Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, situated in the western side of the 75 000 hectare, Big Five, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province, forms an integral part of The Madikwe Collection's exclusive portfolio of lodges. As its name suggests, Motswiri Private Safari Lodge is an exclusive lodge offering guests a personal bush experience, which is impossible to replicate in larger concerns. The lodge offer some of the best views in Madikwe as well as the tranquil feel given by the mature trees (mostly Leadwoods) under which the lodge's main building and five luxury bush villas nestle. Motswiri has luxurious accommodation, with each bush villa offering stunning views from private decks and multiple-slider bedrooms and bathrooms. Add double-sided fire places, air-conditioning/ ceiling fans, stunning bathrooms and an outdoor shower and you have a bush experience second to none. Then our Family Villa offer three rooms all with en-suite bathrooms. The Family villa boasts a private lounge area leading out onto a private deck and pool. At the main area of the lodge enjoy the rim-flow pool overlooking the waterhole, have a cocktail under the shade of the Motswiri trees (Leadwood in Tswana) on the main deck or just while away the day in the outside lounge and bar area. Fine cuisine is served in the dining room, under the Leadwood or around a roaring fire in the boma. Staff offer personal service in a relaxed but professional manner and the twice daily game drives are conducted by our rangers whose superb bush knowledge is imparted in the manner best suited to the bush knowledge of the guests on the specially designed landcruiser game viewing vehicle. Motswiri offers the option of individual bookings or exclusive use of the lodge for groups. The lodge is ideal for corporate, family / friend groups of up to ten people who do not wish to share the facilities with other guests. Motswiri is a mere 4 - 1/2 hours drive from Johannesburg or for utter indulgence, guests can opt for a fly-in safari to the reserves all weather airstrip. Scheduled daily charters are available via the Federal Air Madikwe Charter Joint Venture Partnership. Lodge tariffs include luxury accommodation, two fabulous game drives per day and all meals.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
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Nestled in the wilderness, Motswiri Private Safari Lodge garners accolades for its outstanding amenities, including intimate wildlife encounters and bespoke game drives. Guests appreciate the value offered, spotlighting the lodge's reasonably priced yet amazing experiences and dining options. The service at Motswiri is consistently lauded for its attentiveness and warmth, enhancing the lodge's comfortable and spacious ambiance.
The cleanliness of the lodge is another highlight, with travelers noting the pristine condition of both rooms and communal areas. Additionally, the rooms are celebrated for their generous size and private luxuries such as individual pools.
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay at the outstanding Motswiri Lodge, the location is idyllic with excellent accommodation and faultless service.
We had lodge 4 a very spacious and well presented accommodation with a superb view of the waterhole and a great outside shower. There isn't any wi-fi in the room only in the restaurant/lobby area which due to our personal circumstances at the time we would've preferred, but in the grand scheme of things is a very insignificant to most people.
The game drives were great fun and our suberb driver/ranger, Elliot, ensured that we saw the most we could and we were very lucky. Indeed all the drivers from all the lodges work very well together to ensure not only the maximum amount of sightings but also not to all head to the same sightings at the same time unlike some other locations where dozens of vehicles surround the wildlife, that doesn't happen here.
On our return the food on offer was superb, varied and plentiful.
Many thanks to all the team at Motswiri for giving us many great memories, we hope to return soon.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 08 Mar 2020
Dear Bigglestraveller Thank you for taking the time to review our property, your comments are very much valued and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay. We will be sure to share your comments with the lodge. With regards to the Wi-Fi, we have spoken to lodge management about this and they have advised that they are working on getting Wi-Fi available in the rooms. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Madikwe! Best Regards, Yvette Reservations Manager
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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After having recently relocated to Pretoria, we had the urge to get out on our first safari. Recommended by Green Rhino, Motswiri was a phenomenal choice for the first safari. Our beautiful and very clean room was meters away from the watering hole, which provided nonstop elephant viewing, warthogs, and even lions throughout our 3 night stay. The food was abundant and delicious! The staff were accommodating and sincerely friendly and outgoing, and even as a gay couple, made us feel entirely welcome. The safari treks were exciting and an absorbing distraction to city life, and our guide Elliott was great. We had an amazing time here and would highly recommend Motswiri to anyone looking for an awesome safari experience. It’ll stay on our repeat list for sure!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm not quite sure where to start. If I could give more stars, I would.
