Motswari African Retreat & Walking Safaris

• Persons must be 12 years or older to visit Motswari African Retreat & Walking Safaris.

To ensure that you have a comfortable and memorable safari experience, we recommend that you include the following items when packing:

• Comfortable walking boots.
• Neutral-coloured clothing for camouflage.
• A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• A small backpack with water and binoculars.
• Water and Snacks will be provided for the walks.
• The rangers will carry all the safety required items (e.g. First Aid kit & Radio)
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  Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need further info.

• Dry season (April–October) is ideal because vegetation is lower, and animals gather around water sources. Wet season (November – March) is not ideal with chances of rain showers, thicker vegetation and high temperatures (and humidity).
• Cooler mornings are preferred for walking before the heat builds up.

• Walks typically last 4-5 hours in the morning session (which starts at sunrise). In the afternoon we will conduct a nature-based game drive with a sundowner which will be between 2-3 hours long (another walk is also optional, to be discussed with your ranger).
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• Distances of the walks are between 5 and 10 km but can vary considering tracking opportunities. No set trails are followed as the most constant thing in the wilderness in change.
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• The pace is slow, allowing for observation and learning.
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• The fitness level needs to be moderate. There will be some distance covered, but all will be done at the groups own pace. The walks are not a A to B mission, but rather an engaging experience.

• You’ll always be accompanied by two highly trained guides and armed rangers.
• Guides will teach you how to read animal behaviour and stay safe.
• Walks are usually conducted in areas where dangerous encounters can be managed.

To encourage you to enjoy a light “digital detox” and enhance the level of relaxation you experience during your Motswari African Retreat visit, we only offer Wi-Fi connectivity in designated areas.

We recommend not making use of your cell phone in the boma during seated dinners as this detracts from the experience and may be disturbing to other guests.

Motswari African Retreat and Motswari Private Game Reserve falls within a malaria area. We recommend that you contact your local travel clinic for advice on the necessary precautionary measures that you should take for visits to this region.

The breathtaking Timbavati and Umbabat Nature Reserves form part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves region, which borders on the Kruger National Park.
 
The reserves share an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, which allows animal species to move freely between these expansive parks. You can therefore look forward to exceptional game viewing moments.
 
Learn more about Limpopo, South Africa here.

The climate in this area is subtropical and rains fall during summer. The warmer months of the year roll in from October to March, whereas winter is from April to September. Generally speaking, daytime temperatures are pleasant, but mornings and evenings can be cool.

Read more about changing seasons in our blog, Falling for the Timbavati, here.

Yes, there is an additional conservation levy, which needs to be paid on arrival. 

Conservation levies for the period 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024: 
1. Fully Catered Lodges – R510 per person per night (Adults) 
2. Fully Catered Lodges - R255 per person per night (Children) 
3. Self Catering Camps – R200 per person per night (Adults and Children) 
4. The conservation levy as quoted is VAT Inclusive. 

South African and African citizens and residents conservation levy will also remain applicable to all TPNR lodges for the 2024 year and these will match the Self Catering Camps at R200 per person per night (Adults and Children).

For purposes of clarity, Adults are defined as anyone 12 years and older, Children are defined as anyone under the age of 12 years old.

Check availability here.

No, motorcycles are not allowed in the Timbavati Reserve due to safety and operational reasons.

As an alternative, a transfer can be arranged from the airport to the lodge at a cost of R1500 per way. Additionally, parking for the motorcycle at the airport is available for R100 per day, with R200 to be paid in cash.

The Umbabat Private Nature Reserve (UPNR) is an 18,000 ha private nature reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is situated in an area bordered by Timbavati, Klaserie and Kruger National Park. Collectively, the private nature reserves are called the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR). It is known as the Heart of the Greater Kruger, as it is located in the middle of the APNR and Kruger National Park.

The UPNR was proclaimed in 1969 and at that stage was only a 7500 ha reserve. Since the minimum size of 15,000 ha was required to be a member of the APNR, the reserve was expanded in 1991 to include the share-block reserves upon request from the Klaserie and Timbavati reserves. The original 7500 ha Umbabat became known as Group 13, and much later, Group 13 changed its name  Umbabat Wilderness Conservation Association (UWCA). Motswari is part of the Group 13 and is the only lodge with commercial access in this vast wilderness area.

• You may see big animals like elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and even predators from a safe distance.
• Expect closer encounters with smaller creatures like birds, insects, and plant life.
• Tracking animals by their footprints, dung, and other signs is a big part of the experience.

Yes, Motswari African Retreat gladly accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary needs. Please inform us in advance when booking.

Absolutely. Private guided safari walks can be arranged upon request, ensuring personalized experiences tailored to your interests.

Rooms at Motswari African Retreat are designed to blend naturally with the environment and do not feature air conditioning. However, rooms are comfortably ventilated to provide relief from heat.

Yes, convenient airport transfers to Motswari African Retreat from Hoedspruit and other nearby airports can be arranged. Please contact us ahead of your visit.

Motswari African Retreat is an ideal location for intimate celebrations, romantic getaways, and small group events. Contact our team for custom event planning.