Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Visiting a luxurious and relaxing private game reserve is a must do on any Garden Route trip. Just 4.5 hours from Cape Town and a short ten minute drive from the main road lies Botlierskop, a safari oasis that you’ll never want to leave.

With informative and friendly guides, a relaxed and peaceful setting, 4 out of the big 5 and an enjoyable dining experience, this reserve offers the perfect luxury safari.

The Rooms At Botlierskop

Our stay in a Luxury Tented Suite sure lived up to its name, with its roll top bath, huge, comfy bed and outside monsoon shower. It’s more equipped and better than most hotel rooms!

After a personal check in and meeting the safari team, we were taken along the raised, wooden boardwalk to our huge, luxury tent by one of the friendly staff. The fantastic balcony area is what grabs your attention first with views overlooking the game reserve grounds and animals grazing below you.

Once inside the tent, you’ll notice the huge four-poster bed with deluxe linens. Behind the bed is the gorgeous bathroom with a large oval bath and private, outdoor, double monsoon shower.

There is also a fridge and a mini bar, as well as complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sherry, fresh fruit and bottles of water.

Deluxe Tented Suites and Executive/Family Tented Suites are also available.

Within the Botlierskop Reserve there are also luxury rooms in the Manor House, 2-3 bedroom Bush Villas and the child friendly Village Lodge.

The Game Drive At Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

We booked a sunset guided game drive and it was fantastic. Our guide was very passionate about the animals and had so much knowledge. After getting up close to rhinos, elephants and a group of lions picking meat from the bones of an animal carcass, we finished off the game drive with a couple of drinks watching an incredible sunset in the company of a gentle giraffe.

They had a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including beer and spirits as well as a few snacks like crisps, peanuts, brownies and dried meat.

During the game drive we also saw impalas, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and blue cranes with our guide providing fascinating information about each species. The missing of the big 5 here is the leopard, but with the enthusiastic guides you’re almost guaranteed to see the other 4 in this 4,200 hectare reserve.

The drive lasted 4 hours and by the time we got back it was dark. Waiting for us was a delicious drink of hot chocolate to finish off the evening. There were 8 of us in the group and each car holds a maximum of 9 guests.

Times & Costs Of The Game Drive

• The Sundowner Guided Safari Game Drive for overnight guests including drinks and snacks is from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm in summer (although we were out until 7:00 pm) and 2:30 pm till 5:30 pm in winter. The cost is 720 ZAR per person.
• The morning game drive for overnight guests is from 6:00 am or 7:00 am till 9:00 am or 10:00 am depending on the time of year and costs 720 ZAR per person.

A night game drive was also available during our stay, but please enquire with the hotel directly regarding the night drive.

Game drives are available to day visitors also, but these must be booked in advance. Day guests that book any activities will also receive a free pass to the leisure area. For overnight visitors Botlierskop recommends activities are also booked in advance to ensure availability.

Other activities

Other activities available are horseback rides and safaris, guided bush trials, private game drives and also spa treatments if you’re really looking to relax and unwind during your stay.

For overnight visitors only fishing, tennis and canoeing is also available.

Dining At Botlierskop

On arrival we were welcomed with juice, tea and a snack of delicious pate and crispy bread while sat in luxurious surroundings. 

Dinner is served in the restaurant onsite and is a set menu that changes everyday. To begin with you can enjoy freshly baked bread and pate and delicious soup.

There is then a choice of two or three items for each course with dishes such as Chicken & Pepper Dew Tart or Herb Roasted Mushroom & Tomato as a starter. For the main Crispy Port Belly, Ostrich Fillet or Herb Crusted Cod and to finish Chocolate Fondant, Pear & Ginger Malva Pudding or Mango Panna Cotta.

The 3 course set menu is 320 ZAR per person, with the drinks costing 195 ZAR for two beers, two ciders and still water.

Breakfast is buffet style with a large selection of hot and cold options and costs 180 ZAR per person. Lunch is also on offer at the onsite restaurant and is a la carte.

There is also an a la carte restaurant 20 minutes from the game reserve and they provide transportation. This must be booked in advance.

Facilities At Botlierskop

The decor at Botlierskop is beautiful inside and out, with huge log fires, a relaxing bar area and a large outdoor balcony where you can enjoy food or beverages and take in the sweeping views of the lush valley.

There are two swimming pools, one larger heated pool and a smaller non-heated pool, both with sun loungers over-looking the green surroundings.

Botlierskop Bush Spa is where you can relax, unwind and be pampered in tranquil surroundings. There are many types of treatments available – massages, facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures and a kids spa. The spa can be used by day and overnight visitors and spa packages are also available.

In the evening on the balcony a fire is lit and there is a display of African music using traditional jembe drums where guest can also participate.

Location Of Botlierskop Game Reserve

Botlierskop is situated midway between Mossel Bay and George, along the scenic Garden Route. From the main highway of the N2 it’s just a short 10 minute drive and is signposted along the way.

The only regret about our stay at Botlierskop Game Reserve is that we didn’t stay for longer.

For more information and to book please visit Botlierskop’s website.

If you’re also heading to Cape Town on a trip to South Africa check out our list of the best things to do in this amazing city.