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Motswiri Private Safari Lodge

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Traveller (495)
Room & Suite (136)
Dining (39)
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About

#14 of 22 lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve
Location
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Service
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Travellers' Choice
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.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Massage
24-hour security
Gift shop
Parking
Public wifi
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Electric blanket
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Madikwe Game Reserve 2865 South Africa
Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Getting there
Sir Seretse Khama Intl Airport
40.6 km
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Lanseria Airport
214.1 km
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355Reviews20Q+A75Room tips
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teresalegg wrote a review 05 Mar
Democratic Republic of the Congo113 contributions75 helpful votes
+1
We had an amazing three days at Motswiri Lodge. Within one game drive alone we saw all of the big five really up close to our vehicle. We saw hyena and cheetah too Our ranger Stuart was very experienced and tracked successfully on every drive. We had delicious drinks and snacks on each drive as well as beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The Lodge itself is run very smoothly by Lisa and everything was perfect. Personal service is priority and as it’s a small intimate lodge nothing is any trouble at all. Tshepo, Petunia, Stoney and Viola looked after us well. Mavis the chef created lovely meals and desserts. I wish I could visit Motswiri ever year ! I highly recommend it!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The rooms have beautiful bathrooms with views over the bush or waterhole. Plus a fireplace which...
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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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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Teresa, 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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Charlie R wrote a review 02 Mar
London, United Kingdom2 contributions1 helpful vote
Our stay at Motswiri exceeded what were already very high expectations. It was simply amazing from start to finish on all aspects: service, accommodation, safari drives and attention to detail. We went for my partners birthday and at the last minute had to change our travel plans by a week. The team not only accommodated us but made sure our experience was just as special by still preparing a birthday cake for my partner on the second night of our stay and giving us a complimentary bottle of SA sparkling (which we came back to in our room after the afternoon game drive) . There were many of these personal touches that made our time so enjoyable. We had a bungalow overlooking the waterhole so we saw elephants, giraffe, buffalo, etc daily. The food prepared by Mavis and the kitchen staff was delightful and every meal on the deck was special. The game drives were a real highlight and having someone as knowledgeable as Stewart as our guide was a huge bonus. We saw the big 5 and much more with the real highlight being able to spend 30 mins a few metres from a pride of lions on thé first morning. A big big thank you to all the Motswiri staff - we will be back!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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heather wrote a review Feb 2024
Alamo, California1 contribution
This authentic safari lodge was gorgeous and the staff was perfect! The chefs was Michelin star taste and the presentation was gorgeous. Our waiter Stone was so helpful during meals and helping us with other special needs. Stuart the manager, guide, tracker and driver gave us 120 percent! The 2 3 hour safaris per day were “out of this world” we saw everything and Stuart’s knowledge of the animals and his conservatism gave us such a love for South Africa.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: We enjoyed a smaller reserve with less safari traffic and still saw all the animals.
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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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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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SoyNuria74 wrote a review Feb 2024
Buenos Aires, Argentina1 contribution
A trip full of surprises and happy moments due to the great location, and a strategic water hole next to the lodge where we got a close look at the big 5 when they came to drink. Elliot was our safari guide, an expert and also very generous one, our children enjoyed each anecdote and fact he shared and we appreciated he would accomodate his pace to our interests.The whole team was very cheerful and helpful, Patricia at the bar, Stone bringing smiles to the table, Tsebo an efficient buttler, the food was great (and abundant!) and this park is ideal if you wish to see many animals and are hoping to witness wild moments (we saw wild dogs hunting, monkeys mating, lions and cubs napping and playing, elephants fighting, and more.) Between safaris we enjoyed the pool and birdwatching within the lodge, shy impalas in any corner. The starry nights and boma fire precede a good night sleep, though you may hear a lion roar in the middle of the night! I am glad we chose this place over Kruger.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
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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.
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Nuria, 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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Gran wrote a review Feb 2024
Totnes, United Kingdom43 contributions32 helpful votes
This is our third stay at Motswiri and it was as magical this time as each other time! We will never stay anywhere else in Madikwe. The people are simply wonderful, friendly and nothing it too much travel for anyone. It feels more like home than a luxury lodge. The front of house is outstanding and from the minute we arrived the greeting was so warm and then of course the game drives were more than we could have imagined. Stuart went above and beyond to make each and every drive was special and exciting. Everyone at Motswiri needs to be recognised and we are already planning our next trip in 2025 ! Thank you for such a wonderful trip.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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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.
