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Reviews of Motswiri Private Safari Lodge 5 stars

R49, Wonderboom Gate, 2865 Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

#4 of 12 hotels in Madikwe Game Reserve

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 29 hotel reviews

9.5

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.6

  • Comfort

    9.6

  • Location

    9.9

  • Facilities

    9.5

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free WiFi

    7.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 1 March 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Luxury Family Villa with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We spent 3 nights in Motswiri lodge. The staff is very friendly and always smiling. Everything is done to make your stay confortable and unforgettable. Special thank to Elliot, our ranger. he is very kind, professional, available and he really listens to the guests’ expectations. He really goes the extra miles to make the game drives an unforgettable experience. We spotted the leopard for our first time, thanks to his perseverance and tenacity to try to find it. All the family enjoyed it. The food is also very good thanks to a very good chef. We will definitely be back for another stay. Thank you Motswiri team.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 February 2024

    10
    The 4 day safari was the highlight of our 21 day trip in South Africa.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Luxury Family Villa with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The only issue would be the large 3 bedroom cottage could have used some updating.

    The beautiful lodge and the fabulous staff. The food was Michelin star like and great presentation. Our tracker, guide Stuart was outstanding with his tracking and hospitality. We saw the Big 5 plus more.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Luxury Family Villa with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No wifi our entire stay. Not a problem for us as we had local coverage but others had issues. Detail to maintenance needs improvement. Burned out lights, broken cabinets, squeaky bed and VERY squeaky vehicle. Our guide gave us a once in a lifetime game experience!!! Incredible sightings. That said, our ranger did not provide any information unless asked. Very unusual as they will often give a lot of info while stopped and looking at animals

    It was an amazing stay. Staff was great but they could use one more server/helper during meals so that everyone could get beverages etc. Special shout out to Petunia and our bar man Stoney. Loved being in Family Suite with the two couples. Had a kitchen, making cocktails a breeze. They even made us a fire in our private boma

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 January 2024

    8.0
    Decent experience but below our expectations.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    - Furniture in the outside area is outdated. - We understand that there are trees and leaves fall BUT there too little done to make the outside area inviting for a swim. Better attention to detail expected for a hotel from this category and price range. - Policy on paid beverages far below standard when compared to other lodges from same category and price. Would have been better to ask a little more and offer a better and more complete experience. For example, having to pay extra for an alcohol free beer in the safari was ridiculous and unnecessary. - Some of the staff amazing and super friendly but others came across as very unmotivated. - Pressure on tip culture with exaggerated guidance and not very tasteful. If employees should get more money the property should make sure they increase salaries and work that in the price. We had high expectations and were really disappointed by the experience. It was much better at lodges asking far less and delivering far more.

    Property is in a beautiful game reserve with plenty of animals, the game drives were the best we had and our ranger was 5 stars! Nice style on decoration. Fantastic and spotless room with view on the waterhole. Good food.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 October 2023

    10
    Fabulous and a special and memorable stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Beautiful setting. Food was superb great safari drives staff were superb.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 September 2023

    10
    The best place to make long lasting memories
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Luxury Family Villa with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    We were return travelers to Motswiri and honestly had the most amazing experience (again!!). It is truly such a beautiful place situated perfectly in Madikwe Game Reserve with amazing staff who just create unforgettable memories. We absolutely loved it and could not recommend it more highly. The safari experience, food and accommodation is just the best !

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 March 2023

    10
    Amazing stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing, everything was perfect.

    It was an amazing stay at Madikwe. The game drives in the morning and evening were amazing, we had a very skilled ranger who knew a lot and saw a lot of animals. The rooms were spacious and clean and at the waterhole there were always animals to watch. The staff was so friendly and helpful, food was also delicious. I can warmy recommend going there, I will surely return one day.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was wonderful!! excellent food. Great drives ! Loved everything and would love to return one day.

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: 23 July 2022

    10
    Wonderful lodge and great guide
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wonderful room overlooking the waterhole. Fantastic guide great food

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 23 July 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    I liked everything, room, location, food, safari and staff . Thank you for making our stay comfortable and memorable.

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 3 May 2022

    9.0
    Excellent private lodge in the Madikwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The bed is a bit firm to our liking, there is no shower head/handle in the bathroom. The lighting in the toilet may be a bit too dim.

    This was the first time my wife and I visited Madikwe. It's about 4 hours drive from Johannesburg, so not too far. We thoroughly enjoyed the hospital at Motswiri Private Safari Lodge, received a warm welcome, daily morning and afternoon game drives, full board with a very attentive chef catering for guests' requirements, air conditioning and gas fireplace for the cold winter nights. Close encounters with elephants, wild dogs kill an impala, "walking"/driving with the lions, starry night sky are some of the memorable moments. Kudos to the Motswiri team!

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2022

    9.0
    Perfect stay at Motswiri Private Game Lodge
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not much to complain about. Madikwe has a lot of game in the bushes which sometimes make it hard to get good sightings of game, especially after good rains when the gras is high snd leaves are on trees. Still there is some nice open patches (where we actually saw good stuff). This is not different from Kruger and Sabi Sands.

    The lodge is small with a max capscity of 16 guests. It has a waterhole in front with nice game to view when you are not on game drives. The staff is very friendly, The food is good and they will accommodate your special needs. The rooms are large, clean and nice and spread out as separated cottages/rondavels around the waterhole. The Wifi signal is very good (only available in reception/pool/bar/dinong) The game drives are very good with many sighthings og lions, elephant and rhino. The lodge did not overcrowd the vehicles ( but I am not sure about the policy when they are at max capscity)

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 12 April 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beds too firm for us. Outside showers when it was cold and rainy. Otherwise they would have been fun.

    Wonderful location, Madikwe is magical. Really helpful staff who were welcoming, friendly, and went the extra mile at every turn. Beautiful rustic chalets (with very firm beds, a bit too firm for us but maybe not for you!) Great food cooked and served with care. Really engaging game drive rangers, we enjoyed spending three days (six drives) with Barry. Extremely relaxing atmosphere. Good value for money!!

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 19 November 2021

    10
    We'll definitely go back again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights

    There was nothing not to like.!!

    Our game drives were unbelievable. The ranger outstanding.

    Stayed in October 2021

  • Reviewed: 21 May 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was nothing to hate.

    Where do I start, I brought my girlfriend here as a surprise for her birthday, everything was fantastic from the staff to the food to the decore etc. We got lost getting to the property and the lodge sent people to look for us, once we arrived we were greeted by very friendly staff who helped us check in. The room was beautiful overlooking the watering hole which meant we woke up to the sight of animals every morning. You get two game drives a day (one sunrise and one sunset), the guides on the game drives are highly knowledgeable, we had so much fun with our guide Elliot. On the night of my girlfriend’s birthday they baked her a special cake that was scrumptious. The property is small with just 6 chalets so it was perfect for a couple’s relaxing getaway.

    Stayed in May 2021

  • Reviewed: 3 May 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I liked everything from the moment we drove in, the staff was very friendly, they made ua feel at home. They went the extra mile for us. I really loved the place and will defintely recommend it. Hope to be back again soon

    Stayed in May 2021

  • Reviewed: 8 January 2022

    7.0
    Exceptional Game drives, reasonable food, lodging bad
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    general condition of maintenance

    Tranquility

    Stayed in January 2022

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2024

    9.0
    Excellent service and a beautiful location. Madikwe never disappoints!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Luxury Family Villa with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    9.0
    Staff were great, Gane drives were so good and the experience was a highlight
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 September 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Room with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Luxury Family Villa with 2 Game Drives
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in March 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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