Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Situated between Mossel Bay and George, Botlierskop Private Game reserve offers a great diversity of wildlife with more that 26 different animal species and over 200 bird species. Botlierskop reserve is stretching over 4200 ha of mountains and grasslands. Overnight in luxury tented suites situated close to the river. Each of the 17 air-conditioned luxury-tented suites at Botlierskop is elegantly decorated in a romantic colonial theme with 4-poster beds draped with mosquito nets. The en-suite bathrooms are lavishly equipped with deep baths and an outdoor bush shower with stunning views. The Manor house on the reserve has 7 rooms with views over the plains and good game viewing opportunities. Some rooms has baths and showers some only showers. Activities offered includes, guided game drives, horse back safaris, bush walks and spa treatments. Game includes lions, elephants, buffalo's, rhino'giraffes, black impala, zebra and many more.
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Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is frequently celebrated for its spacious rooms that boast breathtaking views and peacefulness, with the hotel's serene atmosphere often mentioned by satisfied guests. While some travelers have expressed that the family suites could use more character, the cleanliness and luxurious amenities, including game drives and fine dining, generally receive high praise.
Opinions on the value for money are divided, however, as not all guests feel the cost is justified. The staff's knowledge and helpfulness are acclaimed, despite occasional remarks about limited amenities and communication issues.
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Helpful
Amenities
Luxurious
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For an authentic game drive experience in the Western Cape this is brilliant. Really good value for money. Well run and we saw four of the big five in a three hour drive! Knowledgeable and affable guide made the experience informative & fun. Truck had good suspension but avoid the back behind the back wheel as it’s bumpy. My teenager loved it though! Provided with warm ponchos when it got colder & windy in the late afternoon & a sherry or orange juice with wipes for the dust when we finished the drive a very thoughtful idea. Recommend eating lunch there if in an afternoon drive. Delicious food & friendly service. Shame the day centre was closed for refurbishment as I rather liked the idea of a swim in the lovely pool or a spa treatment! The accommodation looked lovely with incredible views over the reserve but it pricey so we stayed in Mossel Bay a short drive away. Highly recommend this game drive reserve.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Not many toilets in the centre but the assume the refurbished day centre will have many more.
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, General Manager at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Responded 31 Oct 2023
Dear Rachel B, Thank you for sharing your valuable feedback about your experience at Botlierskop! We greatly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you found our game drive authentic and valuable for money. It's fantastic to know that you had a successful safari with the chance to see four of the big five during the three-hour drive. We're glad your guide was able to make the experience informative and fun; our team takes great pride in their knowledge and affability. We take note of your feedback regarding the seating in the truck and will work on ensuring a more comfortable experience for our guests in the future. We're pleased to hear that your teenager enjoyed the adventure! The provision of warm ponchos, sherry, orange juice, and dust wipes is part of our commitment to making your visit as comfortable as possible, so we're glad you appreciated those thoughtful touches. It's unfortunate that you just missed our day center's opening as it is looking spectacular, but we hope you'll have the chance to enjoy our pool and spa facilities on your next trip. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future. Thank you for choosing Botlierskop, and we look forward to serving you again. Best regards, Marketing Team Botlierskop Game Reserve & Villas
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A wonderful place with beautiful grounds. The safari was an unforgettable experience, and our ranger, Neil, shared fascinating stories about the animals and nature. We didn’t miss a single drive.
The relaxation area is very well organized with views of the watering hole, adding to the ambiance. The rooms are magnificent, with lovely bathrooms and terraces offering stunning views. It’s the kind of place you want to return to again and again.
We visited last year for my husband’s birthday and stayed for three days. Our package included safaris and a massage, but we didn’t have time for the massage. On the morning of our departure, we went to the reception to schedule it, as it was already paid for. A woman named Lehana (not sure if I’m spelling it correctly) told us everything was likely fully booked. We asked her to check the schedule, but she said the system wasn’t working. When we requested she call the spa, she simply replied, “no.” We then asked to switch to a ranger walk instead, and again received the same answer—“no.” It wasn’t an apology or explanation, just a blunt “no.”
Finally, we went to the spa ourselves, where a very friendly woman was able to schedule us in. The massage was excellent, and the spa area itself was lovely with many places to relax.
I hope the hotel takes feedback into account, as such a wonderful place deserves more welcoming staff. We plan to visit again early next year and look forward to returning.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip 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 Jaco Koekemoer, Marketing at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Responded 04 Nov 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re delighted that your stay at Botlierskop was memorable, with highlights like the safari with Neil and the beautiful relaxation area. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the stunning views, luxurious rooms, and ambiance that make our reserve so special. We’re truly sorry, however, to hear about the challenges you faced with scheduling your massage. We understand how important it is for our guests to feel welcomed and accommodated, and we apologize for the disappointing interaction at reception. Rest assured, your feedback has been shared with our team to ensure a warm and helpful experience for all our guests. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back next year, and we’ll do our best to make your stay even more enjoyable. Thank you once again for your valuable feedback. Warm regards, Botlierskop Game Reserve
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We booked one night full board package in a tented suite. This includes lunch, dinner and 2 game drives.
