Focused on raising awareness and taking action for African wildlife, Botlierskop supports conservation through veterinary missions, critical care and rehabilitation of endangered species.
AWCF and Botlierskop saw the dire need for very specific rescue and rehabilitation missions. The result of this alliance, is to enhance conservation in Africa with specific attention given to special-needs conservation projects. All donations, as well as funds generated from Veterinary Safari procedures done at Botlierskop, will be channelled to the AWCF projects fund.
To actively take action and create awareness for wildlife conservation in Africa, with a specific focus on conservation and veterinary mercy missions, critical care and rehabilitation especially for endangered & threatened species.
AWCF and Botlierskop saw the dire need for very specific rescue and rehabilitation missions. The result of this alliance, is to enhance conservation in Africa with specific attention given to special-needs conservation projects. All donations, as well as funds generated from Veterinary Safari procedures done at Botlierskop, will be channelled to the AWCF projects fund.
To actively take action and create awareness for wildlife conservation in Africa, with a specific focus on conservation and veterinary mercy missions, critical care and rehabilitation especially for endangered & threatened species.
African elephants are more resistant to the development of cancer than humans. With this research project, we will investigate the influence of the multiple TP53 copies on the response of African elephant blood samples to radiation exposure. This information may be crucial in the development of new strategies to prevent radiation-induced cancers. It should also give us better insights into the role of this tumor suppressor gene to sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy.
Western Cape Rhino Protection Nerve Centre is a 24-hour operationally manned monitoring unit. The main purpose is to install proactive measures to mitigate rhino poaching as well as reactive actions in case of a rhino poaching emergency. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic connectivity (number plate recognition cameras) to monitor the real time activity of red-flagged vehicles and personnel movements throughout South Africa. The center fulfils the role of liaising with all rhino owners in the Western Cape and also synchronizes with Nature Conservation as well as South African Police: police dog unit, stock theft unit as well as aircraft monitoring and action unit.
Western Cape Rhino Protection Nerve Centre is a 24-hour operationally manned monitoring unit. The main purpose is to install proactive measures to mitigate rhino poaching as well as reactive actions in case of a rhino poaching emergency. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic connectivity (number plate recognition cameras) to monitor the real time activity of red-flagged vehicles and personnel movements throughout South Africa. The center fulfils the role of liaising with all rhino owners in the Western Cape and also synchronizes with Nature Conservation as well as South African Police: police dog unit, stock theft unit as well as aircraft monitoring and action unit.
Ashia Cheetah conservation and AWCF have formed an alliance focusing on veterinary care and promoting the release and reintroduction of captive-bred and wild-caught cheetahs. Ashia contributes significantly to the conservation and range expansion of the cheetah population worldwide. AWCF has successfully released two cheetahs on Botlierskop with the help of Ashia Cheetah Conservation. These two cheetahs were in rehabilitation at Ashia, in Paarl, for over two years and now they are free roaming on Botlierskop and are successfully hunting for themselves.
The first-ever shoebill artificial incubation and rewilding project is taking shape in association with African Parks. This project is based in the Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia. Habitat loss in the wetlands is a major threat to these highly endangered, very large birds. The dark side of shoebill chicks is that they exhibit Cain and Able behaviors. The strong chick kills the weaker chick. Removing them one egg or chick per nest, raising or hatching it artificially and then rewilding the birds, will increase egg hatchability, thereby contributing to overall species survival.
The first-ever shoebill artificial incubation and rewilding project is taking shape in association with African Parks. This project is based in the Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia. Habitat loss in the wetlands is a major threat to these highly endangered, very large birds. The dark side of shoebill chicks is that they exhibit Cain and Able behaviors. The strong chick kills the weaker chick. Removing them one egg or chick per nest, raising or hatching it artificially and then rewilding the birds, will increase egg hatchability, thereby contributing to overall species survival.
