Lying at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains in the Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve, The Motse is a collection of just nine ‘legae’ or little houses, all offering an exclusive Kalahari experience.
The Motse blends sympathetically into its beautiful surrounds, with rich tones and natural materials creating an earthy, yet naturally luxurious safari escape
Kalahari thatch, local stone, clay and desert sand root the nine suites and main house into the wilderness of the surrounding savannah, creating a warm welcome that is inextricably tied to the Kalahari
Tswalu Kalahari is one of the best places in Africa to see rarer animals such as the pangolin and aardvark
Activities at The Motse are completely tailored around guests wants and needs, whether that be tracking wild dog or exploring the reserve by horseback
A part of the Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve, The Motse lies in 110,000 hectares of mountains and grasslands that are visited by only 30 guests at any one time. Using natural resources such as clay, local stone, desert sand and Kalahari thatch, it is a sympathetic addition to these beautiful surrounds. Its organic feel brings a sense of calm, and of being completely rooted in the wilderness of the Kalahari, while enjoying a natural luxury that comes from the heated infinity pool, wine cellar, spa and endless savannah views from the private sundecks.
With six standard legae or suites and three family legae, the camp is well suited to both couples and families. Indoor and outdoor showers and private sundecks allow guests to experience the beauty of the Kalahari at all times, while an open fireplace creates a cosy welcome for cooler nights. Rich, earthy tones and natural materials cocoon you in an authentic yet supremely comfortable retreat and sitting out on the sundeck as animals come to the watering hole is an experience to savour, perhaps over a delicious sundowner.
The main house of The Motse offers a convivial space for sharing safari sightings and possibly gaining more from the elevated decks. A mezzanine library with satellite TV is a cosy spot, while the infinity pool with views out over the savannah is ideal for relaxing between game drives. The spa is an oasis of tranquillity, its decor echoing the natural beauty and pared back tones of the rest of the property. Two therapy rooms and adjacent sensation showers offer a perfect escape when not enjoying the views of the Kalahari, though the nearby gym allows you to workout while enjoying the views through the large glass windows.
Children are particularly well catered for at The Motse, with a thoughtfully curated selection of activities in the Junior Ranger Programme that are sure to delight smaller guests. From archery to tracking, private game drives to spoor identification, all interests are considered. For adults, the wildlife spotting potential at The Motse is superb, with tailored game drives, guided bush walks and night walks bringing the chance to see aardvarks, zebra, giraffe, rhinos, wild dog and the Kalahari lion, amongst over 80 species of mammal and 240 bird species.
Accommodating the needs and requirements of both families and couples in an exclusive camp of understated yet elegant surrounds, The Motse brings the extraordinary beauty of the Kalahari to your doorstep.
When to visit
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Enquire NowThe Motse is set in the Northern Cape Province in the Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve, close to the border with Botswana. It is possible to drive to The Motse though daily scheduled flights depart from both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Activities at Tswalu
In this 110,000 hectare Kalahari wilderness, Tswalu offers extraordinary privacy in which to explore the Africa Bush. From game drives with access to a private vehicle, to walking safaris, horse riding to sleeping under the stars, there is plenty to do.
