Situated in the far west corner of northern Botswana's Selinda Reserve, Motswiri Camp stands on the banks of the Selinda Spillway (also sometimes known as the Magwegqana Spillway). This is an ancient watercourse linking the Okavango Delta to the Kwando-Linyanti River drainage systems. For many decades the Spillway seldom had water in it, let alone flowed. However, after a particularly good rainy season in 2006 water entered the Spillway from both ends, and it has filled annually since.
The location of the camp at the western end of the Spillway means that although Motswiri is located in the Selinda Reserve it's really more a part of the Okavango Delta system. However, note that the water in front of camp is not yet deep enough for crocodiles and hippos.
Motswiri changed ownership in April 2010 and has undergone refurbishment. A member of the Expert Africa team stayed at the Lodge's 'fly-camp' a month or so before the refurb was completed and was really impressed by what she saw. We haven't yet seen the finished article, but are confident that Motswiri will offer great walking and riding safaris.
It's a small, intimate camp with only five large tents built up on raised decking and with an en suite bathroom. One of the tents is specifically designed to suit small family groups. Motswiri Camp's main area is made up of a comfortable seating area, a dining area, a small plunge pool and a viewing platform overlooking a waterhole favoured by elephants.
Motswiri focuses on activities that don't use engines: walking, riding, mokoro trips and canoeing. There is a full stable of horses here, but for safety reasons in this big game area, riding is an option only for skilled and experienced riders. For the riding enthusiast five and seven night horse riding safaris are also possible with guests sleeping out in relatively simple fly-camps. For those not wishing to participate in any of these activities, there is a game vehicle for day and night drives.
However, visitors should understand that until about 2004, this area was a hunting area; hence the game can be quite skittish in parts. The diversity of landscape is home to a myriad of bird species and a very good population of animals but it may take another year or so for animals to become very relaxed around the safari vehicles.
In conclusion … Motswiri is a remote and secluded little camp, surrounded by a fascinating diversity of terrains from open flood plains to woodland. Come to this lovely corner of Botswana for welcoming and informative hosts, great guiding, exclusivity and a multitude of ways to explore this good wildlife area with constantly improving viewing opportunities.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 5 tents
Ideal length of stay: We recommend a 3-night stay at Motswiri Camp giving guests time to enjoy all of the activities on offer here.
Directions: The camp is reached by a 40 minute flight from Maun (or a 45 minute flight from Kasane) followed by a short drive.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Dining style: Group Meals
Drinks included: Soft drinks, bottled water, spirits, local beers and a selection of South African wines are included. Imported wines and spirits and champagne cost extra – and may even need to be requested in advance.
Special interests
Birdwatching: Motswiri Camp overlooks a shallow waterway fringed with reeds, and from here (especially when you are out on the canoes) you can spot a good variety of waterbirds. The riverine woodland around the camp also attracts a good diversity of species, many of which can be watched from your private veranda.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Botswana
Riding: Motswiri Camp offers guests the opportunity to ride through big game areas. Join an excursion lasting a few hours or a longer 5- or 7-night horseback safari overnighting in relatively simple fly camps. Horse riding amongst wildlife can be an amazing and exhilarating experience. However, it is only possible for experienced riders for safety reasons.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for riding in Botswana
Wildlife safaris: As well as the excellent birding to be enjoyed in the area of Motswiri Camp, the diversity of terrain is home to a good variety of wildlife including giraffe, tsesebe, roan, sable, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife safaris in Botswana
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: For most purposes, consider yourself out of contact here. There is no mobile reception, no direct fax or phone and no email! Swift radio contact can be made with Maun if there is an emergency.
A walkers' and riders' paradise
In a word, fabulous. This is an especially beautiful and unspoilt corner of Botswana which is continuing to blossom as water returns to the spillway with the 30-year tectonic cycle running into a new ...
We want you to understand more about Motswiri Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Motswiri Camp's homepage For more details and pictures on Motswiri Camp take a look at their direct website.
