Set on the northern reaches of the reserve, near the charming town of Friemersheim, the 5-star Village Lodge offers a secluded countryside haven, ideal for families. From this serene location, guests can admire sweeping views of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and experience the golden glow of unforgettable sunsets over the reserve.
For our younger explorers, a curated collection of activities ensures endless enjoyment. From the Junior Ranger Program and Kids’ Club to the outdoor playground, pony rides, and guided game drives, every moment is designed to inspire adventure and delight.
Nestled on the northern expanse of the reserve, in close proximity to the charming town of Friemersheim, The Village Lodge beckons as a secluded countryside retreat perfect for families. From this vantage point, you can savour the awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and relish the mesmerizing sunsets that grace the reserve.
For our younger guests, a wealth of engaging activities awaits, ensuring their enjoyment throughout the stay. These include the Junior Ranger Program, a Kid’s club, a delightful playground, pony rides, as well as guided game drives.
Children:
Children of all ages are welcome at The Village Lodge and kids aged 3+ on Game Drives
Children 0 to under 3 years free (excluding meals and drinks)
Children 3 to under 6 years 30% of adult rate
Children 6 to under 12 years 50% of adult rate
Children over 12 are regarded as adults
Families with kids younger than 3, can book private game drive or babysitting
Services:
Laundry services available at additional charge
Daily housekeeping services / Free Wi-Fi
Firewood for fireplaces
Check in & Check out
For guests self-driving to The Village Lodge, check in is at 14h00 and check out is at 11h00.
Conservation fees per room per stay not included in rate
1 October 2025- 30 September 2026 – R600
1 October 2026- 30 September 2027 – R660
Children:
Children of all ages are welcome at The Village Lodge and kids aged 3+ on Game Drives
Children 0 to under 3 years free(excl meals and drinks)
Children 3 to under 6 years 30% of adult rate
Children 6 to under 12 years 50% of adult rate
Children over 12 are regarded as adults
Services:
Laundry services available at additional charge
Daily housekeeping services
Firewood for rooms with fireplaces
Free Wi-Fi
Check in & Check out
For guests self-driving to The Village Lodge, check in is at 14h00 and check out is at 11h00.
Experience a 3½-hour safari unveiling over 26 majestic species — from rhino and lion to elephant, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, and hippo — alongside 200+ exquisite bird species. Snacks and beverages are provided, with private guided drives available.
Enjoy a 3-hour safari on your private game viewer with over 26 different species of animals including Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Hippo and over 200 bird species. Includes snacks and drinks.
A Botlierskop Guide will take the children on a 1 hour walk to identify animal footprints, fauna and flora. A certificate will be given once complete. Ages 6-12 years.
Children can enjoy play areas with a sandpit, jungle gym, swings, and wooden horses. A Kids Club is available for full-board guests.
Young guests can enjoy a 20-minute pony ride through the tranquil Village Garden, along gentle paths that reveal picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
@ Botlierskop Tented Lodge. Transfers (20 min) available from Village Lodge to experiences – important to pre-book OR self-drive via Great Brak River (35 min)
Let our expert therapists soothe away your stress. 7 treatment rooms, indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room. Access only available when booking a treatment. Children ages 6-12 years between 08:00-10:00 only
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
Enjoy an exciting 2 or 3 hour horseback safari and escape to the majestic valleys and beautiful fynbos of the reserve and experience nature like never before. Experienced or non-experienced | ages 7+ years | >100kg
Come and enjoy our shady picnic areas on wooden decks at the dam with your pre-booked luxury picnic basket or upgrade your included lunch to a picnic set in the picturesque surroundings.
Try your hand at fishing and ask your guide to arrange a fishing rod and tackle. Fish species include Carp, Largemouth Bass and Freshwater Eels. All ages are welcome. Fishing license fee applies
Facilities are available for day visitors or guests staying at Botlierskop Loges. A play area and kids swimming pool are available as well as a pool for adults. Lunch bookings are essential and open from 10:00-15:00
includes per night of stay
includes per night of stay
Once home to The Bellevue School and later a quaint village shop, The Bellevue Restaurant now stands as a cherished highlight of The Village. Offering a refined à la carte menu, with occasional buffets or dinner barbecues on request, it features a selection of wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, artisanal sandwiches, and carefully prepared meat dishes. Guests are invited to savour a delicious meal or unwind with a signature cocktail while taking in breathtaking sunset views. The restaurant is open to the public, though seating is limited. Kindly note that the pool area remains reserved exclusively for accommodation guests.
Originally The Bellevue School and later operated as a shop is one of the highlights at The Village. The Bellevue Restaurant mostly serves an a la carte menu but occasionally does buffets and dinner barbeques upon request. The menu includes pizza, salads, sandwiches and meat dishes. Guests can enjoy a scrumptious meal or for a relaxing afternoon, come and enjoy a cocktail while watching the most amazing sunset.The Restaurant is open to the public but limited space is available. Please note that the pool area is exclusively for use by accommodation guests only.
For guests self-driving to The Village Lodge, check in is at 14h00 on day of arrival and check out is at 11h00 on day of departure.
The Village Lodge
S 33° 59’ 14.886” E 22° 8’ 25.387”
Conservation fee of R520 per room per stay from 1 October 23 -30 September 2024
Conservation fee of R560 per room per stay from 1 October 24 -30 September 2025
Visit our conservation page to learn more about our conservation efforts in alliance with AWCF
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...