Your Safari Wildlife Questions Answered
Let’s answer some common safari game reserve questions
Find answers to common questions about Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, a leading Game Lodge in the Garden Route, including luxury safari accommodation, game drives, family activities and bookings to help you plan an unforgettable visit.
General FAQs – Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Are there any animal encounters?
No — we don’t offer direct animal encounters. Our animals live freely in their natural habitats, and guests can enjoy seeing them on our game drives.
Are there bathroom breaks during a game drive?
There are no permanent toilet facilities on the game drive; however, we do make comfort stops in the bush when needed. It’s all part of the adventure! Toilet paper is provided, and your guide will ensure your safety and privacy at all times.
Are you wheelchair-friendly?
Day visitor facilities and game drives are wheelchair-friendly. Tented lodge and spa facilities are wheelchair-accessible; however, while some Tented Suites can accommodate a wheelchair, they are not purpose-built or fully compliant with wheelchair accessibility standards.
Can I bring my own cooler or food on the game drive?
Coolers and food are not permitted on game drives. Guests are welcome to bring water; however, please note that glass bottles and alcohol are not allowed. Alternatively, we offer sundowner game drives, where we provide a curated beverage box and light snacks for your enjoyment.
Can my children join me on a game drive?
Yes, children are welcome. Children under 3 cannot join regular game drives, but a private game drive can be arranged, keeping their age and safety from wildlife in mind.
Can you self-drive on the reserve?
For safety and conservation, all wildlife experiences are guided—self-drives are not allowed.
Do I have to wear swimwear at the pools?
Yes, swimwear is required at the pools. Nudity is not allowed, so please remember to bring your swimsuit. Overnight lodge guests are provided with towels, while day visitors should bring their own.
Do you do weddings?
No, we do not host weddings, but we cater for proposals and other special events.
Do you offer halal dishes?
Yes, halal dishes are available.
Does weather affect game drives at Botlierskop?
Game drives operate year-round, with guides adjusting routes and timings to seasonal conditions. In the event of exceptionally heavy rain or river flooding, a game drive may be cancelled for safety.
Is Botlierskop a Big Five game reserve?
Yes. Guests can encounter lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino on the reserve, alongside a rich variety of wildlife. Leopards have occasionally been seen; however, due to their elusive nature, sightings are rare.
Is Botlierskop malaria-free?
Botlierskop is a malaria-free safari destination, making it family-friendly and ideal for first-time safari travellers.
What experiences does Botlierskop offer?
Botlierskop offers a range of activities and dining for overnight and day guests, including game drives, horseback safaris, fishing, tennis, and the Fijnebos Spa. Contact Reservations to see which experiences are available at each lodge.
What should I wear on a game drive?
There is no specific dress code for game drives. We recommend comfortable clothing suited to the weather, along with sunscreen and a jacket. While you’re not required to wear specific colours, neutral earth tones are always best for blending into the bush.
What time of day is best for animal sightings?
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best wildlife sightings, as animals are most active during these cooler periods.
Where is Botlierskop located?
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is located on the Garden Route in the Western Cape, between George and Mossel Bay. It’s approximately 4.5 hours from Cape Town and just 30 minutes from George Airport.
Fijnebos Spa FAQs
Can children use the spa?
Children aged 6–12 are welcome between 08:00 and 10:00 when accompanied by an adult, after which the spa is adults-only.
Can I order food and drinks at the spa?
No, The spa offers a snack and drink station, and lunch platters can be arranged with at least one day’s notice. Alcohol is only served as a glass of sparkling wine before or after treatments. For other meals and alcoholic beverages, please visit the reserve’s restaurants.
Do I need to arrive early for my spa booking?
Guests are advised to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before their scheduled treatment time.
What facilities are available with a spa treatment?
Spa experiences include an indoor heated pool, outdoor cold pool, sauna, steam room, rasul, outdoor relaxation lounge and refreshment station.
Who can visit the Fijnebos Spa?
The spa is open to day visitors, Bush Villa guests, Village Lodge guests and Tented Lodge guests who have booked a treatment.
Day Visitors FAQs
Are children welcome for day activities?
Yes. Children of all ages can visit Spekbos Restaurant. Game drives age guideline is 3 and older and horseback safaris are generally for children aged 7 and older.
Can I do a half-day visit?
You can book a half-day or full-day experience with a selection of activities and leisure options.
Do day visitors need to pre-book activities?
Yes. Activities like game drives, horseback safaris, picnics, lunches and spa treatments require advance booking to secure availability.
What activities can day visitors enjoy?
Day visitors can go on guided or sundowner game drives, horseback safaris, enjoy picnics, visit the spa for treatments (bookings essential) and relax by pools and leisure areas.
What are the opening hours for day visitors?
Facilities are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Kitchen is open 08:00 till 15:00
Lodges FAQs
Tented Lodge
Are spa facilities included for Tented Lodge guests?
Tented Lodge guests have access to the indoor pool and gym as part of the accommodation facilities
Is the Tented Lodge suitable for couples?
It’s designed as a romantic safari escape, and is ideal for honeymoons or special occasions.
What is the Tented Lodge like?
The Tented Lodge offers luxurious safari tents overlooking river and mountain vistas with elegant styling and private verandas.
The Village Lodge
Can families visiting for the day use the Village Lodge facilities?
Day visitors are welcome to make use of selected facilities, including the restaurant. As space is limited, advance booking is required. Overnight accommodation, the swimming pool and organised activities are available exclusively to guests staying on site.
Are there self-catering options at the Village Lodge?
The Village Lodge focuses on luxury lodge stays, with dining and activities provided on site rather than self-catering facilities.
Who is the Village Lodge best suited to?
The Village Lodge is ideal for families, offering thoughtfully designed spaces and activities to keep children entertained and at ease.
Bush Villas
Are Bush Villas suitable for families or groups?
The villas are spacious and ideal for families or groups seeking an exclusive safari stay.
Can you walk between the villas?
Some, like 5 & 6 and 7 & 8, are within walking distance, but the others, 50–100 meters apart, must be accessed by vehicle, as you’ll be traveling through the reserve where wildlife may be nearby.
Do Bush Villa guests have access to spa facilities?
Yes, Bush Villa guests have access but only for the guests that booked a spa treatments at Fijnebos Spa.
Is room service available at the Bush Villas?
No — the Bush Villas are self-catering and do not offer room service.
Is there a restaurant at the Bush Villas?
No, there isn’t a restaurant at the Bush Villas, but the Village Lodge has a restaurant just 7 km away, subject to availability.
Is there cleaning services at the Bush Villas?
Yes, housekeeping is available daily.
What makes Bush Villas special?
Bush Villas are self-catering luxury safari villas with views of a waterhole, offering privacy and elegant safari lodging.
What Is Included in the Villas?
Each villa includes a complimentary starter pack featuring a coffee station with tea, coffee, filter coffee, hot chocolate, brown and white sugar sachets, sweetener, and 250 ml milk, as well as salt and pepper. You’ll also receive one bag of wood per day of your stay, along with firelighters and matches (additional wood bags are available on request at R40 each).