We arrived at Motswiri to the most amazing welcome from the friendliest staff. It is rare to find somewhere where the reality is so much more beautiful than the photos and every aspect exceeds your expectations. The location is stunning and lodge beautiful. Our rooms were immaculate - huge beds, gas fires which were lit for our return every evening after game drives, a stunning bathroom overlooking the watering hole and an outdoor shower. It really was luxury in the bush. The balconies all overlooked the watering hole and were one of the many highlights of the stay. A stunning place to sit in the sun and watch the constant visitors from the comfort of your own terrace.
The game drives were everything we wanted and more. Stuart our guide was exceptional. His knowledge and passion for the bush was inspiring as was his determination to track resulting in the most amazing experiences. Honestly there is nothing more raw and exciting. The morning drives were cold but they provide blankets and hot water bottles which are perfect until the sun appears. Stuart also makes the best Gin and Tonic to be enjoyed at sun downers.
The food was completely delicious - and plentiful. We found ourselves very easily fitting into the safari routine where meals seemed to appear perfectly in time with our arrival back from Safari drives. Thank you to Stone who never stops smiling, Patricia for the drinks, all the other staff who work so hard to make Motswiri so special and to Stuart for making this the trip of a lifetime for our family.
This was without a doubt the highlight of our holiday and we would love to return one day. Motswiri really is a very special place. Thank you!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 27 Sept 2023
Dear Coulson, A big thank you for your wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled that you had an amazing experience. Your kind words warm our hearts and inspire us to continue delivering five-start hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable stay. Until then, safe travels and many adventures ahead. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Madikwe! Kindest regards Motswiri Reservations Team
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We just spent a couple of days at Motswiri and were so impressed! The attention to detail-hot citronella scented towels after safaris, etc-was impressive.They went out of their way to cater for vegetarian meals and made them all taste incredible (even our fussy children were impressed)! I was on a special diet so sent the list of foods I was allowed to eat in advance and the chef prepared exactly what I wanted for every meal! We stayed in the family villa which was a spacious 3-bedroom house with its own pool, and very comfortable. The best part of our stay was our brilliant guide Stewart who was one of the best trackers we have seen (having been to many many safaris) and worked very hard to show us all the animals in Madikwe (apart from the elusive leopard, we saw pretty much all the Big 5, Cheetahs and lots of Elephants and other animals). Overall, a great experience and a lodge we will definitely go to again!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â We stayed in the 3 bedroom en suite family villa with a private pool and was brilliant for us and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 04 Mar 2020
Dear hpbtravels Thank you for taking the time to review our property, your comments are very much valued and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay. We will be sure to share your comments with the lodge. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Madikwe! Best Regards, Yvette Reservations Manager
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Even with the reduced rate we still feel it was expensive for what you get. Plus the additional tips expected on departure, not explained when booking. We felt the accommodation was average and could be improved for the money charged.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We went to Madikwe years ago and it suited us well. That's why we came back. The lodge itself is fine. Our ranger Elliot was very informative and relaxed. The food was also fine. However, the staff is somewhat inexperienced and not really thinking along. A manager was therefore very much missed. At checkout, our mineral water was charged that we had used with dinner. Not a problem in itself, but the mineral water we used during the safaris was free. Remarkable! The "assistant manager" explained that the brand of mineral water served with the meal was more expensive. We were never asked which brand of mineral water we would like. This is only a minor detail, but for a lodge with 5 * and in this price category you can expect that at least the mineral water is included. The assistant manager was also barely present/visible and a real manager was sorely missed. We would like to go back to Madikwe but next time we will choose a different lodge. Only for ranger Elliot we would like to come back :)
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Totally brilliant experience. We spent 3 nights at this lodge and loved every minute. It is pure luxury. Our room had a four poster bed and a beautiful bathroom with bath tub with a view, gas fire which was lit every night ready for our return from the evening game drive and an outside shower. We even got a different chocolate left on our pillow every night. The game drives set off at 6.30am and 15.30pm. We were out for about 3 hours and we saw the big 5 on the first day. On return the staff would be waiting with drinks and hot towels. This time of year is very cold on the drives so you will need coats, hats and gloves, blankets are provided. The food is amazing with a choice for dinner all made fresh and with a great degree of flexibility. All this is made possible by stunning staff. Special shout out to our ranger Stuart who was so knowledgable and persistent. He’d follow tracks for hours to make sure we got the best sighting. Agnes also had the most lovely smile and really looked after us. The water hole is a delight and is often busy with elephants coming so close. It’s too cold for the pool right now and the evenings are spent eating in close to the roaring fires. We loved it and will be back!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 02 Aug 2022
Dear Amanda Trust you are well. Thank you for taking the time to review our property, your comments are very much valued and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay. We are delighted that your stay with us was memorable. Our commitment to investing in our property will continue during this year and into the future. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Motswiri Thanking you kindly Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
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My wife and I had a fantastic stay at Motswiri lodge!
