As Motswari Private Game Reserve celebrates its 50th anniversary throughout 2026, a new commemorative coffee table book is set to take readers beyond the safari experience and into the extraordinary people, wildlife and events that have shaped one of Africa’s most enduring conservation stories.
Fifty Years of Motswari is more than a history of a safari lodge. It is a celebration of the Timbavati and Umbabat wilderness, which has inspired generations of conservationists, guides, trackers, staff and guests.
Richly illustrated with historical accounts, spectacular wildlife photography, chef’s famous recipes, and personal stories spanning five decades, the book traces Motswari’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1976 to its position today as one of South Africa’s most respected family-owned safari lodges.
Motswari’s history is intertwined with the birth of wildlife tourism in the Greater Kruger. It mirrors the evolution of safari travel itself, from a handful of rustic rondavels and adventurous travellers, to one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness destinations.
At the heart of Motswari are generations of people. Three generations of the Geiger family, multi-generational staff, and families and friends who return year after year have created something that extends far beyond the lodge itself.
Readers will meet conservation pioneer Paul Geiger, whose leadership contributed towards the removal of the fences between the Timbavati/Umbabat and Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to once again move freely across a vast ecosystem.
They will discover the artistic vision of his daughter, Marion Geiger, who has been at the helm of Motswari since 1980, and whose paintings, creative direction and deep connection to the wilderness have helped shape the lodge’s distinctive identity. The cover artwork for Fifty Years of Motswari is one of Marion’s paintings, creating a fitting introduction to a book inspired by the wildlife and landscape that have defined both her life and her art.
“Fifty years is a remarkable achievement in any industry,” says Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves. “This book documents an important chapter in the history of Motswari and the Geiger family. It captures the dedication, resilience and passion that have guided the property over the years.”
Through stories of pioneering conservationists, legendary guides, devoted staff, family traditions, and the wilderness itself, the book reveals the remarkable journey that has defined Motswari since 1976.
Readers will discover the legend of the white lion and the extraordinarily rare white lions that still roam Motswari’s concession today. They will also uncover the stories behind Java, Geiger’s Camp, Paul’s Hideaway, Giraffe’s Nest and African Retreat & Walking Safaris, alongside the lives and legacies of the pioneers, guides and staff whose passion and dedication helped define Motswari over the past five decades.
The book also tells the evolution of Rhino Disharmony, the conservation charity co-founded by Marion Geiger and Fabrice Orengo de Lamazière, which harnesses the power of art and creativity to inspire action for rhino conservation.
“Every place has a story, but few places have been shaped by the same family, staff and conservation values for half a century,” says Marion Geiger. “This book honours the people who came before us, the wildlife that continues to inspire us, and the responsibility we carry to protect this wilderness for future generations.”
The publication coincides with Motswari’s golden anniversary year and serves as both a tribute to the past, and a commitment to the future.
After fifty years, Motswari remains what it has always been: a place united by people, guided by conservation, and defined by lasting connections.
Fifty Years of Motswari will be available through Motswari Private Game Reserve and selected partners from July 2026.
Website: https://newmarkhotels.com/accommodation/motswari-private-game-reserve