Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Great View
Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Room features
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Safe
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Location
Amy Searle Road, Great Brak River, Mossel Bay 6525 South Africa
We have stayed at Botlierskop Bush Villas previously with American guests and had a fantastic three day stay. Again we visited, this time with our children and grand children from the UK. They were totally enthralled to be so near to the water hole with the resident hippos and to be able to see a variety of animals from the comfort of the villa while having a braai. The facilities are excellent and it is a holiday to be remembered, especially for overseas visitors.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:View from the braai area
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So I won a competition to come and stay at the Bush villas for a weekend and wow!! The Villa was very close to the water hole so we saw, Rhino. Hippo, Giraffes and more. Also the bush Villas were equipped with everything of the best, they literally catered for everything. For the self catering option this was really amazing and would recommend this to all animal lovers.
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Welcoming reception and the service was good, the quality of the shower water was not good, there was plumbing error in the water system. Game Drive Safari Was Great. The Villa 5 is the best for red wine with romantic sunset and huge fireplace. We never tried the water jacuzzi because didn’t work, they tried to fix it, but not successful end. I hope next time the jacuzzi will be fixed and me will try it.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Bring red wine and sun glasses
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a terrible stay. The waterhole has a huge plant overgrowth and we did not see one animal drink water from the water hole. The staff were really rude at reception and they did not organise a transfer to the spa which was promised and you have to make your own way on a terrible gravel road to find the spa. We have stayed here before and our previous experience was absolutely wonderful.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Don't book the Bush Villas if you think you will see animals.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jaco Koekemoer, Marketing at Botlierskop Bush Villas
Responded 01 Jun 2023
Hi Linda, Thank you so much your review. We do apologize for animals not being at the waterhole, as our animals are free roaming we can not guarantee sightings at specific areas as the animals roam across the 4200ha reserve. With good rains and ample vegetation they roam where they please and there are a lot of other waterholes all over the reserve. As for the plant overgrowth, we do not use any form of pesticide or chemicals as these are a danger to our animals, guests and the sensitive ecosystem. The dam has been clear for the last 2 weeks, but mother nature has a time schedule of her own, so the overgrowth will depend from month to month as the weather and climate changes. As for the transfer. Our transfers need to be pre-booked and unfortunately you have requested this at a 15 Minute notice and that was not enough time as our drivers were already busy with pre-booked transfers. We do apologize if our staff seemed rude contacting you after you left without paying for your game drive. We would like to thank you once again for raising your concerns. Kindest Regards Botlierskop Marketing team.
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If you live for: Sanity, silence, nature, luxury, extremely fantastic service, space, peace and quiet ans so much more.... Book at the bushvillas. We have visited this macigal place for the 10th time just 2 days before South Africa s shut down for 3 weeks. We stayed in villa 4 for the 1st time and it's difficult to choose which one is the best. They are all. Beautiful in their own way. Thank you so much for Jacques, Demi and Bellanca for the best service and friendly voices everytime we book with you. We do appreciate you. Thank you for the stunning gift for loyal clients. Favourite hide away from all the rush in SA.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We first visited Botlierskop three years ago and have been returning regularly ever since. We have stayed in the tented lodge as well as the Bush Villas. This was our second visit to the Bush Villas and my 16 year old daughter and I stayed in a “standard” Bush villa this time round, although there was nothing standard about. It is the height of luxury with every amenity you can think of! We had a lovely, peaceful, “socially distanced” stay, watching the game from our front patio. My daughter enjoyed an incredible horse safari and the game drive is always a must. We are forever returning to this magical place - nothing beats it!
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an unbelievable place. This is luxury at its best. Modern and comfortable. Everything provided. Lovely views. So private. Staff wonderful. My daughter left her glasses behind. The Bushvillas team were so eager to assist and managed to courier them to our next stop. Thank you once again !!!
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An absolutely charming way to relax and view the wildlife. From our villa we got to see hippos, rhinos, giraffes, zebras etc It was an absolute treat. There’s a lovely splash pool to relax in and soak up sun and views. Staff extremely helpful and friendly. Great bbq area to relax at.