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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liza940 wrote a review Feb 2024
Franschhoek, South Africa2 contributions1 helpful vote
Our third visit to Motswiri and it did not disappoint - again. Welcoming, comfortable and clean. Excellent game sightings thanks to Elliott. We took friends from the UK who were delighted by the whole experience.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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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.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Liz 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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Arjan Van De Wall wrote a review Feb 2024
Mooresville, North Carolina6 contributions
We had a wonderful 3 night stay at the Motswiri lodge. We loved the intimacy of this smaller sized place. Warm and cozy accommodation with pool, great food and kind people that went out of their way to make our stay a very memorable one. We absolutely loved the game drives with our very knowledgable rangers Stuart, Berry and Elliot. They went above and beyond to show us all the animals Madikwe houses. Highly recommend a stay at Motswiri and hope to return in the near future.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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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.
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Adriaan, 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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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joshua F wrote a review Feb 2024
2 contributions
Motswiri was truly an amazing lodge and a perfect safari experience! The food was incredible every single day that were there and the watering hole on site consistently had elephants and buffalo coming up close! Our ranger Barry was simply the best there is! So funny and knowledgeable about the wildlife and the reserve itself and he truly has a passion for what he does! My wife and I were here on our honeymoon and we were able to see the big 5 during the 5 days the we stayed at this lodge including the elusive leopard! I highly recommend this lodge to anyone wanting to have a great safari experience!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
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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.
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 01 Feb 2024
Dear Joshua, 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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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riocobb wrote a review Jan 2024
Kilve, United Kingdom183 contributions74 helpful votes
This was an unforgettable experience in a wonderful game reserve staying in the most wonderful lodge. The rooms, the public areas were perfect and the staff were wonderful doing everything to make sure that we had a perfect stay. The game we saw was second to none and Elliot our guide was absolutely brilliant. We were always in the right place at the right time, but of course following animals is not like that, but due to his knowledge and instincts we had the most amazing sightings. I cannot speak highly enough about this place and we will for sure be back.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Ask for a room that overlooks the water hole
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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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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 31 Jan 2024
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-star 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
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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celmo46 wrote a review Jan 2024
Washington DC, District of Columbia155 contributions123 helpful votes
Had the absolute pleasure of staying here for four days. When we arrived, Chante greeted us with a drink and a warm welcome. We went to our villa and then had lunch and off on our first safari. Our guide was Barry and I cannot say enough about what a positive experience he provided! He told us about the animals, the park, and South African history. He was knowledgeable and professional and lots of fun! The rythym of the day was meet at 5:30AM for the morning game drive, back by 9AM for breakfast, 2PM lunch, 4PM evening game drive and back for dinner about 7PM. During downtime there is a pool and lounge chairs, board games, and the opportunity to get a massage. I opted (twice) to get a massage. The therapist, Kgomotso, came to our villa and it was amazing. Her Swedish was my deep tissue so just tell her what you want! The food was very good and you get a couple of choices for each meal. The fresh veggies in the salads and for meals were really good. You pay for cocktails, but they are very reasonably priced. For the evening game drive, you have the opportunity to choose the sundowner you would like to have and if you pick a drink off the sundowner menu it is included at no cost. We stayed in villa 4 and loved it! It had a view of the watering hole where the animals would come to drink and cool off. We saw elephants, wart hogs, and water buffalos, so awesome!!! Our room was very spacious with a large bed, fireplace, and a tub. The shower is outside the villa and very cool! It’s private, you can see the stars and really enjoyable. Im not sure how comfy it would be in the winter time, but we loved it in November! This is a small Lodge, very intimate and by the time you leave you will know most of the staff. If I ever find my way back, I will definitely stay at Motswili.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip 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.
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Response from Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, Other at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
Responded 30 Jan 2024
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-star 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 Private Safari Lodge
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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There are more places to choose from in the Madikwe Game Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
R 10,829 - R 16,998 (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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MOTSWIRI PRIVATE SAFARI LODGE - Reviews & Price Comparison (Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Motswiri Private Safari Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a desk, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Motswiri Private Safari Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Motswiri Private Safari Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.