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Motswiri Lodge, Madikwe | Timbuktu Travel
Madikwe

Motswiri Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Motswiri Lodge

Cool interiors and hot wildlife viewing only a short drive away from the capital.
Motswiri Private Safari Lodge is an elegant and comfortable lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, home to South Africa's famous Big Five and some of the hottest game viewing in the country. The lodge itself is intimate, tucked beneath ancient leadwood trees and offering peaceful accommodation that meets your every demand. In contrast, the reserve is a gigantic 75,000 hectares – you'll not be short-changed on sightings. The weather adds to the drama, especially during the rainfall months, when theatrical mid-afternoon thunderstorms send the animals into hiding. Watching them emerge after the storm is a damp but fabulous treat.
Madikwe , South Africa
From $570 per person/per night
Safari
5 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Motswiri is the local Pedi name for the leadwood tree, a clump of which shelter this lovely, family-friendly lodge. The main building is beautifully appointed, with a comfortable lounge, full bar and separate dining room, each with its own fireplace. Meals are served beside the fire in winter and, when evenings are hot, in the outside boma. The food is five-star fabulous, and so is the view – the lodge and its rim-flow pool overlook a well-visited waterhole.

The rooms

Five luxury bush villas accommodate 10 people, and a single luxury family villa sleeps six in three rooms. The bush villas, set around a swimming pool, all have aircon, ceiling fans, gas fireplaces, slick en-suite bathrooms, outdoor rock showers and private decks. Foldaway doors and windows make the most of the view. The family villa has a well-equipped kitchen, a lounge leading to a private deck, and a plunge pool and boma. It can be booked on a self-catering basis.

Activities

See the ever-popular Big Five, along with wild dog, hyaena, warthog and numerous birds on morning or late afternoon drives with the amazingly well-informed game rangers. The drives can be arranged to suit your interests, so birdwatchers will be happy here. Explore the bush on foot with a ranger, then relax with a drink in the lounge, cool off in the pool, or enjoy a spa massage in your room.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The beautiful villas. They're super-spacious and comfortable but still manage to feel like home thanks to the large fireplace and a bathtub with a picture-window view.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Motswiri is in an excellent location for a short, sharp safari with no hassles - perfect for recharging your spirits in the bush if you've only got a short amount of time to spare.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Watch out for the monkeys! They're often to be found at the watering hole, but if you make the mistake of leaving food in your villa, you might find one a little closer to home...
Trips

Madikwe Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Grapes and game parks in South Africa
South Africa

Grapes and game parks in South Africa

12 nights from $14.2K per person

A family escape in South Africa & Mauritius
South Africa + Mauritius

A family escape in South Africa & Mauritius

12 nights from $4K per person

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How to book Motswiri Lodge

How do I book Motswiri Lodge?

Motswiri Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Motswiri Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Motswiri Lodge?

Stays at Motswiri Lodge start from around $570 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Motswiri Lodge

South Africa

Madikwe Game Reserve

It’s easily accessible, malaria-free and you’ll spot the Big Five – what’s not to love?