The AWCF’s goal in this project is to address the African Vulture crisis through establishing a world-class breeding site, conservation and education centre, and reintroduction program for several critically endangered vulture species in Africa. Vultures are a keystone species, and there is a dire need for us to supplement and replenish existing colonies, and to establish new colonies where they have occurred historically, to replace the mortalities caused by human intervention and activities. The Cape Vulture is Southern Africa’s only endemic vulture species, with only 4200 breeding pairs left. This species no longer breeds in Namibia, Zimbabwe or Swaziland.
The North African or Red-necked Ostrich is the largest ostrich subspecies. It roamed West and North Africa before becoming locally extinct. Currently, it is on the “Critically Endangered” list. AWCF has been commissioned by African Parks to assist with a re-wilding and breeding program. The first birds were successfully raised in captivity and then reintroduced back into the Sahara. Recently the first chicks were born in the wild from captive-raised parents. This project is regarded as highly successful.
The North African or Red-necked Ostrich is the largest ostrich subspecies. It roamed West and North Africa before becoming locally extinct. Currently, it is on the “Critically Endangered” list. AWCF has been commissioned by African Parks to assist with a re-wilding and breeding program. The first birds were successfully raised in captivity and then reintroduced back into the Sahara. Recently the first chicks were born in the wild from captive-raised parents. This project is regarded as highly successful.
Sometime during the 1980s, the last wild Scimitar Oryx and Addax were shot during ongoing wars in Northern Africa. It has been 30 years since this rare animal was seen in Chad. Working in partnership with African Parks, AWCF is making available expertise to re-establish these rare animals back into their natural habitat for future generations to see their beauty and behold the magnificent statue of the Scimitar Oryx as they blend into their desert surroundings.
These birds play a critical role in the ecosystem, by maintaining the balance between land living mammals and a balanced tick burden. Bringing back these birds will diminish the necessity for the use of acaricide dips and therefore lead to a cleaner environment. Farmers in the vicinity are currently being mentored on the importance of using only oxpecker-friendly pyrethroid dips. Since the bird’s first reintroduction in 2021, the first juvenile offspring has been noted feeding ticks off their preferred buffalo herd on the reserve.
These birds play a critical role in the ecosystem, by maintaining the balance between land living mammals and a balanced tick burden. Bringing back these birds will diminish the necessity for the use of acaricide dips and therefore lead to a cleaner environment. Farmers in the vicinity are currently being mentored on the importance of using only oxpecker-friendly pyrethroid dips. Since the bird’s first reintroduction in 2021, the first juvenile offspring has been noted feeding ticks off their preferred buffalo herd on the reserve.
AWCF was asked to relocate the only surviving rhino on the Ivory Coast from a local village to a haven on a private reserve within the country. This rhino survived a devastating eight-year long civil war. Due to the possible risk that the rhino posed to the village children and, as requested by the village Chief, the rhino was relocated to a more suitable destination. Our next phase is to import two young female rhinos to establish a breeding nucleus, the only one of its kind in that country. These female rhinos would need to be transported from Namibia to the Ivory Coast.
We collect blood samples for baseline TB values in free roaming elephants, cheetahs and lions. These blood samples will be used to develop immunological assays for the detection of M. bovis infection using a variety of techniques – serological, cytokine gene expression assays and cytokine stimulation assays. Samples are typically processed and stored in the Molecular Biology Laboratories in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science at Stellenbosch University. Despite extensive research, diagnosis of infection and disease remains a challenging yet crucial component of its management and control.
We collect blood samples for baseline TB values in free roaming elephants, cheetahs and lions. These blood samples will be used to develop immunological assays for the detection of M. bovis infection using a variety of techniques – serological, cytokine gene expression assays and cytokine stimulation assays. Samples are typically processed and stored in the Molecular Biology Laboratories in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science at Stellenbosch University. Despite extensive research, diagnosis of infection and disease remains a challenging yet crucial component of its management and control.
