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#1 of 8 small hotels in Mossel Bay
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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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Nestled within a wildlife sanctuary, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve hotel garners accolades for its array of high-quality amenities, including the comfort of the accommodations and the thrill of game drives. Many guests laud the knowledgeable guides and attentive service, although some have pointed out occasional shortcomings. While the hotel's value is generally appreciated, a few visitors noted discrepancies in cost-to-value.
The rooms' spaciousness and views impress, despite some comments about soundproofing and a need for more character. Cleanliness throughout the property is consistently praised, contributing to the hotel's overall inviting atmosphere.
Atmosphere
Eclectic
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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From the moment you arrive you are treated like royalty, from all of the staff whether they be cleaners, waitresses or game guides. Everyone was so polite and friendly, it really did make the stay extra special.
We stayed in one of the new executive suites which we were completely blown away with. We say so many animals from our balcony, and to be able to sit outside in the hot tub at night and watch them was incredible. The room itself was beautiful, with gorgeous 180 degree windows and beautiful features, such as large bath in the window and lovely fire and sofa area.
The main lodge area was also beautiful, the pool area is the best I have ever seen, as the views are amazing.
We stayed for 3 nights and did 3 game drives and we felt this was the perfect amount of time to see everything. I loved that we were assigned a driver on our first day, who reminded with us throughout our stay. This meant nothing was repetitive and it was all very personal. Our driver was Brizano and he was absolutely fantastic - so special thanks to him!!
Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a more special place for our honeymoon and we very much hope to come back again. It was my idea of heaven!!
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Date of stay: January 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.
Response from Botlierskop, Manager at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Responded 16 Jan 2020
Thank you for sharing you paradise experience at Botlierskop. We are glad you enjoyed your stay in our Executive suites with Jacuzzi and also the game drive with Brizano. We are looking forward welcoming you back for your anniversary!
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My fiancé and I came here just after getting engaged, it was the perfect little staycay for us whilst in South Africa, we were booked onto the Spa Package which was amazing.
We were greeted with warmth on arrival and were made to feel extra special, everything was explained to us clearly and we signed up for a picnic for the following day.
We stayed in a Luxury Tent, which was beautifully decorated, and well thought out. A stunning 4 poster bed with an outdoor shower and indoor bath. We had such a picturesque view, which our bed looked out onto.
We had dinner and breakfast included into our package, and the food was exceptional and our service waitress (we had the same one both nights, sadly we cannot remember her name) made the experience, she was friendly, personable and attentive to us and all her allocated tables.
The next morning we had our couples massage and took advantage of the free access to the indoor heated pool, we definitely recommend a treatment here, we loved our deep tissue massages.
Despite there being a little confusion with the picnic menu (miscommunication between us and the person who explained it to us) The whole picnic experience was amazing, the food was delicious, there was plenty for both of us and the location spot was dreamy.
That afternoon we went on our game drive with other guests staying at the lodge, the experience was like none other. Informative, up and close with most of the animals, with sunset drinks and snack stop part of the way round. Rico was our game ranger, and made the experience so special for us all. (Although all game rangers we bumped into I have no doubt would have delivered an exceptional game drive, as they were all soo friendly and helpful)
We had breakfast delivered to our tent for our last morning, which was a nice treat to have breakfast in bed.
There were just a few things that we’d like to feedback on...
The shelves in our tent were dusty when we arrived and I had to wipe them before popping our clothes on them. A couple of sliding shelves were broken (however we reported this to reception and the said they’d send someone to look at it)
The batteries in our aircon remote were dead and therefore couldn’t operate the aircon (we also reported this after our first night and nothing was done about it)
We also asked reception for ice to our room, as we were passing after our picnic and they said yes. We never received it.
The Spa - the indoor heated swimming pool needed a clean, there were a number of tissues, which my partner picked most of it out and put in the side. We also advised the staff of the situation. - the showers in the spa, the body wash and shampoo pumps were not working/empty. This is something that should definitely be check every morning/throughout the day. We left the spa just after midday, and it wasn’t particularly busy when we were there.
