Lay your head on a pillow cloud and drift off to the distant sounds of lions roaring. Or hippos grunting, seemingly outside your expansive windows. Tucked away in a remote northern corner of this fynbos-bedecked 4,200 ha private Reserve, with access to Villas via Great Brak River, most of these beautiful Bush Villas overlook an expansive, active waterhole frequented by wildlife visitors of many kinds. The Botlierskop Bush Villas are packed with all the luxury touches one could ask for including en-suite bathrooms complete with guest amenities, bathrobes, and slippers, a fully–equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, dining area, air-conditioned lounge with a TV, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and most Villas have a private plunge pool. Sliding glass doors open up to an expansive, furnished deck offering a spectacular view.
The Villas are serviced daily, but if you’re not up for preparing meals at any time, the Village Lodge (7.3 km away) is open to all Villa guests for meals and activities. (Please note reservations are essential.) You’re also welcome to use any of the facilities and activities offered at Botlierskop Day Centre and Fijnebos Spa – an easy 27 km drive along a scenic road or book a Botlierskop transfer through the Reserve (15 km).
Children are welcome at Botlierskop Bush Villas, but adult supervision is advised at all times. There is no playground or restaurants on site as at the other lodges so we advise you to shop before arrival. Only a single-strand electric fence separates each Villa from the free-roaming wildlife that surrounds it. Every thoughtful touch and convenience has been included to make your stay as pleasurable and as memorable as possible.
Guests can choose from a range of rooms including luxury two-bedroom or three-bedroom villas, as well as deluxe three-bedroom and superior three-bedroom villas. The luxury two-bedroom villas have a cold-water splash pool, a master bedroom which is en-suite and a loft bedroom, perfect for children. A fully-equipped kitchen, a barbecue area and outdoor lounge is also available, with stunning views over the dam. The luxury three-bedroom villas are similar, except with no splash pool, and an additional studio bedroom, a wooden deck and views over the waterhole. There are two deluxe three-bedroom villas which are similar to the luxury villas with a splash pool and can sleep a family of six comfortably. The superior three-bedroom villas have the best views of all the villas, with the private splash pool overlooking the waterhole.
Activities that depart from the Bush Villas includes guided game drives and bush walks and junior ranger programmes. More activities on offer depart from Botlierskop Day Visitor Facility (about 20 min transfer through the reserve by your guide) and includes a visit to the Fijnebos Spa with various spa treatments as well as horseback safaris. Villa guests can also have lunch at the restaurant or enjoy the leisure facilities here.
Guided game drives
A real Garden Route Safari experience! Enjoy close encounters with Rhinoceros, Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffe, the rare Black Impala, Golden Wildebeest, Mountain Zebra, Hippos and more! Our Game Reserve is 4200ha and comprises of over 26 different species of animals and over 200 resident bird species.
Horseback safaris
Enjoy an exciting horseback safari and escape to the majestic mountain valleys and beautiful fynbos for a 1, 2 or 3 hour horse ride and experience nature like never before. Explore our diverse plant life including woodlands, coastal and mountain fynbos and spot free roaming wildlife (cannot be guaranteed). All experience levels welcome (child 7+).
Guided bush trails
Experience and enjoy the Garden Route’s abundant fauna and flora on foot. Follow a Botlierskop field ranger as he tracks for 2 ½ hours through diverse habitats such as coastal renosterveldt and Cape fynbos. You’ll have the chance to see wild animals while exploring the wonders of insects, ecology, birds (Knysna Touraco, African Fish-eagle, Jackal Buzzard and more) and the medicinal values of the plants.
Fijnebos Spa
Exclusively housed in its own building, Fijnebos Spa promises to give you the ultimate in tranquillity, privacy and sublime relaxation. With all the sumptuous style, comfort and attention to detail you’ve come to expect at Botlierskop. Tented Lodge guests have free access to heated pool and gym while day visitors and other Botlierskop lodges guests have access when booking a treatment.
