Motswari Private Game Reserve — Hotel in Bushbuckridge

Motswari claims to be a 4* lodge, at best they are a 2* lodge. The value for money is lacking here. If you know what a quality lodge is supposed to be you will leave disappointed in this one, spend your money elsewhere.

Food – 1/5 – When you go to the bush you expect to have a variety of well-cooked meats with good presentation and sides that cater to most people. They failed to deliver quality dinners and you leave meals feeling dissatisfied and hungry. It appears the chef is attempting to replicate high end European menus, but every dish fell short. The breakfast was decent and the to order egg bar was the saving grace of all the food at this lodge.

Lodging – 3/5 – The rooms are rustic and beautiful. The rooms did feel very dated however and it seems like the furniture and decorations are nearing the end of their service life.

Overall Lodge –2/5 The lodge is laid out nicely, has a great boma and a few areas for hanging out. None of the areas were inviting and most of the areas appear not to be used anymore. The lodge looks like it used to be full of life but there is an overwhelming feeling of those days being long in the past. The swimming pool does have a nice view.

Lodge Staff – 2/5 The office staff are very friendly and try to find an answer to every concern you may have. The maintenance and housekeeping staff begrudgingly say hello to you when you walk past. It is obvious that being friendly is mandated rather than natural. The service staff make you feel like you are an inconvenience to them if you ask for a drink. The service at dinner is lacking and a lot of the time you have to get up and walk to the bar if you want a refill on your wine or other beverage.

Location – 3/5 The location is decent and has the big 5. It is quite densely populated by mopani and marula trees so if large herds of plains game are what you want this is not the best area. The area is quite good for leopards. There are smaller numbers of game and less variety than in other areas.

Game drives – 2/5 The game drives should be the highlight of any bush trip and Motswari fails to live up to that expectation. They stick to the same few roads where you end up recognizing the same few sets of animals very quickly. The drives were also at the wrong time so there was very little activity to be seen. The morning drive left far too late so you just drive around in the heat once all the game has settled down and the evening drive is the opposite, and you return just as the game is starting to emerge. If drives are important to you, you should avoid Motswari.

Rangers/guides – 1/5 We had a terrible experience with guides. My wife told our guide Eric that her favorite animals were hyenas, he spent the next 3 days telling her how stupid they are and how he wont go take her to find any because he hates them. After we complained about this, we were shuffled to a new guide who was still learning, he then had to go work at a different lodge so we were handed off to a 3rd guide who was at least decent with communication but just wasn’t a very good guide when it came to game knowledge or spotting. They do have “trackers” on their vehicles, but this is certainly just for image as they do not actually do any tracking.

Safari walk – 0/5 I asked for this experience for 3 days, they came up with excuses as to why they can’t do it. Then I finally got management involved and they organized one the next day. The website says their safari walk covers 5-6km and can go up to 3 hours. After scaring one guest out of walking by lying about the dangers, we walked out about 200 meters from the lodge and the guide talked about 2 types of droppings, a marula tree and a termite mound. When we returned I asked if they would do a real one and the one guide gave me a serious attitude and said too many people die on these things so they won’t do a real one.

Giraffe’s nest – 4/5 – Great experience, amazing to sleep under the stars. The dinner they served was already cold and we ate an hour and a half earlier than everyone else and there were ants...

Motswari Private Game Lodge Never again!!!!! Visited from 12 to 16 September 2019 (4 nights). Overvalued, far too expensive, absolutely not worth the money (a stay in Motswari sets you back for €700 per night for 2 people!!). Price quality ratio is totally out of balance.

In detail: Our cottage (Leopard) was surrounded by a palisade which left no view at all. The "outdoor shower", which was located between the two structures of our cottage, was actually an indoor shower without a roof. No view but walls from there... The view over the "river" from the pool as shown in the pictures on the website is simply a view over a dry dusty river bed. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style.

The game drives: Yes, we have seen the big five, and yes, we have seen wild dogs. But…. we also drove 3 (three!) game drives in a row to the same place where lions had killed a giraffe, what a poverty... In fact, only four of the eight game drives were worthwhile, the other four we saw mainly dry/dead trees along the paths and almost no animals. As sad highlights of the four bad game drives we stopped at African hares a number of times, about which the ranger gave an extensive explanation. What a poverty... Also two game drives a good number of kilometers were driven over the asphalt road which leads from the Timbavati Gate to the lodge. What a poverty...

An advice from my side: Do not spend your money in Motswari for there are lodges in private game reserves quite nearby where you spend less than half the money of Motswari. In these lodges the quality of the stay, the food, the game drives and the surrounding game resserve are many times better than in Motswari. If you choose one of those, you’ll save a lot of money or, you can stay there at least twice as long for the same money you spend in Motswari. Fortunately we visited two of these lodges after our debacle in Motswari. In those lodges the price/quality ratio was over 100%.

