A Story in Stone & Thatch: Newmark Hotels & Reserves Unveils the Modjadji Master Suite at Motswari’s Geiger’s Camp

Newmark Hotels & Reserves expands its luxury safari portfolio with the unveiling of the Modjadji Master Suite, a new addition to Geiger’s Camp at Motswari Private Game Reserve, owned by Marion Geiger.

Named after the legendary Rain Queen of the Balobedu people, the suite takes inspiration from a figure both revered and elusive—a ruler said to summon the rains and command the land. Rising from the earth in stone and thatch, the Modjadji Master Suite blends seamlessly into its surroundings, honouring its connection to nature.

Originally a family home, Geiger’s Camp has always carried a sense of warmth and familiarity. The new suite extends this ethos, offering a secluded sanctuary designed for two guests, with a convertible lounge area accommodating a family of four within its 139m² layout.

Embracing alfresco living, the en-suite bathroom flows into an open-air shower, while the spacious lounge—anchored by a fireplace and dining area—opens onto a private deck with a pool overlooking the wilderness, extending to the horizon. As with every suite at Geiger’s Camp, a watercolour paint box is provided to guests—an invitation to capture the ever-changing textures, shapes, and tones of the landscape.

The broader design of Modjadji Master Suite was conceptualised through a hands-on collaboration with skilled artisans—local thatchers, stonemasons, and builders—who have worked this land for generations. Unlike conventional builds, the process prioritised place over pace, favouring time-honoured techniques over heavy machinery.

Each stone was placed by hand, each texture selected to blend into the landscape rather than impose upon it. Built from natural materials, the suite remains cool even in the height of summer, embracing both sustainability and timeless design.

“We used local thatch and rocks we gathered ourselves,” shares Marion. “We worked with absolute craftsmen and built with the rhythms of the bush. Building here is different—it’s an organic process, a labour of love. It’s slow, intentional, and deeply connected to place.”

This philosophy extends to the interiors, where Marion—artist, collector, and designer—collaborated with Interior Designer David Strauss to create a space with an intentional, layered aesthetic. Hand-carved doors, antique furnishings, and carefully sourced pieces lend a sense of history and continuity to the space, carrying Geiger’s Camp’s storied essence into Modjadji.

Two of Marion’s own paintings, created during the suite’s construction, are displayed in the bedroom and lounge, adding a deeply personal touch.

“The most important thing for me is that a place holds you,” says Marion Geiger. “It should feel like home—not like it’s trying to impress. Geiger’s Camp has always been about layers of history, personality, and comfort, and Modjadji continues that tradition.”

The unveiling of the Modjadji Master Suite coincides with a milestone moment, as Motswari Private Game Reserve approaches its 50th anniversary—celebrating five decades of heritage, craftsmanship, and an unbroken connection to the land.

Newmark Hotels & Reserves CEO Neil Markovitz adds: “Motswari has long been a place of deep-rooted authenticity. Today’s global traveller increasingly seeks immersive, meaningful experiences, and this addition to Geiger’s Camp speaks directly to that demand. The Modjadji Master Suite is not only an exciting milestone for the reserve and a tribute to its rich history, but it also strengthens Newmark’s presence in the safari sector and reinforces our position as a leader in African luxury hospitality as we continue to grow our footprint across the continent.”