Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, 0001 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
#2 of 11 hotels in Timbavati Game Reserve
Guests' ChoiceBased on 251 hotel reviews
9.5Cleanliness
9.7
Comfort
9.7
Location
9.7
Facilities
9.5
Staff
9.9
Value for money
9.3
Free WiFi
7.3
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We are currently testing a weighted review system in Malta and Iceland (excluding hotel and vacation rental chains). For properties in these countries, the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog contentReviewed: 27 April 2024
Margaret
United StatesThe people felt like family. Every day was a new adventure
Best vacation! Amazing! More than you can ever imagine. Dreamy.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 26 April 2024
Maria
United KingdomThe Game Drives with Lola & Lot were exceptional. They spent a lot of time and trouble to ensure we saw what we were interested in and were very knowledgeable. The food was plentiful and good and they catered for our parties Gluten Free needs very thoughtfully and also provided a birthday cake complete with a very memorable rendition of Happy Birthday. The location was beautiful and it was amazing to watch elephants & impala whilst lying by the pool. All staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 17 March 2024
Joanna
United KingdomNothing at all - everything was perfect.
Amazing food, friendly and knowledgeable guides (Hayden and Patrick were exceptional), beautiful property and accommodation. We loved being disconnected from WiFi in the bedrooms, to truly switch off.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 16 March 2024
Amanda
United KingdomThe information regarding being collected from your lodge is confusing. Waiting to be collected is restrictive
Food was amazing. Staff friendly and efficient. Nothing too much trouble. Our driver and tracker were brilliant
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 16 March 2024
Noelle
NetherlandsIt was an amazing experience, not only the safari itself but also the staff that created an immersive experience. We were there for 4 nights and we had dinner on different locations within the camp with great (and healthy) food and we were taken care of from a-z.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 28 February 2024
Fernanda
United KingdomHaving to leave!
Mostwari is a dream! Our room was absolutely gorgeous, with two showers (one inside and one outside), a super comfy large bed, fluffy towels and great toiletry kits. FOOD IS INSANE! The best I had during my time in SA. Meals were often served in different places: bush breakfast, boma dinner, candlelight dinner… The team is fantastic: friendly and super professional. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and fun. I had the time of our lives at Mostwari and will definitely come back.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 2 February 2024
Amanda
United KingdomThe only fault we could find was that it would be great to have some slippers and dressing gowns to use. And a pair of binoculars to use from the stoop. Otherwise perfect
The location, food and very friendly staff
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 25 January 2024
Mayur
IndiaOne thing to improve - more vegetarian options would be preferred.
The overall experience staying here was just amazing. we had booked a full board with Safari's included twice a day. Our guide and tracker were very knowledgeful about the area and helped us spot big 5 in safaris. The food was good, specially the dinner.
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 19 January 2024
Jennifer
AustraliaWe had an absolutely fabulous time at Motswari! It exceeding our expectations! Every day we had incredible meals, which were made with great attention to detail. It was fabulous having each meal, game drive and activities organised for us so we were able to unwind and enjoy our stay. The staff were exceptional and I'd like to specifically thank Eden, Lot and Phaswane. Eden and Lot, our guide and tracker were friendly, professional and ensured we had a great time on the game drives. They are clearly very good at what they do and have a pride in their jobs. Phaswane helped me when the airline lost my bags. She went above and beyond to help me get them back. There's too many things to list that were great. Thank you everyone in the Motswari team!
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 21 December 2023
Alice
United KingdomSome of the appliances in the room could do with a refresh - small things like a new hairdryer could make a massive difference. Some more flexibility around mealtimes (having a 15 min turnaround time between return and buffet dinner) would be welcomed.
Room was great, our guide hugely knowledgeable (Owen) and the tracker absolutely superb (Lot) tracking a whole pride of lions on our last morning. Loved being in a private reserve adjoining Kruger.
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 2 December 2023
Lily
United KingdomLunch is served at 3pm, we found that a little later after eating breakfast at 8:30am. Our bathroom also wasn’t attached to our room so we walked past our private outdoor shower (which was lovely) to get to it - that was fine but the bathroom didn’t have aircon so that was a bit difficult in 40 degree heat!
Lovely lodge in a fantastic setting - we were lucky enough to see 6 elephants all grazing near the pool area for hours one day! It was very clean and the staff were so friendly. We also saw all of the big 5 within 3 drives.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 25 November 2023
Valentina
ItalyOnce in a life experience! An amazing rustic lodge right in the bush and well integrated with nature. The staff is very nice and makes you feel at home. Food is eccellent and different every day. Everything is well organized. Our riders Josh and David made our trip unforgettable. Josh has a lot of knowledge of animals and nature and David is great in following animals footprints.We wish we could have stayed even more! Thanks for everything Valentina&Jhonny
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 18 November 2023
Stephanie
NetherlandsNothing
Everybody from the staff to the ranger/tracker were really nice. Food was delicious with different dinner setting every night which was a nice touch. We also saw many animals from the lodge. And lastly, the game drives were also great with big 5 sightings and many more. We hope to come back to Motswari :)
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 15 November 2023
Sophie
NetherlandsBeautiful lodge, amazing game drives (saw all the big 5), delicious food and the most nicest people. Definitely recommended!