Overall our experience was exceptional, great covid measures in place, the staff were welcoming and helpful. We will go again some day but next time we’d look to stay in one of the Executive Suites.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip 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 were fortunate enough to be able to stay here during the very short window period where leisure travel was allowed under COVID-19 lockdown level 3. Management has taken every possible precaution to keep guests and staff safe during this time. Menus are viewed and actives are booked through their app. The rooms can be left unserviced if you prefer and you can have your meals in your chalet. Eating on the patio is not an option in the winter months! The food was very good, generous and well prepared. We took our meals in the dining room which was warmed up by a roaring fire at every end. We thoroughly enjoyed two horse riding outings with Victor and Yezlin - both are responsible, knowledgeable guides. These were a big adventure as we rode in wildlife territory, but obviously we kept a safe distance. Seeing eland, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest and more whilst on horseback is truly a privilege. We were lucky to have a package that included the use of the indoor pool with big sliding doors allowing in lots of fresh air. This is a stand out facility - what a pool! it overlooks the reserve and on one occasion we watched eland and mountain zebra from the rim of the pool. I also had a very good back massage during my visit to the spa, I just wish I remember the name of the therapist, she deserves a special mention. The game viewing is not Kruger, but for the Western Cape its very good and for those wanting a game experience along the Garden Route it offers much. Our guide made a big effort and we saw some special groups of animals, beautiful birds and amazing landscapes and views. Visiting Botlierskop was wonderful, a great find and I am sorry we only discovered it now! We will of course return as soon as the rules allow!
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Date of stay: July 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Me and my girlfriend booked onto the 2 night full board package with game drives. It was not cheap but the experience was worth every penny spent. Even more so, we actually booked another night as we just didn’t want our stay to end!
The food was exceptional and was really good choice throughout the menu, in fact although we was full board the restaurant menu was surprisingly cheap for such an establishment. Drinks not included! But at 1400rand (£6/7) a hit and of the highest quality you could not complain!
Our safari guide was a bloke called Robert, we done a total of 3 game drives all lasting 3 hours each. Robert was amazing and we would hope the resort could pass our kind words on. Very informative, fun and extremely conscious of the animals space. We saw all 4 of the big 5 that they have, they currently don’t have leopards.
We had the option of horseback safari on our last day (out of the 2 day full board package), this was amazing and was a great alternative offered after 9 hours of driving. The itinerary was very well planned and ran completely smoothly.
We personally couldn’t add anything to improve the experience we had here. It was exceptional.
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Date of stay: February 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.
Response from Botlierskop, Manager at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Responded 19 Feb 2020
WOW! Thank you for the wonderful comments and sharing your Botlierskop Experience. We are glad you had an unbelievable experience with us and are looking forward welcoming you back in the near future.
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We went to Botlierskop this weekend on someone's recommendation and this place is a real gem near Mossel's Bay. First of all I would like to appreciate the staff that greeted us and arranged our rooms. The hospitality levels are at par. Everyone has such a lovely smiling face, even the housekeeping people that they themselves bring a positive vibe to your vacation. We stayed in a luxury tented room which gave us the experience of living in wilderness yet equipped with all modern facilities that you can ask for. The outside stone shower and the tent shape room is the real highlight. The food was amazing too; Being a vegetarian we got a lot of tasty options so that was one struggle less. The safari and game drives are equally incredible with experienced drivers (u need them on those roads). The guide leaves no stone unturned to give you an ultimate safari experience. Not to go for an essay, I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone visiting Capetown or Mossel's Bay. Do do do visit!!!! P.S during these times, the resort and all the staff members thoroughly followed Covid precautions.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Go for luxury tented suites/ rooms for a closer to nature experience.
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.
