Leave the world behind and experience Motswari Hideaways
Posted on: 30 November 2022 Written by: Kim Jurgens
Let the bush surprise you from the moment you set foot in the unscripted and truly wild Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Experience Motswari Hideaways self-catering camps where the luxuries are grounded in nature, the rich wildlife the hero of your stay and the exclusive use of each camp providing the escape you need.
Evelyn Millard, manageress of Motswari Hideaways, explains why guests love our self-catering camps and the reasons behind their return.
Getting into the bush has always been the heart’s desire of most South Africans who would travel to the Kruger with their families carrying all supplies with them every year.
Evelyn Millard, Manageress of Motswari Hideaways
Paul’s Hideaway
During the period when guests sought out camps where families could have their own quiet space, the concept of exclusive use was born. Java Camp, which was still the Geiger family home up till the mid 90’s, was presented to a group of business men who each took block bookings for several weeks. This was the beginning of Java self-catering camp as it stands today, with many of the original groups adding next generation families to their annual visits. With the aim of providing consistent income during the low seasons of international tourism, Java Camp steadily grew from humble beginnings into a guest favourite today.
Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geiger private home, known as Paul’s Hideaway, was kindly offered as a possible self-catering camp to support Motswari infrastructure and staff when international travel was halted, as well as facilitate added enquiries for local bush travel at that time.
Apart from its exclusivity for families or groups of friends, guests love our self-catering camps as it provides an escape from city life, a remote bush break with guided off road game drives including coffee breaks and sundowners in the wilderness. The feeling of being “in another world” is what make these camps so special.
The concept of a remote farm in the bush with daily scheduled off road game drives is as exhilarating as the concept of braais and cold beers around a fire in the evening.
Evelyn Millard, Manageress of Motswari Hideaways
Complete privacy with the freedom to take pictures, read, unwind, drink, share regaling stories and enjoying the camaraderie in the kitchen when prepping meals are what make guests feel at home for the week. A camp organised and ready for your arrival with dedicated yet unobtrusive staff and guide, offers the sense of being in a bush bubble.
Java Camp Main Area
Java Camp BOMA
The spacious Java Camp hosts 10 guests with ensuite rooms and bush facing verandas, ensuring alone time when needed. Paul’s Hideaway offers accommodation for 6 guests with air conditioning and possibly the best views. Amazing bird watching, big five viewing and immersion in the natural environment provides by gone bush experiences at both camps.
First option for the same week is offered for the following year and is taken up to 80% of the time. Once experienced, guests love returning year upon year on the same dates. Through one contact, bookings are collated in September each year giving the feeling of belonging to a club. As per Evelyn, the most common feedback received from guests are “keep my week for next year!” At these camps, guests really do enjoy themselves. Java, in particular, is considered a magical place by many, and if the pool could speak it would tell amazing stories.
Every day the sun rises. Every night the sun sets. Every day is the same, yet none are ever alike. How could they be with a myriad of creatures that still roam around Motswari Hideaways as they have done for decades?