_Madikwe Game Reserve: it is a gem. Vast, home of the Big 5, Malaria-free and well managed by rangers that have the well-being of the animals and sustainability of the reserve dear to their heart. There is no self-drive (so no buses full of tourists bothering the animals, like we have seen in other parks) and rangers observe strict rules. Just on our way to the exit we were accompanied by zebras, gnous, elephants and a giraffe!
_Games: Our rangers, Zede and Stewart, were super friendly, very knowledgeable and went out of their way to show us the animals. We even had coffee and cocktails stops in the nature. Unforgettable!
_ The lodge: villas are spacious, clean, include a bathtub and outside showers. Friendly staff. The main lodge has a waterhole and elephants regularly come to refresh!
_Food: thanks to Rudy, the chef, for great food and personalized menus. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner was an experience in itself.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 04 Mar 2020
Dear manuelaQ2419IL Thank you for taking the time to review our property, your comments are very much valued and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay. We will be sure to share your comments with the lodge. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Madikwe! Best Regards, Yvette Reservations Manager
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We returned to Motswiri after having spent a brilliant time there with our two small children last year. It was lovely yet again. It was an easy drive from Johannesburg and we where welcomed heartily upon arrival. The friendliness prevailed throughout our stay, the staff is extremely friendly and kind, and so good-natured, it is what made the stay most memorable and the kids feel at home. I like the lodge with its view of the waterhole, the lookout and the weaver birds that build their nests. The room was lovely, perfectly clean and spacious with great views of the bush and a hornbill that wakes those having stayed behind of the morning game drives. Those where great, with good sightings and a good ranger and luckily other guests that had no animal bucket list to tick off but just enjoyed the bush as much as we do. The food, breakfast lunch and dinner, was delicious, really delicious and we where thankful for the boma dinner! Thank you all for such a lovely time and all the best.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 08 Mar 2020
Dear PenS79 Thank you for taking the time to review our property, your comments are very much valued and we are pleased that you found value and hospitality during your stay. We will be sure to share your comments with the lodge. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Madikwe! Best Regards, Yvette Reservations Manager
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Dear Ishyork,
Trust you are well.
Thank you for your enquiry.
Depending on the wine and beer that you want to drink as it is different prices.
Kindest Regards.
Dear Jed,
Trust you are well.
Kindly provide me with the dates so that I can check availability.
You will not stand out, Motswiri is a very intimate lodge :)
Kindest regards.
Motswiri Reservations
It varies by time of year. We got a good deal in a fabulous place with COVID and winter rates. I think for 4 nights it was just over $1k USD. That included food and alcohol and 6 game rides.
Good morning
Thank you for your inquiry.
The following is what is included and excluded from your stay:
Included:
Accommodation in our Luxury Bush Villa
All meals daily (excluding Kosher meals)
Coffees, teas and fruit juices with breakfast
Two game drives per day (from 06h00 and from 16h00 - season dependent) in our open game viewers with a highly qualified game ranger (please note that children under 6 years are not able to go on game drives for safety reasons. We do however offer baby sitting at and extra cost. We do offer a kiddies game drive after breakfast which last for an hour)
Road transfer from the Madikwe airstrip to the lodge
Daily Housekeeping
Tourism Levy
15% VAT
Excluded:
All beverages other than stated in inclusions
Park entry fee to the reserve of R180.00 per adult and R80.00 per child under 12 years (once off fee payable at the lodge which may increase without prior notice)
Conservation Levy of R165 per person per night and R 82,50 per child per night between the ages of 2 – 11 years (this fee may increase without prior notice)
Airstrip landing fee of R240.00 per adult and R150.00 per child under 12 years (once off fee payable at the lodge which may increase without prior notice)
Items of a personal nature (please refer to our Terms & Conditions)
With regards to gratuities of the staff and ranger, this will depend on your overall experience and what you would like to tip them. If you like, we can email you a list of what the drinks cost - please send us your email address?
Kind regards
Motswiri Reservations
There are more places to choose from in the Madikwe Game Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 15,263 - RÂ 18,152 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaNorth-West ProvinceMadikwe Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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