Sadly after a long illness, bravely and stoically borne, the world of wildlife has lost one of its pioneers, when Paul Geiger died on 19 January at his home in Johannesburg, aged 81.  Our deepest sympathies to his wife Med, daughter Marion, the family and to the Motswari team at the lodge.

Paul Geiger

“Arrive as a visitor, leave as a friend” is the philosophy which sums up the many, many people who visited Motswari over 30 years and those fortunate to have met Paul. In all these years, Paul was one of the few game lodge owners who remained true to this philosophy, embodied by the wonderful Motswari family at the lodge. Paul’s commitment to ensuring that Motswari was awarded the Fair Trade in Tourism trademark is a perfect example of this as well.  Over the years, Paul remained true to his roots and was not been seduced by the ‘glamour’ of the luxury lodge syndrome – indeed today, Motswari remains one of the few authentic game lodges in South Africa.

Paul’s honesty, integrity and his calm and quiet way of doing things and getting them done was very much a measure of the man.  Indeed, most fortunate too, to have at his side such a wonderful wife in Med, who offered him amazing and incredible support behind the scenes.

Sahle gahle Paul on your next journey.  

Memorial Service

Paul’s memorial service will take place on Wednesday, January 25 at 14h00 at Bethanie Pentecostal Church, 144 Von Weilligh Street, Clubview, Centurion.

Donations can be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Timbavati Bush School (info@timbavatifoundation.co.za or www.timbavati.co.za):  
Timbavati Foundation 
Account Number: 27 298 304 7
Standard Bank Hoedspruit
Branch Code: 052752
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