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Villa (nr 4) is on the edge of the waterhole. Around sunsets the hippos, rhinos , zebras and many other bucks gather around the waterhole. The accommodation is perfect, spacious and appropriately styled. House keeping daily with many activities available around the game reserve.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Botlierskop, Manager at Botlierskop Bush Villas
Responded 27 Dec 2019
Thank you for your time writing this 5 star review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay in Villa 4, overlooking the waterhole. Thanks again for your feedback. It is very important to us to improve our service and facilities.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I reserved 4 nights in one of the luxury self-catering villas overlooking the main watering hole for my parents and I as part of their 55th wedding anniversary celebrations. The villa we were allocated (no. 4) is in a prime location directly in front of the main water hole surrounded by a low electric fence for safety. During our stay we were treated to daily visits by various animals, including a beautiful Nyala and a very relaxed white rhino directly in front of our villa. We also had a ringside seat of the hippo leaving the water every evening. Numerous birds were spotted, including a pair of Paradise Flycatchers, Red Rumped Swallows collecting mud for their nest and Kingfishers (Brown Hooded and Pied) in abundance. Giraffe, Bontebok, Impala and Eland also made appearances on the opposite side of the watering hole throughout our stay. Whilst it is not permitted to self-drive in the reserve, we saw many animals grazing while driving along the main access road to the villas.
The Villa is very well presented with all amenities provided, including WiFi and a Smart TV (we did not turn on so can't comment on which channels are available, but I'm sure it will be a welcome addition if traveling with children or the weather is particularly inclement). The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and bottle chiller. Tea & coffee is provided and topped up daily or on request. A/C and log burner provided in the living area. The view from the 2 double bedrooms downstairs is directly over the water hole. The twin room upstairs overlooks the parking area and gravel access road to the side. All rooms are en-suite with walk-in showers, towels and toiletries provided. The beds have mosquito nets if required. Hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers are provided as is a small safe in each of the double rooms. (I did not check if these items are available in the twin room). The master en-suite bathroom also has a beautiful bathtub, although it was not used due to the ongoing water restrictions. Outside there is a covered patio with table and chairs and a sunken BBQ area directly in front of the water hole. Wood is provided (1 bag included per day), but additional wood can be purchased if required. 1 grid is also provided for cooking on. There is a plunge pool which we did not use due to the weather The villa is fully serviced every day at a time convenient to you.
I had arranged a few surprises for my parents which the staff went out of their way to accommodate. These included a Bush Breakfast on the banks of the river where a sumptuous feast was provided which we sadly could not do justice to.
A BIG thank you to all the staff, especially Ryno, Louniece (I hope I've spelt your name correctly....), Jade, Christo and Bellanca for their friendly professionalism looking after my parents and ensuring that they had a memorable 55th wedding anniversary.
Some comments: • Don’t go expecting the Okavango, Serengeti or Kruger National Park - this is an entirely different experience. • It is not permitted to self-drive through the reserve for safety reasons (yours and the animals), but some activities e.g. horse riding are only available from the main lodge which is a 30 min drive away. • Go horse riding, even if you can’t ride (they cater for all levels of ability) – seeing game from horseback is a unique experience which most Reserves either don’t offer, or offer to experienced riders only. • Go for an evening game drive and drink cocktails while watching the animals as the sun sets. • Make sure you are fully aware of which villa you are booking i.e. overlooking the main watering hole or overlooking the small watering hole to ensure you know what to expect on arrival. • The luxury villas are all in relative proximity to one another as they are grouped around the watering hole so you will see / hear other people during your stay. • Game drives often stop directly opposite the villas to view the hippo which some may find intrusive, but they usually don't stay too long • There are supermarkets (Spar & Pick ‘n Pay) in Groot Brak Rivier which is approximately a 10 to 15 min drive from the villas where you can stock up on all essentials. • The beach is much closer than you realise and it is quite feasible to go on a game drive in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach (or vice versa if preferred).
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Date of stay: December 2018
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Villa 2 - unobstructed view of hippo in the watering hole. Villa 4 - opposite end of water hole,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Botlierskop, Manager at Botlierskop Bush Villas
Responded 20 Dec 2018
Good Morning, Wow! Thank you for this Amazing Review! We are glad you had a wonderful time at our Bush Villas and are looking forward welcoming you back in the near future. We appreciate your wonderful comments. Thanks again for your time writing this review. Kind regards, Alison
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George, South Africa38 contributions1 helpful vote
Hi there, we stayed in the 2 bedroom Bush Villa overlooking the smaller dam, as it was only the two of us. However, the reception did mention to us that the 3 bedroom Villas directly overlooking the larger dam have great viewing potential as well. Being closest to the water would give you the best advantage for spotting wild.
Glasgow, United Kingdom418 contributions149 helpful votes
There are 4 villas all the same distance to the hole. 2 have small pools others don't. It's a bit of a trek to go shopping so stock up in great Brak or mosselbay(more choice). You can barbecue and good kitchen facilities. Restaurants aren't nearby and the road would be tricky at night so I would eat in and enjoy the wild! Have a great time
There are more places to choose from in the Great Brak River area.
PRICE RANGE
R 8,828 - R 13,857 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeMossel BayGreat Brak River
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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