Motswiri Lodge is family owned and run, it possesses an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. You will find the lodge on the edge of a Calcrete pan and overlooking a waterhole, where a plethora of mammals, both large and small frequent to quench their thirst. The pan, which is circled by trees, is located in the heart of "Kanana Wilderness" within the Kalahari Desert. Our secluded camp is in the old African Safari tradition. This is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax. Motswiri accommodates a maximum of 8 people in 4 double walk-in luxury tents. Each luxury tent has two single beds and its own shower, W.C. and washbasin complete with hot and cold water. The relaxed, yet luxurious, walk-in tents tastefully blend into this idyllic, wilderness environment; each with its own porch overlooking the pan. Overlooking the pan you will find our comfortable thatched lounge/dinning room complete with a fully stocked bar. Ancient Leadwood trees are found in the lounge and the dining room as part of the structures. A perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing thirst-quencher while watching game come to drink.

Motswiri offers traditional and creative cuisine as well as outstanding personal service. We have the dinning room and, close to Motswiri's main lodge, there is the boma (grass hut), an open air dining area. On cool nights listen to the sounds of the African bush while enjoying a sumptuous dinner next to a blazing fire and under a blanket of the stars. We offer delicious game dishes and our chef is happy to cater for your dietary/special requirements. Please inform us of these prior to your arrival. The main lodge offers a library area with a number of informative books and magazines on the area and the wildlife. These are available to you for the duration of your stay. Visit Motswiri Lodge to experience the mystery of the Kalahari's immense natural history, exhilarating wildlife, ancient legends and rich cultural history and to relax and revitalise body and mind.
If you choose to soak up the African sun there is the opportunity to swim at Serebe, the oldest reservoir within the reserve. Our attentive staff are happy to organise refreshments to take with you to our deck and swimming facilities. Not far from Motswiri lodge, is an isolated bird hide, which is located at the edge of a water hole, where a multitude of birdlife comes to drink and chatter the day away. The water hole is tree shaded and is a serene hideaway where you can enjoy a quiet sundowner, while watching the local bird life, perhaps a Giraffe, Kudu or Gemsbok will join you for a drink.

Game Drives at Motswiri Lodge

In the private Kanana Wilderness, there is an abundance of game. Game drives take place in the early morning or the late afternoon, as this is when the game tends to be most active. Sundowners in the serenity of the Kalahari is an amazing experience, the spectacular African sunsets and vast open space makes it an occasion you will never forget. Some of the game that you could encounter are: Eland, Gemsbok, Kudu, White Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, White / Black Wildebeest. If you are lucky you will see some of the reserves predators: Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted and Brown Hyena
Horse Riding: Guided horse rides throughout the reserve. We have introduced Boereperds to Kanana as they are relaxed and of sturdy nature. They have been bred to exist in the arid conditions of rural Southern African and are very accustomed to walking through the bush. The Boereperd by its very nature are placid and easy to handle, which means any standard of rider can explore the reserve without fear.

We have two options: An outride. Where you can decide how long and how far you would like to ride. An over night bush experience. You will start out early in the day and meander through the reserve, stopping for a picnic lunch and overnighting at a fly camp. In the morning after a hearty breakfast you will head back to the lodge.

Cultural Bushman experience at Motswiri Lodge

The San / Bushman have been resident in the Ghanzi District from time immemorial; their lives are intertwined with the workings of farms throughout the region. Kanana Wilderness supports their intention to maintain some of their age-old traditions, by creating an opportunity for them within our approach to tourism. Cultural bushman evening. Spend the evening with the bushman around the camp fire as they illustrate their traditional dancing. Ada, who herself is a descendent from the bushmen, will translate and give you an extraordinary incite to the meaning of their trancelike dancing.

Bushman walks at Motswiri Lodge

Spend a few hours walking through the bush, with a bushman as your guide. As you explore he will explain the various edible plants and demonstrate a completely different perspective of the language of the bush.

Bird watching at Motswiri Lodge

The arid areas of Africa continue to surprise those whose interest is bird life. The Kanana pan system attracts thousands of sand grouse together with flocks of guinea fowl and doves which in turn sustain the raptors - Bateleur, Marshal and other eagles, with Vultures, Goshawks and Kestrels in close attendance. Throw in the variety of Rollers, Shrikes, Starlings and hundreds more; and you can see why Kanana Wilderness is considered by many to be a veritable birdwatchers paradise.