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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We visited Botlierskop 27-28 February for a family safari. The accommodation in the luxury tents was breathtaking, with beautiful views over the river. The tents were extremely well appointed (think of “Out of Africa” and you wouldn’t be far wrong.) Although the weather was wet and a tad chilly, the outside shower was fantastic as was the beautiful bath. There were plenty of blankets and beautiful crisp Egyptian cotton bedding plus a very welcome electric blanket after our wet & windy safari, ably led by Brazano our guide. The food in the lodge was delicious and staff were very attentive. We needed the fleecy ponchos as we bumped our way through the game reserve. We spotted lions (very far away) , watched two hippos play in the lake, drive past a white rhinoceros family nonchalantly snoozing on a meadow, saw giraffes who were just as curious about us as we were them! Loads of spring boks, black impala, 2 different types of zebra, meerkats and Cape buffalo - that was just on our first safari ride! Next day The early morning trip brought lions a bit too close for comfort, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and more spring boks. The only down side for us it didn’t feel remote enough as we could see neighbouring houses and factories. There were also lots of electricity pylons dotted throughout where the lions seemed to leave the skeletons of their kill. In all, it was very enjoyable. Thank you Brazano for taking such good care of us.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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 Private Game Reserve
Responded 20 Mar 2020
Thank you for the wonderful feedback sharing your experience. We hope to see you again in the near future
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We had a one night stay. The lodge where you check in looks great. The check in process was a bit strange, our paperwork was completed by one of the tour drivers who couldn't really tell us too much about the hotel facilities. A porter took us to our room and he couldn't off been any less enthusiastic.
We stayed in the Manor House. Room was nice, but ladies prepare to move the furniture to find a suitable spot to use your hairdryer and straightners (clearly designed by a man). The window in our bathroom was broken allowing any passer by a view in. The area around the pool at the Manor House is nice but use the pool at your own risk, the water was green and the pool was unclean.
We did an afternoon game drive which was nice. We seen lion, rhino, zebra, giraffe and a host of antelope. We stopped for a drink which was a nice touch. By the end you realise that they are not going to show you all the wildlife, which are in in fenced off areas, as they want you to do the early morning drive as well.
I found the food in the restraunt was nice and reasonably priced and staff were pleasant.
Check out was fine.
As we were leaving I watched a staff member, who was trying to get horses from the main field moved, attempt to punch a particularly stubborn horse in the head. This left me with a bitter taste, given that you are told on the game drive about conservation and animal welfare.
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Date of stay: January 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.
A short but enjoyable 2 night stay in one of the tents with a twin outside shower and views against the mountain and game at your doorstep, we woke up to see buffalo grazing. The tent got a bit cold at night so make sure your heated blanket is on.
The spa is incredibly beautiful and our full body massages were fabulous.
The game drive was more than we expected over the vast and ever changing terrain, which is over the 55, 000 hectares. They have four of the big fives, we saw Buffalo, Rhino & Elephants but sadly could not find the lions. There are vast numbers of Wildebeest and lots of Zebra and Giraffe to see
Breakfast is a big winner with ample to choose from, its like having your own personal buffet brought to your table. Sadly dinner was not as good and the service was extremely slow at times, which we put down to Covid and hope we will find a better service when we return.
All in all a very good break away from Cape Town and to see the game was wonderful.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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 an all round fantastic experience - great accommodation, amazing rangers and excellent facilities. You will see all the game you want - don't hesitate to go. If you can book the deluxe tents and go on all the game drives you can.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Book the Deluxe Tents
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 Private Game Reserve
Responded 16 Jan 2020
Thank you for the wonderful comments and positive feedback. We appreciate your time writing this review.
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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
£259 - £585 (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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Which popular attractions are close to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve?
Nearby attractions include La Chocolaterie Rococo (4.5 miles), Experience @ Hakuna Matata Game Farm (4.2 miles), and Great Brak River Museum (4.2 miles).
