Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Amazing private reserve. The attention to detail is everywhere. Pity they don’t do the game barbecue in the evenings though…

Due to all the nice reviews and the lovely marketing videos and pictures from the lodge itself, we were so much looking forward to our stay. However, our experience was a real disappointment. The game drives were the only and absolute highlight due to our guide Gerard who made the drives super interesting and enjoyable. He made such an effort to show us all the animals and had many interesting stories to tell. All the rest was unfortunately very commercialized. The park is rather small with only a small number of animals. The food was just disgusting. The cupboards in our family suite had a weird smell so that we rather left our clothes in our suitcases. The family suite itself was very dark and lacked any character. Overall, we would not recommend this lodge.

Didn't have a lot of time so wanted a day safari game drive. Surprised to see a coach load of people arrive st the same time as us but te park easily coped with the influx. Comfortable open jeep with three rows of three seats driven by our guide Alex who was cheerful funny and knowledgeable. Elephants eluded us and everyone else that day but got great views of cheetah, lions,rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, impala, eland, waterbuck, zebra and giraffe. Park area large and varied, wouldn't have realised that so many others were also in the grounds. Followed by an optional meal in the restaurant. Ideal for those without the time for a one or two night safari stay. Only half an hour from Mossel bay.

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.

5 star ALL the way. This is an exceptional establishment. World class restaurant. Superb staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our game drive hosted by thee BEST ranger that we have ever had the pleasure of meeting Nyasha. Nyasha was VERY knowledgeable. He went out of his way to find animals for our viewing pleasure. Excellent! A must do on your trip itinerary! The vehicles are the MOST comfortable game drive vehicles that we have ever been in with blankets, cushioned seats and seat belts. The drive is thrilling and gives an African massage. Thank You for such a wonderful experience.

I have been going to Botlierskop for years now, since I was little. And it is still great, customer service and tents are spectacular. However I’m a little disappointed about the dinner as before they would have had a grill with all the possible meats to eat from they now have a small menu which was served with cold mashed potato and almost stale testing deserts. As well as that I didn’t get to go to see the hippos at their ponds on my game drive, which before they did and would get you meters away from hippos. Would still 100% recommend to anyone but unfortunately almost not as good as I remember.

Genuinely one of the best stays I’ve had. The reserve is absolutely gorgeous, the food is delicious and the rooms are beautiful. However, the staff are what made it extra special. Jaqulin was amazing, clearly passionate about his job. He was so attentive and made us feel so special. Definitely recommend and definitely will be back. Thank you for such a special stay! ❤️

Rooms look exactly as they do on the webpage The tented lodge is nothing short of fabulous We loved every second of our short stay The staff are warm and friendly Very accommodating when booking Melanie our guide was absolutely brilliant, she went over and above for my daughter on the junior ranger program and in our game drives The food was very tasty and fresh I went to the spa and it was relaxing and peaceful Honestly I don’t have a bad word to say We will definitely be back and bringing family