Live your African Dream at Motswari Private Game Reserve
Posted on: 24 February 2025 Written by: Newmark Hotels & Reserves
Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana – a fitting name for this Big Five private game reserve by Newmark Hotels & Reserves. Motswari Private Game Reserve is located within the Timbavati and Umbabat regions – part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves, which adjoin the well-known Kruger National Park.
To get to Motswari Private Game Reserve, fly to Hoedspruit Airport. From there, it's approximately a 50-minute journey by car. Another option is to fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. This airport offers flight connections from several cities, including Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.
The History Behind the Dream
Motswari Private Game Reserve is nestled within the historically significant Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Established in 1956 by conservation-minded landowners concerned about habitat degradation, the Timbavati has grown from its humble beginnings to a 53,396-hectare reserve committed to preserving the region's diverse flora and fauna.
A pivotal moment came in 1993 when the fences were removed between Timbavati, Kruger National Park, and other neighbouring reserves, creating the expansive Greater Kruger National Park. This commitment to open ecosystems, along with ongoing expansion, allows for natural species migration and has solidified Timbavati's role in protecting endangered species.
Today, the reserve not only provides an unparalleled safari experience for tourists but also supports local communities through tourism and the Timbavati Foundation's outreach programs, ensuring the preservation of this pristine wilderness for generations to come.
What You’ll See in Timbavati
The area has large expanses of savannah bushveld with plenty of indigenous tree species, including acacia woodland. It teems with remarkable African mammals, including leopards, cheetahs, impalas, lions, and more.

The Wonders of Umbabat
Motswari Private Game Reserve also extends into the Umbabat area, bordering Timbavati. Umbabat offers 18,000 hectares of private nature reserve territory, making it a dream destination for travellers hoping to glimpse South Africa’s wildlife.
Both areas of Timbavati and Umbabat extend over the South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, which are known and loved for their exquisite landscapes and contrasting mountain and flatland areas. Leisurely game drives and walking safaris beckon in this scenic safari location, and guests of Motswari Private Game Reserve are spoilt for choice with potential sightings of the Big Five, abundant flora and fauna, and photo-worthy mountain ranges and forests adorning the skyline.
Witness the endless natural wonders of Timbavati and Umbabat when you visit Motswari Private Game Reserve. Expect an extraordinary safari experience with personalised hospitality drenched in the epitome of the African dream. Book with Newmark Hotels & Reserves now.