African Retreat by Motswari – a new wellness concept in Greater Kruger

African Retreat by Motswari Private Game Reserve, a brand-new wellness sanctuary located in the Timbavati, opens this month.

The addition of this standalone, 4-bedroom camp, adds to Motswari’s established accommodation options – Geiger’s Camp, Motswari Private Game Reserve, and Giraffe’s Nest - introducing a completely unique wellness concept to the existing accommodation offerings available within South Africa’s Greater Kruger Park.

“Designed to enhance tranquility, restore mind-body harmony and deepen your connection to nature, African Retreat by Motswari allows guests to unplug from life’s demanding rhythms and indulge in experiences crafted to induce relaxation and promote restorative wholeness,” says owner of Motswari Private Game Reserve, Marion Geiger Orengo.

Accommodation

African Retreat by Motswari is focused on enabling wholeness, stillness, and a chance to give yourself permission to “press pause” for a few days. Four private bungalows have been individually appointed with intriguing décor and small, considered touches to delight, surprise and shift your mindset during your stay.

Maroela and Tamboti, the two Superior Bungalows at African Retreat by Motswari, enjoy magnificent views of the riverbed. These spacious bungalows, which range from 30 – 40 square metres in size, are designed to harmoniously blend with nature, transitioning seamlessly from interior to exterior. Each bungalow consists of a bedroom furnished with two three quarter extra-length beds with 300 thread count luxury cotton sheets, a bathroom area with double vanity area, separate dressing rooms and a private outdoor deck. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea and coffee stations, and luxury bathroom amenities.

The retreat’s two Luxury Bungalows are slightly larger. The Mopani Bungalow (40 square metres) offers glorious views of the bush and an enclosed outside area with a daybed, while Ebony Bungalow (50 square metres) has a private deck overlooking the riverbed.

Nestled in the bush, the communal lodge area overlooks a river-facing infinity pool and deck. It boasts a yoga, meditation and relaxation area, a library nook, an outdoor spa and an open-air firepit, dining area and boma.

Experiences

Guests are encouraged to book the camp’s three- or four-day wellness retreats. Personally curated by Wellness Retreat Facilitator, Roeline Hansen, these holistic itineraries expose guests to transformative wellness practices.

Immerse yourself in meditative movement practices like breathwork, yoga, tai chi, or qigong. Enjoy a treatment in the outdoor spa or indulge in an outdoor bathing experience. Delight in the magic of fireside storytelling, stargazing and intention-setting journaling. Meditation, art-therapy, and educational workshop experiences are also available. During your stay there will be an opportunity to experience the wonder of the Greater Kruger National Park during a game experience incorporating wellness practices in the Umbabat Private Nature Reserve.

Dining

At the retreat guests can expect dining experiences that are an authentic celebration of true African cooking. Meals are prepared outdoors, where the rich aroma of smoke and the warmth of open flames create a captivating atmosphere. Showcasing a fusion of traditional techniques and health-conscious choices, every dish is guided by the bounty of the surrounding landscape to incorporate regional produce, both wild and cultivated. This includes African grains, wild berries, sustainably sourced venison, fresh vegetables, and local herbs. Each meal is a harmonious blend of nature and nourishment, where the chef collaborates closely with guides to deliver a culinary adventure deeply rooted in the essence of the African bush.

“African Retreat by Motswari introduces a completely unique transformative travel concept in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Park region. It speaks to the modern traveller’s desire to find hospitality experiences that improve and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” says CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Neil Markovitz.

Applauding Motswari as a forerunner of the hospitality and wellness industry integration in Africa, Markovitz adds that the introduction of wellness offerings at regular touchpoints along the customer journey is a key strategic focus for the Newmark Hotels & Reserves group. Motswari Private Game Reserve is one of the longest standing members of the Newmark portfolio.

About Roeline Hansen

Wellness Retreat Facilitator, Roeline Hansen, brings a wealth of experience establishing international wellness programmes to her new role at African Retreat by Motswari. As a qualified and experienced Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapist, Vipassana Meditation Coach, and Certified Breath Coach, Roeline draws on her professional training and practical experience to curate mindset changing transformative programmes for guests.