Motswiri Private Safari Lodge

Motswiri Private Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the world-renowned Madikwe Game Reserve. This 75 000-ha reserve bordering Botswana is malaria-free and is home to the "Top Ten" major mammals, including the Big 5, over 400 species of birds and extensive plains game. The lodge lies hidden in the bush, an exclusive lodge offering a maximum of 16 people a bush experience which is impossible to replicate in larger concerns. The lodge offers some of the best views in Madikwe as well as the feeling of tranquillity given by the mature trees (mostly leadwoods) under which the main building and 5 luxury bush villas nestle. An intimate homely setting offering complete privacy.

Motswiri offers true 5-star accommodation with each bush villa affording stunning views from private decks and large sliding bedroom and bathroom doors. All Motswiri bush lodge villas have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, gas fireplaces, bathrooms en-suite, beautifully appointed bathrooms and outdoor rock showers. The design has been to blend the interiors creating the blend of space and the bush utilising the retractable doors and windows. In addition to the 5 luxury bush villas there is a family unit that consists of a lounge area, 3 en-suite bedrooms, a private plunge pool and private boma area.

The exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by elephant families and other big game, enjoy this scenery from the bar or the rim flow pool on the wrap around viewing deck, have a cocktail under the shade of the Leadwood trees on the main deck or just while away the day in the outside lounge and bar area occasionally mustering up the energy to view the game at the waterhole. Fine cuisine served in the dining room, under the Leadwoods or around a roaring fire in the boma, washed down with fine wine from the well-stocked cellar ends each spectacular day.

Motswiri offers the option of either individual bookings or exclusive use of the lodge. The lodge is ideal for corporate, family/friend groups of up to 16 who do not wish to share the facilities with outsiders. Itinerary´s and daily events can be tailored to meet your or your groups specific needs. Special arrangements can be made for up to 10 guests to be accommodated in separate rooms should this be more acceptable for corporate groups.

About Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe, a South African private game reserve created in 1991 from 75,000 ha of farmland, which had been extensively degraded by overgrazing, was chosen as the site of Operation Phoenix. The government-sponsored, biggest-ever game- relocation programme in Africa involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had long since disappeared from the region.

Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, have been re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres and game viewing is now at its prime.

Northwest Parks Board (formerly Bop Parks) has adhered to a strict policy of introducing only those species, which once occurred in the area). Madikwe is run as a three-way partnership between the State, the local communities and the private sector.

Madikwe, therefore, should not be looked at as solely a protected area or tourism destination, the reserve acts as a major social and economic core and engine around which the development of the region can be based.

The name of Operation Phoenix is appropriate: like the mythical bird that burnt itself to a crisp on the pyre and then rose from the ashes to live again with new vigour, nature has regained a stronghold on the land and the programme has been hugely successful.

Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the country's fourth largest game reserve. It is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the spectacular Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, the Marico river to the east.

The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia, savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species such as springbok, gemsbok, sable and impala. The birdlife is also spectacular, and this is one of the few South African private game reserves that are malaria free.