Timbavati Game Reserve


Motswari Game Lodge Location Map

Deep within the 60,000 hectare Timbavati Game Reserve lies Motswari Game Lodge. The open boundary with the Kruger National Park ensures that there is a constant flow of game through the reserve, offering plenty of excitement during safari activities. Qualified rangers accompanied by skilled Shangaan trackers will do their utmost to ensure that guests get the best possible sighting, and the area is renowned for its frequent sightings of the famed Big 5. Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are most active. Optional excursions such as guided bush walks and bush banqueting are also available.

The main lodge facilities include a traditional open-air boma, a spacious lounge and bar overlooking a beautiful dam, an art gallery exhibiting original wildlife art, and a refreshing swimming pool.

All 15 luxury en-suite bungalows have air-conditioning and overhead fans, and offer magnificent bush and river views. The naturally-furnished interiors of each bungalow reflect the wonders of nature that exist just outside the windows.  There are two sets of interleading rooms for families.

Motswari also prides itself on its sumptuous, home-style cuisine and friendly attentive service. The staff are passionate about their way of life and guests will be made to feel a part of this, be it around the campfire or sipping sundowners at a waterhole.

Guests can also enjoy a private 'under the stars' sleep out at the Giraffe's Nest hide (additional cost). The hide sleeps just 2 guests and is situated close to the main lodge yet far enough away that you get a truly authentic overnight bush experience. Adding to your comfort is an eco-bathroom upstairs so there is no need to leave your platform above the landscape. For those looking for a truly unrivalled experience, be sure to leave the front section of the roof open so that you can enjoy the stars on a clear night from your bed. You may be lucky to hear hyenas, a leopard or lions calling or the nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars piercing the night.

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Show Rates in
Our standard rates for a Luxury Room
DatesPriceBasisTypeNights
1 July 2024 to 30 November 2024 GBP 440 USD 572 ZAR 9,928 EUR 528 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights
1 December 2024 to 22 December 2024 GBP 481 USD 625 ZAR 10,841 EUR 577 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1 to 3 nights
1 December 2024 to 22 December 2024 GBP 481 USD 625 ZAR 10,841 EUR 577 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate4+ nights
23 December 2024 to 31 December 2024 GBP 481 USD 625 ZAR 10,841 EUR 577 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights
1 January 2025 to 5 January 2025 GBP 486 USD 631 ZAR 10,951 EUR 583 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights
6 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 GBP 486 USD 631 ZAR 10,951 EUR 583 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1 to 3 nights
6 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 GBP 486 USD 631 ZAR 10,951 EUR 583 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate4+ nights
1 April 2025 to 30 April 2025 GBP 486 USD 631 ZAR 10,951 EUR 583 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights
1 May 2025 to 30 June 2025 GBP 364 USD 473 ZAR 8,207 EUR 437 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights
1 July 2025 to 30 November 2025 GBP 486 USD 631 ZAR 10,951 EUR 583 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights
1 December 2025 to 22 December 2025 GBP 521 USD 678 ZAR 11,753 EUR 625 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate - Book by Value Add4+ nights
1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026 GBP 521 USD 678 ZAR 11,753 EUR 625 per person sharingContracted FIT Rate1+ nights

Prices are on a per person sharing basis (pps).

Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.

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Rates Include

All meals; local drinks; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; a daily bush walk; the Rhino Disharmony Levy; and morning/afternoon shared game drives are included. PLEASE NOTE: The additional tourism bed levy is NOT included (R10 per person per night - subject to change). IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R280 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).


Children Policy

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks. In addition, children under the age of 18 years cannot partake in the overnight Giraffe Nest's safari walk experience. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking activity remains with the guide and lodge manager.



All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Motswari Game Lodge can be included in you own dream holiday.

Classic Kruger and the Garden Route

14 nights

4 Star Accommodation

Southern Sun The Cullinan
The Cullinan
Cape Town
The Beach Hotel
The Beach Hotel
Port Elizabeth
Motswari Game Lodge
Motswari Game Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve
Mont d'Or Franschhoek
Mont d'Or Franschhoek
The Cape Winelands
Auberge Burgundy
Auberge Burgundy
Hermanus
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays
Protea Knysna Quays
The Garden Route

Destination: South Africa.

14 night itinerary including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Timbavati Game Reserve, Cape Winelands, Hermanus and Garden Route.

Price Per Person From
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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.




Guest Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 based on 10 ratings




Start TestimonialMotswari Game Lodge was everything we hoped our Safari would be. They made us feel like family and royalty all at the same time. Everything from the drives, to the food, to the staff was just perfect! We are so happy Travel Butlers suggested Motswari to us! Travel Butlers made booking the lodge and transportation easy and worry-free.End Testimonial

S OZIMEK


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Motswari Game Lodge Location.

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R280 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

Also, we would advise that you do NOT use a GPS once in the Timbavati, as it is likely to give you incorrect directions!



General Information For Guests

All of the rooms have an en-suite bathroom, private deck, hair dryer, electronic safe, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

The Giraffe’s Nest is an overnight bush experience (additional cost and prebooking essential) overlooking the Xanatsi Dam. It sleeps 2 guests and is situated close to the main lodge but far enough away that you get a truly authentic overnight bush experience. It has an eco-bathroom.

Motswari Game Lodge has an open air boma, bar, guest lounge, curio shop, library, swimming pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and an art gallery.  Meals are served on the verandah. Room service is available 24 hours.

Activities that are available at Motswari include both morning and afternoon game drives and bush dinners.

Guided bush walks can be arranged on request and take place after the morning game drive and breakfast on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only.

Safari interest talks are held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday inbetween lunch and high tea.

In the evenings, rangers will accompany you between buildings, offering peace of mind and insight into the surroundings.

The mobile spa offers a range of massages (additional cost).

MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 20 minute drive away from the airstrip.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks. In addition, children under the age of 18 years cannot partake in the overnight Giraffe Nest's safari walk experience. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking activity remains with the guide and lodge manager.


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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.

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