. Rates are available on request.

Extra beds for children 6 -11 years can be arranged and are subject to availability. One extra bed per room on request basis only (subject to availability).

A child sharing with two adults will pay 50% of the per person adult sharing rate per night.