The addition of this standalone, 4-bedroom camp to Motswari’s established accommodation options—Geiger’s Camp, Motswari Private Game Reserve, and Giraffe’s Nest—introduces 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 the owner of Motswari Private Game Reserve, Marion Geiger Orengo.
Accommodation
African Retreat by Motswari is focused on enabling wholeness, stillness, and a chance to permit yourself 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 meters in size, are designed to blend harmoniously with nature, transitioning seamlessly from interior to exterior. Each bungalow has a bedroom with two three-quarter extra-length beds with 300 thread count luxury cotton sheets, a bathroom area with a double vanity area, separate dressing rooms, and a private outdoor deck. Rooms have 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 meters) offers glorious views of the bush and an enclosed outside area with a daybed. In comparison, Ebony Bungalow (50 square meters) has a private deck overlooking the riverbed.
The communal lodge area is nestled in the bush and overlooks a river-facing infinity pool and deck. It also boasts a yoga, meditation, and relaxation area, a library nook, an outdoor spa, an open-air firepit, a dining area, and a 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, you will have 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 authentic celebrations 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 unique transformative travel concept in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Park region. It speaks to the modern traveler’s desire to find hospitality experiences that improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” says CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Neil Markovitz.
Applauding Motswari as a forerunner of integrating the hospitality and wellness industry in Africa, Markovitz adds that introducing 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 programs 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 programs for guests.