Motswari Private Game Lodge Nooit meer!!!!! Bezocht van 12 tot 16 september (4 nachten). Overgewaardeerd, veel te duur, het geld (€700,- per nacht voor 2 personen!!) absoluut niet waard. Prijs kwaliteit verhouding is totaal uit balans.

Ons cottage (Leopard) was omgeven door een palissade dus totaal geen uitzicht. De “buitendouche” bevond zich tussen de twee gebouwtjes van ons cottage in, was eigenlijk een niet overdekte binnen douche. Het uitzicht over de “rivier” zoals op de foto’s op de site is gewoon een uitzicht over een dorre droge bedding. Het ontbijt, de lunch en het diner worden geserveerd in buffetvorm.

De game drives: Ja we hebben de big five gezien, ja we hebben wilde honden gezien. Maar we zijn ook 3 (drie!) game drives achter elkaar naar dezelfde plek gereden waar leeuwen een giraf hadden buit gemaakt, wat een armoede……. Eigenlijk waren er maar vier van de acht game drives redelijk de moeite waard, de overige vier hebben we voornamelijk dode bomen langs de paden gezien en vrijwel geen wild. Ook werd er twee maal een flink aantal kilometers over de asfaltweg gereden welke van de Timbavati Gate naar de lodge leidt. Als droevig hoogtepunt van de vier slechte game drives stopten we een aantal malen bij de Afrikaanse haas, waar de ranger een uitgebreide uitleg over gaf. Wat een armoede…….

Een advies van mijn kant: Er zijn lodges in private game reserves voor minder dan de helft van de prijs van Motswari waar de kwaliteit van het verblijf, het eten, de game drives en de omgeving vele malen beter zijn dan in deze. Als je er daar een van kiest hou je geld over of je kunt er twee maal zolang verblijven voor het geld dat je in Motswari kwijt bent. Gelukkig hebben we twee van deze lodges bezocht na het debacle...

Motswari Lodge exceeded all my expectations and delivered an enchanting experience in the heart of the South African wilderness. From the breathtaking surroundings to the exceptional staff and unforgettable safari tours, every aspect of my stay was simply outstanding. Nestled within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Motswari Lodge boasts an awe-inspiring location. The reserve's vast expanse of untamed wilderness sets the stage for a truly immersive safari adventure. The lodge itself is surrounded by lush vegetation, sprawling savannahs, and meandering rivers, providing an ideal habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife. This is a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true. During my stay, I had the privilege of witnessing the Big Five up close, including majestic lions, graceful leopards, massive elephants, powerful rhinos, and agile buffalos. The diversity of birdlife was equally impressive, with a multitude of colorful species dotting the skies. The knowledgeable guides ensured that we had ample opportunities to observe and learn about the wildlife, making each game drive an exhilarating and educational experience. The lodge itself was a harmonious blend of luxury and rustic charm. The spacious and well-appointed rooms provided a comfortable sanctuary, complete with modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The staff at Motswari Lodge deserves special commendation for their warm hospitality and attentiveness. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with genuine smiles and treated like royalty. The staff members went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and catered to my every need, making me feel like a valued guest throughout my stay. The highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the safari tours. The knowledgeable and passionate guides led us on exhilarating expeditions into the wild, sharing their expertise and deep respect for nature along the way. Their ability to spot elusive wildlife was truly remarkable, and their stories and insights added a layer of depth to the entire experience. The attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction demonstrated by the safari staff were second to none. Motswari Lodge is an oasis of tranquility, offering a respite from the chaos of everyday life. The peacefulness of the surroundings, combined with the sounds of nature, created a serene atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. Whether lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or simply absorbing the breathtaking scenery from my private deck, I found myself completely relaxed and rejuvenated. The culinary offerings at Motswari Lodge were nothing short of exceptional. Each meal was a delightful fusion of flavors, showcasing the best of local and international cuisine. From delectable breakfasts to gourmet dinners under the starlit sky, the chefs at the lodge catered to every palate. The dining experience was elevated by the warm ambiance and friendly service provided by the restaurant staff. In conclusion, Motswari Lodge provided me with an unforgettable journey into the heart of the South African wilderness. The combination of awe-inspiring surroundings, diverse wildlife, luxurious accommodations, attentive staff, and immersive safari tours created an experience that will forever remain etched in my memory. If you seek a peaceful retreat in harmony with nature, look no further than Motswari Lodge—it will exceed your...