The accommodation is excellent with beautiful views though with all the activities we only spent about 2 hours awake in the room. You’re only given 2 small bottles of water and expected to pay if you want more which felt a little mean at this price point.
The game drives are a in a 9 person vehicle so you are easily able to see the animals on both sides. Our guide Melanie was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our two 3 hour drives. The cheetahs, rhino, elephants and buffalo were our highlights. The drinks stop was sociable and good fun.
Th dinner options were good though I made a bad choice with the chewy venison, the steak was a much better option. Lunch was tasty and the service for both meals was very good.
We were at Botlierskop from 12 noon till 11 the next day and the time just flew by. Lots of fun, great photographs and an enjoyable experience.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip 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.
This is our 3rd visit to Botlierskop and it keeps getting better! This year, we stayed in their new superior luxury tents and the quality of everything was top-notch. Everything is of the highest quality and tastefully put together. I honestly struggled to leave the room- I could have stayed there for days, staring out of the window at the passing game. We had a most EXCELLENT ranger, Alex, who was extremely knowledgeable and capable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and learnt so much. Our room attendants did an absolutely sterling job of keeping the rooms spotless; all of the staff in the restaurant were always positive, polite and attentive (we dealt mostly with Kristin, who was assigned to us). We didn’t come across a single member of staff who wasn’t welcoming and helpful. It’s clear that the staff are happy doing their jobs; it makes for a very positive stay.
We were fortunate to see pretty much everything the reserve has to offer… It’s also good that nothing is GUARANTEED (we weren’t looking for a zoo experience ;) but the longer you stay, the better your chances.
I also had an excellent massage and Darren took my husband and son on their very 1st game horse riding experience. They loved it too!
I wouldn’t hesitate to return and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute; highly recommended an accessible and brilliant stay.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
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Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Odd numbers face sunset side, even numbers face sunrise side
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 Private Game Reserve
Responded 25 Jun 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Botlierskop for your third visit! We are thrilled to hear that each visit keeps getting better, and that you enjoyed our new Superior TentedSuites this year. It's fantastic to know that you found everything to be of top-notch quality and tastefully put together. We're delighted that you had a hard time leaving your room with its stunning views of the passing game. Alex will be thrilled to hear that he provided you with an excellent safari experience and enriched your visit with his knowledge. It's also heartwarming to hear your compliments for our room attendants, restaurant staff (especially Kristin!), and all our welcoming and helpful team members. We strive to create a positive environment for both guests and staff alike. We're so glad you had the opportunity to see so much of what the reserve has to offer, and we appreciate your understanding that wildlife sightings are part of the natural experience here. We're also thrilled that your husband and son enjoyed their first game horse riding experience, and that you indulged in an excellent massage. Thank you for highly recommending Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. We can't wait to welcome you back for another accessible and brilliant stay!
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i wasnt quite sure before arrivalhow this experience would be.To my surprise it was one of the most pleasant experiences of our stay in south Africa. We were allocated room 13 which was quite a way from the main facilities but was a tremendous room. Full of innovative decor and ornaments. it was an extremely large room and had a very large toilet and bathroom plus an external shower facility. the room had two balconies that overlooked the river and wildlife.
The two game drives we went on were both excellent value for money. Alex took us on both drives. He was very informative and knowledgable. Was able to get only a few feet away from the lions which was an experience i will never forget.
The restaurant and bar area served a good selection of food and drink.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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We stayed as a family with 2 children (6&10 years) two nights in the botlierscope and are still raving about our stay in this beautiful Game Reserve.
The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Our Excelsior suite was just fantastic, it was above the small river and had a great terrace view where we could watch waterbucks, wildebeest and a rhino bathing. The king size bed was great and we have never slept better, the children had two single beds in the same room and were completely delighted with our very nicely decorated accommodation. The 36 degree hot jacuzzi outside with a view of the animals also contributed to this:-)))
We had booked a 1.5 hour Kids Ranger tour in the morning that Melanie (Mel) did with us. Mel showed us and the children a lot and explained when we drove by car and on foot through the reserve. In the afternoon we were on the road again with Mel for 3 hours and were able to see all the Big Five up close. Also this tour was super explained by Mel and was a great experience for all of us!
The food was very good and the kitchen could also adjust to the wishes of the children.
We can only recommend Botlierskop and would come back anytime!!!!
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Having visited Sanbona Game Reserve when we visited SA in 2009, we wanted to try a different one and came across Botlierskop.
The drive to the main entrance is along dusty roads but much smoother than you would expect. You are met at the door to the main reception and given a thorough explanation of the hotel and reserve with a chilled glass of champagne too.
We booked the full board option which included 3 meals a day, 2 game drives each full day some of which you can swap for a 1 hour massage or a horseback safari.
Lunch is served on the patio or your designated dining table corresponding to your room number. The choice was fantastic and prepared so well, attractively and very tasty.
We had a Superior Tented Suite which was stunning with an outside (and inside) shower and a decked area taking in the breathtaking views.