The Cape Mountain Zebra (CMZ) which only occurs in Southern Africa is classified as CITES II endangered and has three distinct genetic lineages: Gamkaberg, Kammanassie and Cradock. The entire CMZ population has experienced a severe genetic bottleneck. If reserve fences are damaged and down, the CMZ might breed with other types of zebra or even horses and donkeys on neighbouring farms. Keeping track of the Gamkaberg and Kammanassie Zebras is thus essential and technology can help with this. AWCF has committed to assist with the sponsorship of the cost of these translocation procedures.
If you have a passion for wildlife and conservation, you can now experience a once-in-a-lifetime Veterinary Safari. Accompany licensed wildlife vet, Dr Willem Burger on a Veterinary Safari and observe and assist professionals administering medical care and routine procedures on the wildlife at Botlierskop. Updates and time schedules with exact procedures will be made public as soon as they are available. Of course, there will also be many impromptu rescue efforts to save injured animals and Veterinary Safari dates may change at the last minute due to other rescue missions.
Includes AWCF short presentation, snacks and drinks, video of experience, assisting the wildlife vet with the procedure and possible wildlife viewing opportunities on route to procedure / Ages 6 years
Departure: from The Tented Lodge
Duration: 4 hours
If you have a passion for wildlife and conservation, you can now experience a once-in-a-lifetime Veterinary Safari. Accompany licensed wildlife vet, Dr Willem Burger on a Veterinary Safari and observe and assist professionals administering medical care and routine procedures on the wildlife at Botlierskop. Updates and time schedules with exact procedures will be made public as soon as they are available. Of course, there will also be many impromptu rescue efforts to save injured animals and Veterinary Safari dates may change at the last minute due to other rescue missions.
Includes AWCF short presentation, snacks and drinks, video of experience, assisting the wildlife vet with the procedure and possible wildlife viewing opportunities on route to procedure / Ages 6 years
Departure: from The Tented Lodge
Duration: 4 hours
We only have one planet. Thank you for choosing to make a difference!
The time is now to all do our part to ensure that Planet Earth is protected. We need to help install a profound respect and understanding of how vital Nature is and how it provides for us in all our fellow men. Our future depends on it. Environmental conservation encourages us to be mindful of our daily choices. Regardless of how busy your life may be; it remains easy to make small yet necessary changes for the good of the Earth. Each little step we take together takes us all closer to major progress. Let us try harder every day, step by step.
Botlierskop spends at least 1 million rand a year on the removal of exotic alien plant species on the reserve. Invasive alien plants use more water than our local ones do, depleting valuable and scarce underground water resources. Especially if allowed to become dense, alien vegetation provides plenty of fuel for wildfires. Such fires damage the soil’s structure as they are exceptionally hot, making the recovery time after these fires seriously prolonged. Invasive alien plants are also a major threat to the biodiversity in catchment areas, often disrupting the delicate natural balance in ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential for our water, food, wood, clean air, medicine and much more. It is vital that we protect this resource.
Rooikrans, Black Wattle, Silky Hakea, Australian Myrtle, Cluster Pine, Long-Leafed Wattle, Port Jackson, Stinkbean, Spider Gum and Blackwood
These plants can have a severe effect on water resources, reducing water run-off by as much as 30% in heavily infested areas. Large invasive alien trees, such as Eucalyptus Grandis, can use between 100 and 1,000 litres of water per day, significantly more than any of our average indigenous trees.
Rooikrans, Black Wattle, Silky Hakea, Australian Myrtle, Cluster Pine, Long-Leafed Wattle, Port Jackson, Stinkbean, Spider Gum and Blackwood
These plants can have a severe effect on water resources, reducing water run-off by as much as 30% in heavily infested areas. Large invasive alien trees, such as Eucalyptus Grandis, can use between 100 and 1,000 litres of water per day, significantly more than any of our average indigenous trees.
A Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra) thicket is 10 times more effective than the Amazon rainforest at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Spekboom, also known as ‘Elephant Bush’ can grow as tall as five metres and live up to 200 years. Unlike other plants, it converts carbon dioxide into oxygen 24 hours a day. One hectare of Spekboom can sequester up to 4.2 tonnes of carbon per year. Planting 10 ha of this plant equates to removing 26 cars from South African roads for 12 months!
Support our “Buy a Spekboom” initiative. Simply buy a spekboom, we will plant it and donate these funds towards vital conservation projects managed by AWCF.
By making a small change in your daily life, you can make a massive reduction in waste. Less waste going to the landfill means you’ve easily reduced your carbon footprint. Botlierskop repurposes stained tablecloths into wine bottle napkins. Our laundry bags are made of recycled pillowcases and other used linen. By doing so, Botlierskop will prevent 1,500 plastic bags from polluting the environment each year.
By making a small change in your daily life, you can make a massive reduction in waste. Less waste going to the landfill means you’ve easily reduced your carbon footprint. Botlierskop repurposes stained tablecloths into wine bottle napkins. Our laundry bags are made of recycled pillowcases and other used linen. By doing so, Botlierskop will prevent 1,500 plastic bags from polluting the environment each year.
Globally, toilet paper production wipes out 27,000 trees a day. One tree produces 200 rolls. That is why we make use of Sappi Triple green tissue. It is made from post-industrial sugarcane waste and FSC-certified wood fiber. Which means no indigenous forests are harmed in its production
All glass containers and bottles are either recycled or refilled by our suppliers. We recycle 62,455 glass bottles per year, which will save 18,736 kWh of energy!
That means for a full years recycling, we could:
Making paper involves using machinery that releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To produce 1 tonne of paper, 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emission is released into the air instantly. Every single sheet of paper requires 11.3 litres of water to make. It takes one tree to make 16.67 reams of copier paper. Wherever possible, Botlierskop is going paperless with electronic check in methods, digital marketing and making all internal paperwork digital.
Making paper involves using machinery that releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To produce 1 tonne of paper, 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emission is released into the air instantly. Every single sheet of paper requires 11.3 litres of water to make. It takes one tree to make 16.67 reams of copier paper. Wherever possible, Botlierskop is going paperless with electronic check in methods, digital marketing and making all internal paperwork digital.
All rooms and rest rooms have Healing EARTH products which are all manufactured in eco-friendly, biodegradable glass containers with 100% natural ingredients. Healing EARTH products are pure, containing no artificial colours, chemicals, parabens, petrochemicals, synthetics or other harmful ingredients. Only pure organic botanicals and indigenous plant extracts are used in Healing EARTH products. At Botlierskop, we only purchase environmentally-friendly products and this includes all our cleaning products as well.
We reduce our environmental impact by buying locally.
The eggs used at Botlierskop come from a small chicken farm in our neighbouring town Friemersheim. The owner Dorothy started the business in 2013 where Botlierskop was their first client. She is now the proud owner of over 2000 chickens.
Through our alien-vegetation removal programme, Botlierskop has created an opportunity for William Julies, to start his own firewood business in January 2019. His team of eight workers are the suppliers of Botlierskop firewood.
We reduce our environmental impact by buying locally.
The eggs used at Botlierskop come from a small chicken farm in our neighbouring town Friemersheim. The owner Dorothy started the business in 2013 where Botlierskop was their first client. She is now the proud owner of over 2000 chickens.
Through our alien-vegetation removal programme, Botlierskop has created an opportunity for William Julies, to start his own firewood business in January 2019. His team of eight workers are the suppliers of Botlierskop firewood.
At Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, we are fully committed to preserving the environment and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for our valued guests. Through a series of progressive initiatives since 2020, we have successfully implemented various phases of alternative energy solutions.
With great pride, we currently boast an impressive battery backup capacity of over 1300kWh, supported by cutting-edge inverters that provide 450kWh of reliable power. To harness the abundant sunshine along the picturesque Garden Route, we have installed more than 600kWh of solar panels, allowing us to keep our batteries fully charged.
At Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, we are fully committed to preserving the environment and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for our valued guests. Through a series of progressive initiatives since 2020, we have successfully implemented various phases of alternative energy solutions.
With great pride, we currently boast an impressive battery backup capacity of over 1300kWh, supported by cutting-edge inverters that provide 450kWh of reliable power. To harness the abundant sunshine along the picturesque Garden Route, we have installed more than 600kWh of solar panels, allowing us to keep our batteries fully charged.
Botlierskop runs 100% on solar energy during sunny days and switches over to Eskom only at night or when it’s cloudy, further reinforcing our dedication to a greener future.
Supporting our “Buy a Spekboom” initiative by simply buying a spekboom, we will plant it and donate these funds towards vital conservation projects managed by AWCF
The time is now to all do our part to ensure that Planet Earth is protected. We need to help install a profound respect and understanding of how vital Nature is and how it provides for us in all our fellow men. Our future depends on it. Environmental conservation encourages us to be mindful of our daily choices. Regardless of how busy your life may be; it remains easy to make small yet necessary changes for the good of the Earth. Each little step we take together takes us all closer to major progress. Let us try harder every day, step by step.
If you have a passion for wildlife and conservation, you can now experience a once-in-a-lifetime veterinary safari and get up-close-and-personal, assisting and witnessing first-hand the intricate and invaluable work a conservation veterinary surgeon does to ensure the preservation of our majestic African wildlife. All proceeds go to AWCF to help support and fund their projects all over Africa
Bank Deposit
AFRICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Bank: ABSA
Account Type: Cheque Account
Account no: 4090072560
Branch code: 632005
Swift Code: ABSAZAJJCPE
Explore the remarkable Secretary Bird at Botlierskop Game Reserve. Learn about its unique appearance, impressive snake-hunting abilities, ecological importance, and conservation status while discovering why this iconic African bird is one of the most fascinating species to encounter on safari.
At Botlierskop Private Nature Reserve, Big Five sightings often take the spotlight, yet quieter moments with elusive wildlife like the caracal (rooikat) are equally remarkable. A recent sighting of a mother with kittens highlights the value of protected habitats and thriving ecosystems in South Africa.
Celebrate World Earth Month at Botlierskop, where luxury meets a deep-rooted commitment to conservation. From renewable energy and invasive species removal to our partnership with the AWCF, we ensure every safari experience protects the Garden Route’s biodiversity for future generations.
Explore the rich birdlife of Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, home to over 200 species across diverse habitats. From vibrant sunbirds to powerful raptors, this Garden Route destination offers exceptional birdwatching and the chance to spot rare and endemic species in a thriving ecosystem.
Yellowwood trees are living legacies that support wildlife, restore ecosystems and connect communities. Through the Yellowwoods Reforestation Project, we are rebuilding forests for future generations. Join us in planting hope, protecting biodiversity, and creating a greener, more resilient environment.
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness at Botlierskop’s Tented Lodge. Nestled in the stunning South African reserve, our elegant tented suites offer breathtaking views, serene privacy, and all the comforts you need for an unforgettable safari escape.
Experience unforgettable Vet Safaris at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Join wildlife vet Dr. Willem Burger to assist with conservation-focused veterinary procedures involving elephants, rhinos and lions while learning about wildlife protection in South Africa.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the female cheetah, Catja, wilded and released through Ashia Cheetah Conservation, gave birth to 3 beautiful and healthy cubs at the end of July here on Botlierskop Game Reserve. She kept them mostly hidden in the den for the first weeks, as a careful cheetah mother should.
The first male cheetah, named Hobbes, was released on the 3rd of March 2022, followed by his female companion Catja, on the 26th of March 2022. Both Hobbes and Catja spent two years in rehabilitation at Ashia Cheetah Conservation in Paarl after obtaining injuries while...