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 12 November 2023
Justin
United StatesFantastic food, dining under the stars, in the bush, for both nights we were there, wonderful breakfasts, our own game drive vehicle with driver and spotter (both friendly and knowledgeable) and super comfortable rooms made this a wonderful stay. We also saw 2 leopards, which we'd really hoped to see (my wife's birthday wish), which made for a perfect stay.
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: 27 October 2023
Rebecca
AustraliaOur luxury hut was set deep in the Timbavati private game reserve. The drive to Motswari itself is lined with all the wildlife you’d hope to see on a trip to Africa. We had a magical stay here (2 nights). From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave you are really looked after. The service from the staff was next level, they made you feel so welcome and clearly wanted you to have a special experience. Our game driver Godfrey and tracker Elly were charismatic and so informative about the African bush and wildlife. We saw all the big 5 and more, with the most special experience of spotting a leopard in the tree protecting its kill - something we’ll never forget. When not on a game drive you get to enjoy the beautiful views of the reserve from the pool or restaurant where elephants, giraffes and hyenas regularly stroll past. The food and drink was exceptional, they ensured each meal was different and set in a new location, from bush breakfasts to dinners around a log fire and braai. It was a once in a lifetime experience, we certainly hope we'll return some day!
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: 13 October 2023
George
CanadaMotswari was one of 4 safari lodges we stayed in during our trip. They were all excellent but the Motswari experience stood out for several reasons. The game drives were exciting and consistently accommodating to the guests' requests, thanks to the knowledgeable and entertaining guidance of Eric and his diligent tracker, Difference. Food was exceptional, ranging from romantic Boma nights to the robust singing entrance delivery of the daily lunch buffet. Grounds were impressive and expertly maintained. Accommodation was outstanding with regard to cleanliness, charm, and comfort. Beautiful, serene and peaceful surroundings. Friendly and attentive staff and service. Not a thing to complain about-- commendable beyond expectation in all aspects.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 12 October 2023
Frank
NetherlandsNothing
Never have we felt as welcomed by the resort staff as in Motswari. They made us feel like friends from the minute we arrived. The game drives were amazing and the guides did everything to find the animals we wanted to see, with great success. The food was amazing and so was the surprise barbecue. Although it’s the most expensive resort we ever booked we found it well worth the money. Thank you to all the staff for this unforgettable experience!
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: 10 September 2023
Callum
United KingdomMy wife and I stayed at Motswari to celebrate our honeymoon and it exceeded every single one of our expectations. All of the staff were fantastic, the food and accomodation was great and the safari was excellent - we saw the big 5 and our guide Godfrey and tracker George were so friendly and knowledgeable. We will be back!
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 6 September 2023
Adil
United KingdomThe tour guides were amazing & the staff was so friendly and welcoming
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 22 August 2023
Lorenzo
ItalyNo wifi in our room (however i heard that some guests had wifi from their room)
Incredible landscape. Staff was very friendly, available and professional. The guides of the safari we very good and made us see all the big fives multiple times
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 17 July 2023
Ayla
United StatesNothing
This place was everything we imagined and hoped it would be! You get what you pay for in the best possible way at Motswari. We celebrated our honeymoon here for 3 nights and even despite rain in winter- they made it the best experience. The staff were incredible and this place operates like a well oiled machine. Our guide Meghan and tracker lot helped us see ALL the animals we wanted on our game drives. I was able to book a relaxing massage on a rainy day. They also helped us arrange a hotel transport from Hoedspruit. They do have their own airstrip so I think we would look into that next time. I would love to come back- the timbavati private nature reserve was excellent for viewing animals! Highly recommend to anyone wanting an inclusive safari adventure!!!
Stayed in July 2023
Reviewed: 9 July 2023
Nikolaos
United KingdomEverything was great, there’s really nothing to dislike.
The hotel is unfenced, meaning the animals can be around anytime. The game drive was the best experience of all, the guides/trackers really make an effort to make sure everyone sees the big 5 at least once. The staff was incredibly friendly, the food was amazing (breakfast,lunch and dinner - every time it was prepared fresh and different menu every day) and they make sure it’s a unique experience for all guests. Wi-Fi was available only at reception, but no one expects to have signal in the middle of a natural reserve in South Africa. In general the facilities, quality of the rooms and the services provided were beyond expectations considering the location of this place.
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: 30 June 2023
Owen
South AfricaThe food was mediocre for the price you pay.
Staff and the rangers are excellent. Room were clean and comfortable
Stayed in June 2023
Großkirchheim, Austria
Patong Beach, Thailand
Rutherglen, Australia
Cancún, Mexico
Divnomorskoye, Russia
Lumbini, Nepal
Lehmen, Germany
Ponza, Italy
Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.
We have more than 70 million property reviews, and they're all from real, verified guests.
1
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
When guests stay at the property they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff are and more.
3
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
End of dialog content