Stian was our ranger and he provided great, amusing and informative information on the game drives which got better and better. The pinnacle was getting to see the lions, firstly on a morning drive when they were quite elusive but then on our final drive yesterday evening when we were up very close to them. We also saw at very close quarters a mother cheetah and her 3 cubs with a fresh kill (about an hour old). A total privilege to see these magnificent beasts together with Buffalo, White Rhino, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Elephant, Ostrich and about a dozen variety of Antelope.
We opted for the massage on one day and the spa is just stunning. A fantastic couples massage, again with complimentary champagne on arrival.
We did the horseback safari too which was very special. I had not been on a horse for many years and although the horses were trained so well, it soon all came flooding back to me.
The game reserve is beyond amazing and I cannot speak highly enough of it.
Stunningly perfect.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip 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.
Botlierskop game reserve has 3 different accommodations - we were in the Village Lodge. The rooms are spacious and have comfortable beds with mosquito netting. Rooms are not well isolated for sound and one can hear the neighbors very well, unfortunately. There is a nice garden and a swimming pool. Restaurant is tastefully designed and offers outside seating.
Wifi works well. Breakfast is ok: one has to choose between 3 mutually exclusive options (additionally there is a buffet with fruit and toast with cheese/jam), but if you want capuchino, you have to pay separately. The other meals on offer in the restaurant are not great, and are sub-par for the prices charged.
You can park your car near the guest house. This area is not locked, but is so far from the main road, that this does not feel unsafe.
The area is beautiful, the game drives are nice and the rangers enthousiast and informative. There are not that many animals though (2 lions, 5 elephants, 6 giraffes), but quite a lot of tourists, so you’ll need a few drives to see all species.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip 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.
Response from Jaco Koekemoer, General Manager at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Responded 28 Nov 2023
Dear 147wimw, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your stay at Botlierskop Game Reserve, particularly in the Village Lodge. We appreciate your insights, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the spacious rooms, comfortable beds with mosquito netting, and the beautiful garden with a swimming pool. We acknowledge your feedback regarding the sound isolation in the rooms and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Your observations about the Wi-Fi, breakfast options, and the additional charge for cappuccino are duly noted, and we'll certainly take them into consideration as we strive to enhance our offerings. We're pleased that you found the game drives enjoyable with enthusiastic and informative rangers. We understand your comments about the number of animals, and we'd like to provide some context. Our conservation efforts aim to maintain a balanced ecosystem, and having a limited number of animals is intentional. Overpopulation can lead to habitat degradation, competition for resources, and an imbalance in the ecosystem. Rest assured, our approach is rooted in ecological sustainability, and we appreciate your understanding. Your feedback on the restaurant offerings and pricing is invaluable, and we'll review these aspects to ensure we provide a more satisfactory dining experience for our guests. We thank you for choosing Botlierskop Game Reserve and for sharing your observations. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for an even more enjoyable experience in the future. Best regards, Botlierskop Game Reserve Management
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Wow,wow,wow ,what can one say, Botlierskop Game Reserve is simply the best Game park we have experienced. We have to traveled to many Game Reserves and this one simply knocks the other parks for dead for value for money. Fantastic wildlife, excellent facilities, wonderful restaurant, and absolutely breathtaking accommodation, we were fortunate enough to be able to see and gaze at Elephants 🐘 outside our room 😀 wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you Botlierskop 😊
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
Response from Jaco Koekemoer, Marketing at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Responded 22 Oct 2024
Dear Lloyd, Wow, thank you for such a glowing review! We are beyond thrilled to hear that your experience at Botlierskop was the best you’ve had. It’s wonderful to know that our wildlife, facilities, restaurant, and accommodation made such a positive impact on your stay. Seeing elephants right outside your room must have been magical, and we’re so happy you got to experience that! We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments. Best Regards Botlierskop Team
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We had a couple of nights at Botlierskop, staying in the Village Lodge at the North of the park. The family room was well-appointed, with great views and a large bathroom, and within easy walking distance of Reception and the dining area. The village Lodge is very much set up for families with younger kids, but was still peaceful and relaxed. Food was excellent, with a wide range of dishes available from a bistro style menu. We did games drives in the morning and afternoons, with some amazing sightings of lions, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, elephant and many different antelope. Also tried the horseback safari, which was a really different way to see the park.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
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 drove in a rental car. The journey was broken up with a stay at Mossel Bay in an ocean front hotel on the way there and a stop in the winery area of Franshoek on the way back. It was still a good 3hr drive though.
3 nights would be enough, there is one main restaurant and you're given a table that matches your room number so you know where to go each night. The full board and paying for your drinks suited us well. The drinks were not overpriced.
If you would like to book a game drive as day visitor. You have to book in advance.
R490 per person for a 3 hour guided game drive or R720 per person for a sundowner game drive (snacks and drinks included) Rates valid until 30 September 2019
HI Kelly,
I will suggest if you have time stay 2 nights. Then you have time to experience Botlierskop and time to relax.
Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
Hope to see you soon!
Alison
Smart casual is completely fine. You’re quite secluded from city life and everyone is aware of that, so it’s relaxed but smart enough to ensure you know you’re out!
There are more places to choose from in the Mossel Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
R 6,473 - R 13,166 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
botlierskop private game reserve hotel mossel bay
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeMossel Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
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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