Motswari Safari Lodge - Timbavati Private Reserve - Kruger National Park

Motswari Safari Lodge is situated on a very special piece of Kruger National Park, it's in the Timbavati Private Reserve and the Umbabat private reserve, Motswari falls in an area bordering Kruger National Park which makes it a busy intersection for wildlife crossing from and back to the Kruger National Park.

Motswari offers exclusive accommodation in two unique styles of accommodation. Motswari safari lodge boasts sixteen luxury en-suite bungalows, each suite offers authentic yet luxurious safari accommodation with air conditioning and in private settings. All suites are furnished to reflect the African themed natural surroundings with amazing bush views.

The luxury Motswari safari lodge provides all elements to ensure an incredible safari experience. The name Motswari means to care and protect  in the local Tsonga language, Motswari is owned by a family that prides itself on being involved in the conservation and safari industry for generations. Wildlife at Motswari is so rich that you can expect to see Africa's Big Five and much more.

Giraffe's Nest - Sleep-out Experience - Hide

When booking the Giraffe's Nest Sleep-Out option, you will still keep your suite/bungalow in the main lodge for that night, in case of bad weather. Giraffe's Nest cannot be booked on its own, it can only be added on your existing reservation at the main lodge.

Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews

Best in the bushes  

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

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May 6, 2026 ZA Website
Best in the bushes  
Candice Tehini    May 6, 2026   ZA    Website   
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What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.

100% Recommended  

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

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July 26, 2026 CL Website
100% Recommended  
Sven Gysling    July 26, 2026   CL    Website   
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

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September 23, 2026 ZA Website
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  
Andrew W.    September 23, 2026   ZA    Website   
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us


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September 23, 2026 GB Website
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  
Annelize Taylor    September 23, 2026   GB    Website   
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!

The best safari oasis  

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

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August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website
The best safari oasis  
Mandy H    August 19, 2026   Cardiff, UK    Website   
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience


Motswari Safari Lodge - Image Gallery

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2026 Rates

Accommodation
High Season:
20 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026
01 March - 30 November 2026
20 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027
Low Season:
06 Jan - 28 Feb 2026
01 - 19 Dec 2026
Bush-Facing Bungalows
R11,140.00 per person per night single
R14,850.00 per person per night sharing
12,255.00 per person per night single
R16,340.00 per person per night sharing
River-Facing Bungalows
R8,320.00 per person per night single
R10,970.00 per person per night sharing
R9,045.00 per person per night single
R12,060.00 per person per night sharing

R4,960.00 surcharge - giraffes nest sleep out (maximum 2 guests)

*Rates exclude gate fees and conservation fees

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

Book a minimum 4 night's stay or more and save 10% !!!

Valid 1 March 2025  - 30 November 2025

INCLUDES

  • Three meals daily & high tea
  • Game drives & guided walks
  • Local drinks
  • Game drive drinks
  • Tourism levies & taxes

EXCLUDES

  • Park entrance fees
  • Premium drinks
  • Phone calls
  • Personal purchases
  • Gratuities

Please contact us for assistance
Our team is available

☎ +27 (0) 21 6969615

☎ +27 (0) 606191220

☎ +27 (0) 642831384

Book viaWhatsAppbook via WhatsAppEmail for assistance

Motswari Safari Lodge – Timbavati Private Reserve – South Africa

An African dream beckons; one that is defined by extraordinary scenery, an authentic atmosphere and warm hospitality. Guests are exposed to professional hospitality, incredible wildlife and personal service. This is Motswari Safari Lodge, a family-owned and operated luxury safari lodge. Here, majestic creatures including the Big Five, offer incredible viewing opportunities as they bask in their natural habitat. Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana and that is what the reserve aims to do.

Motswari Safari Lodge is located within the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Reserves, it stretches out over 150 square kilometres and it has been in existence for over four decades and its friendly staff members are intrinsic to its success. Great emphasis is placed on personal service, ensuring that each guest instantly feels welcome in this stunning setting. Artworks by owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo, additionally bring the lodge to life and add to its visual appeal.

Accommodation at Motswari Safari Lodge includes fifteen luxury bungalows, complete with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, air-conditioning and overhead fans, mini-bars, and captivating views of the surrounding vegetation and wandering wildlife.
The breathtaking Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves form part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves region, which borders on the Kruger National Park. The Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves share an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, which allows animal species to move freely between these expansive parks. Guests can therefore look forward to exceptional game viewing moments. The region is easily accessible by air or road and is a 6- to 7-hour drive from Johannesburg. The climate in this area is subtropical and rains fall during summer. The warmer months of the year roll in from October to March, whereas winter is from April to September. Generally speaking, daytime temperatures are pleasant, but mornings and evenings can be cool.
Children 0 to 5 years of age are regrettably not permitted at Motswari due to safety regulations. Children in inter-leading rooms pay single occupancy rate for the room. Children should be 6 years & older for game drives. Persons should be 16 years or older for bush walks and 18 years or older for Overnight Safari Walk Experience.
• BY ROAD: • From Johannesburg, continue onto N12 -  Merge onto N4 (Toll road) -  Take the exit toward R33 -  Turn left onto R33 -  Turn right onto Steven Masango St -  Continue onto R540 -  Continue onto Lion Cachet St • Continue onto Hugenoten St -  Continue onto R540 -  Turn left onto R36 -  Turn left onto Voortrekker St/R36/R37 -  Turn right onto De Clercq St/R36/R37 - Continue to follow R36 - Turn right onto R533 -  Turn right to stay on R533 • Continue onto R532 - Turn right onto Hoof St - Continue onto R533 - At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto R40 - Turn right - 20,9km - Turn right - 150 m - Turn left - 11,2 km - Sharp right - 1,3 km - Turn right - 5,9 km - Turn left - 7,7 km - Turn left - 120 m -Turn right - 200 m - Turn left - 64 m - Turn right - 180m Motswari Safari Lodge - From Timbavati Main Gate Please Note: Entering through the Timbavati Private Game Reserve gate you will be required to pay a Conservation levy of R170 per person and R120 toll for your vehicle. The entrance fee can only be confirmed at the time of making your reservation (prices subject to change) • Road transfers to Motswari are contracted locally, per person each way. • Children younger than three years old travel for free. • Please note that transfers from KMIA require 2-3 hours travelling in the heat of the day. Motswari recommends that guests make use of the air transfers offered. The reserve asks that you advise during reservation to arrange the transfer company payment of the conservation levy at a rate of R100 per person (subject to change). Children younger than ten years old pay not conservation levy. • BY AIR: • Scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit/Eastgate Airport take approximately 50 minutes, followed by a road transfer of approximately 50 minutes. • Scheduled flights from Cape Town to KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) take approximately 2.5 hours, followed by a road transfer of approximately 2.5 hours. • Motswari private airstrip • Runway details: Gravel strip with concrete run-up pads. • Length: 1350m 01/19. Co-ordinates: 24 11.522´ South 031 232.188´ East. GPS: -24.197833 (latitude) 31.388552 (longitude)

Motswari Safari Lodge - Wildlife Gallery

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Motswari Safari Lodge - Video

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