Situated between the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains and unspoiled beaches of the Indian Ocean, the 4,200 hectare malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is situated on the world renowned and malaria-free Garden Route - located just off the N2 and an easy 30 minutes drive from George Airport or a 4.5 hour scenic drive from Cape Town. Warm hospitality and personal service has ensured that visitors return time and again.
Experience close encounters with an abundance of animals including 4 of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as giraffe, hippo, zebra, the rare black impala as well as a plethra of birdlife in an exhilarating 3 hour guided game viewing drive in an open vehicle. Or saddle up for a horseback safari and escape to the majestic mountain valleys and beautiful fynbos for a one, 2 or 3 hour ride and experience nature like never before. More experienced riders can head out on a longer 3.5 hour trail through thick bushes and over mountainous terrain.
You can also follow a Botlierskop ranger as he tracks through the bush. Or just relax at the spa and enjoy a pamper and a treatment! In between the activities, guests can enjoy the spectacular views down the valley while relaxing next to the swimming pool. Heated by solar panels, it is environmentally friendly and can be enjoyed all year round.
Children are kept entertained with the special Kiddies Programme.
The luxury Tented Lodge is situated close to the river. Each of the 21 tented suites have been carefully incorporated into the surrounding bushveld while a canopy of African trees provide vital shade. Raised wooden walkways connect each of the tents to the Main Lodge with its spacious lounge and open plan Fireplace Restaurant that leads onto an outside open wooden deck.
The Manor House is also within walking distance from the Main Lodge. Accommodation here consists of Luxury Manor Rooms, Stable Manor Rooms and Family Rooms. The beautiful self-catering 2, 3 or 4 bedroom Bush Villas overlook an expansive, active waterhole frequented by wildlife visitors of many kinds. Most villas have a private plunge pool and sliding glass doors open up to an expansive, furnished deck offering a spectacular view.
The child-friendly 16 bedroom Village Lodge offers a collection of new and vintage accommodation options, some dating back to the 1800s - all individual in style, but uniform in luxury, style and comfort.
Rates Include
Breakfast, lunch (if arriving before 13:00) and dinner; and 2 game drives are included. Other activities are an additional cost - rates available on request.
Village Lodge only: either Full Board Package (breakfast; lunch; dinner; and 2 activities are included) or Half Board Package (breakfast; dinner; and one activity are included).
Children Policy
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. Children of all ages are welcome at The Village Lodge and can join in game drives.
Children can join the Kids Club and follow the daily programme provided including frog (tadpoles) fishing, paper boats in the canal, gardening, junior ranger on safari, clay play and may more. This is inclusive for anyone staying on a full board package but can also be joined by children staying on other packages at an additional fee.
Directions For Drivers
From the N2/Cape Town: Go past Mossel Bay. Take the Klein Brakrivier/Little Brak River exit (exit 401). Turn left at the stop sign. After about 500m you will reach a T-Junction. Follow the brown Botlierskoop signboard with the lion footprint from this point. Turn right and after approximately 4 km, you will go over a low bridge. 200m after the bridge, turn right (still following the brown Botlierskoop signboard) onto the Gonnakraal Road. After 4 km, you will see an earth dam on the right. Turn right after this at the Botlierskop Gate.
From the N2/Garden Route: Go past Knysna and George. Take the Klein Brakrivier/Little Brak River exit (exit 401). Turn right at the stop sign. After about 500m you will reach a T-Junction. Follow the brown Botlierskoop signboard with the lion footprint from this point. Turn right and after approximately 4 km, you will go over a low bridge. 200m after the bridge, turn right (still following the brown Botlierskoop signboard) onto the Gonnakraal Road. After 4 km, you will see an earth dam on the right. Turn right after this at the Botlierskop Gate.
General Information For Guests
The Luxury and Deluxe Tented Lodge suites are all elegantly decorated in a colonial style with 4-poster beds and mosquito nets, fully equipped with mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, electric blanket, telephone and a safe. The en-suite bathroom is equipped with a deep oval bath and outdoor shower.
The Executive Tented Lodge suites have in addition a separate lounge and a spash pool.
The Family Tented Lodge suites have no pool but do have sleeper couches which are ideal for children aged between 6 and 12.
There is a spa with 2 treatments rooms.
Activities include guided game drives, horseback safaris, outride horseback safaris (for experienced riders only), guided bush trails, canoeing, fishing and tennis.
Popular Alternatives to Botlierskop Game Reserve
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Botlierskop Game Reserve, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Botlierskop Game Reserve was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
Botlierskop provided a lovely first time safari experience with 2 game drives even though it was only for 1 night.