A typical day at Motswari A chorus of birds announcing the dawn wakes you near sunrise. Home-made rusks, fresh fruit, tea & coffee beckon you from your chalet as the camp gathers in anticipation of another thrilling day in awe of natures' beauty.

As soon as all are ready, you set out on the morning game-drive in an open Land Rover; the cool morning air still crisp and fresh scents abound.  Like a stockbroker checking the business section each morning, your ranger and tracker scan the bush for clues of the events that unfolded through the night. 

Game drives are between 3 – 4 hours in duration during which your ranger will unveil natures' secrets for you.  You will also bear witness to the ancient & patient art of tracking big game and perhaps even get to sample some local bush delicacies.  A rest stop is taken during the drive during which hot beverages, fruit juice, fresh muffins and fruit are served.

You return mid-morning to the Lodge where a huge spread is laid on for brunch.  We will happily cater for any special dietary requirements you may have, by prior arrangement.  After brunch, you will be invited to join your ranger and tracker on a bush-walk.  Under their armed supervision, you will get an up-close view of nature.  During the walk you will learn more about the signs of the wild; animal tracks, droppings, plants and their uses and many other fascinating facts about the veld's lesser known and often over-looked inhabitants. Alternately you may choose to take a siesta, refresh yourself at the pool or sip something cool while watching the comings and goings at the lodge dam.  This is also a good time to visit The Gallery where original art by co-owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo is on display.  Or visit Chameleon Curios where you can choose something from our range of safari clothing or some other souvenir of your stay.

In the late afternoon, drums announce High Tea, where once again a mouth-watering array of sweet and savoury eats are on offer.  Thereafter you depart on the afternoon game-drive. This is conducted similarly to the morning drive only you will stop for sundowners and then continue into the night.  The night-drive, a highlight of the stay, is conducted with the aid of powerful spotlights used to locate the various nocturnal creatures, as well as being the best time to view predator activity. 

You will be welcomed back from drive with either a cocktail or sherry, depending on the season.  After freshening up, the camp meets in the boma (traditional reed enclosure) for a five-course dinner under a star-speckled sky.  The day winds down with liqueurs around the campfire, recounting the day past… in anticipation of the next.

Daily Schedule Activities at Motswari are planned with the guest's comfort and enjoyment in mind. The following daily schedule is designed to allow our guests time to relax, enjoy the hospitality and safari activities and of course the delicious fare on offer. Summer: Wake up 05h00 Coffee 05h30 Game Drive 06h00 Lunch 15h00 Game Drive 16h00 Pre-dinner drinks at the Boma Cocktail Bar. 19h30 Dinner in the Boma. 20h00 Winter: Wake up 05h30 Coffee 06h00 Game Drive 06h30 Lunch 14h30 Game Drive 15h30 Pre-dinner drinks at the Boma Cocktail Bar. 19h30 Dinner in the Boma. 20h00 Should guests arrive midday, a variety of bar snacks will be available. Tea and biscuits are also available all day long.

What to bring. Summer Clothing made of light, breathable materials (preferably in neutral colours)        Sweater or Windbreaker        Rain gear (Ponchos are provided if required)        Hat        Sunglasses        Sun Screen (SPF15 +) Walking shoes & sandals Mammal Check List Black-backed Jackal Blue Wildebeest Bushbuck Buffalo Bushbaby (Lesser) Chacma Baboon Cheetah Civet Duiker (grey) Dwarf Mongoose Elephant Genet, Small Spotted Giraffe Hippo Impala Kudu (Greater) Leopard Lion Porcupine Wild dog Spotted Hyena Scrub Hare Side Striped Jackal Slender Mongoose Tree Squirrel Steenbuck Vervet Monkey Warthog Waterbuck White Rhinocerus White-tailed Mongoose Zebra (Burchell's) Serval Banded Mongoose   Caracal   Honey Badger

Seasons & Climates

Summer, from September to April is when the bush is at its' most lush due to it being the rainy season.  This is also the lambing season for many of our antelope species and when numerous species of migratory birds arrive in the area. Temperatures at this time are generally warm to very hot, with rain falling in the late afternoons, if at all. Neutral coloured, light fabrics are recommended, and you shouldn't forget to bring a sweater or windbreaker in case it gets chilly or rains. 

Compared with the Northern Hemisphere, our winters (May to August) are relatively mild but should not be under-estimated.  Daytime temperatures are fairly warm although the temperature drops considerably after sunset and takes a while to increase in the early morning.  Please note that with the wind-chill factor, it can be very cold on open vehicles, and while blankets are provided on the drives, you are advised to dress in layers.  A scarf, woollen hat and gloves will also help keep out the chill.  Being the dry season, this is perhaps the optimum time for game viewing in that the vegetation is less dense and game tends to concentrate around permanent water sources.

Motswari is located in a game-rich area comprising four major habitat types.  As such, it supports a diverse range of species, each fulfilling a particular niche for their survival. The Timbavati is renowned for its predator populations, supporting one of the highest densities of lion in Africa. Painted Wolves and Cheetah are also often seen in the area. 

Elephant and Cape Buffalo are common in the area, frequently occurring in large breeding herds several hundred strong. There are also healthy populations of all the antelope species of the region.

For the bird-watcher, Motswari is a delight, particularly from September through to May when numerous migratory species arrive for breeding or to escape the harsh northern winter.  Some 300 of southern Africa's 900 bird species occur in the area.

These are just a few of the amazing creatures you may see at Motswari, be sure your ranger will find you many more.