If you ever find yourself in South Africa, don’t miss out on a Garden Route safari adventure. This iconic stretch of coastline offers winding seaside roads, postcard-perfect towns, and nature that’ll steal your heart in a blink.
But beyond the beaches and mountains, you can also experience a real-deal safari along the Garden Route in South Africa – without detouring all the way to Kruger National Park. Sure, the two shouldn’t be directly compared, but for those of us road-tripping the Garden Route, a visit to Botlierskop Game Reserve is the perfect way to get close to wildlife in a stunning setting.
Quick Glance: Garden Route Safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve
📍 Location: Between Mossel Bay & George
🐾 Wildlife: 26 species, including 4 of the Big 5 (no leopards)
🌞 Duration: 3.5 hours (Sunrise or Sunset Safaris)
💵 Price: From around 50 EUR (56 USD) per person (day visitors)
🛌 Accommodation: Stay overnight or come just for the safari
🚗 Accessibility: Easy via the N2 highway, 4.5 hrs from Cape Town, about 4 hrs from Port Elizabeth
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Yes – malaria-free with good infrastructure
What is a Private Game Reserve on the Garden Route?
A Private Game Reserve is a protected area where you can experience wildlife up close in a natural, safe, and sustainable environment. Perfect for your Garden Route safari experience, these reserves are home to animals that roam freely across vast bushland.
You’ll find many of these along the Garden Route – including Botlierskop, Gondwana or Amakhala – offering guided safaris, limited guest numbers, and often luxury stays right in the reserve.
Game reserves are typically privately owned, which is why they’re often referred to as “Private Game Reserves.” These are run by families, companies, or foundations dedicated to conservation and protecting endangered species. Private reserves play a vital role in safeguarding animals like rhinos, promoting sustainable tourism, and supporting local communities.
What makes a Private Game Reserve special?
- Guided safaris led by experienced rangers and wildlife guides
- Limited visitor numbers, creating a more peaceful, intimate atmosphere
- Often luxurious lodges located right within the reserve
- No self-driving, to better protect the animals and their natural environment
Game Reserve vs. National Park – What’s Better for a Garden Route Safari?
If you’re choosing between a Game Reserve and a national park, here’s a quick comparison to help guide your planning:
The Comparison
| Game Reserve | National Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Privately operated | State-run |
| Size | Smaller, more manageable | Very large, sometimes over 10,000 km² |
| Access | Only with a guide / guided safaris | Usually self-drive possible |
| Safari Vehicles | Open jeeps with ranger | Own car or organized tours |
| Wildlife Viewing | Very good chances, smaller number of species | Very good chances, more species |
| Accommodation | Luxury lodges within the reserve | Government camps or private lodges |
| Service & Experience | Often more exclusive | More independent, basic service |
| Price Level | Generally higher (incl. guide & comfort) | More affordable (e.g., self-drive) |
| Best For | Safari beginners, families, comfort travelers | Self-drivers, budget travelers |
Exploring Botlierskop: The Heart of Your Garden Route Safari
Botlierskop is nestled between Mossel Bay and George, stretching over 4,200 hectares of hills and bushland. It’s an ideal stop on your safari on the Garden Route. The reserve is home to over 26 animal species – including four of the Big 5 (unfortunately you won’t find leopards here).
Why it’s perfect for your Garden Route safari:
- Day safaris available
- Malaria-free
- Spa & wellness area
- Walking & horseback safaris
- Family-friendly
- Luxurious yet intimate atmosphere
What a Day on Safari at Botlierskop Looks Like
Depending on whether you’ve chosen a safari as a day visitor or decided to treat yourself to the full luxury experience with an overnight stay at one of the lodges, your day will start accordingly.
Overnight Safari Stay
- Safari vibes 24/7
- Breathtaking views, spa & all-inclusive meals & drinks
- Ideal for romantic escapes or special occasions
- Access to guided walks, sundowner drives, and pool lounging
- Higher-end price tag (500–1000 EUR/night; 570-1200 USD)
Expect early wake-ups for morning game drives at around 5:30/6:00 am when wildlife is most active. There’s something magical about watching giraffes step through the morning light or spotting a lion resting in the soft pre-dawn shade.
After about three hours, you’ll return to the lodge where breakfast is already waiting for you. The rest of the morning is yours: maybe you’ll unwind by the pool with views of the surrounding hills, treat yourself to a massage at the spa, or take a leisurely walk around the lodge grounds. If you’re feeling active, you can join a guided walking safari or go for a horseback ride.
Lunch usually includes a set menu, often featuring local ingredients. In the afternoon, around 3:30 pm, your second game drive begins – this time timed perfectly for sunset. Once again, you’ll head out with your ranger, exploring the diverse landscape. This time, you might spot zebras and antelope or even a cheetah.
Back at the lodge, dinner awaits, often served as a delicious three-course meal. With a glass of wine in hand and the gentle chirping of crickets in the background, you’ll already be looking forward to the next morning’s adventure.
Day Visitor Safari
A perfect road trip break. And exactly how we did it!
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to fit into your itinerary
- Sunset or morning drives (we chose sunset!)
- Safari lasts about 3.5 hours
We booked a Guided Sunset Game Drive for just 50 EUR (56 USD). Here, you can choose between several options:
- Guided Game Drive (3 hours)
- Guided Sunset Game Drive (3.5 hours)
- Private Game Drives
- Private Sunset Game Drives
- Various horseback safaris and behind-the-scenes tours focused on wildlife veterinary care
You’ll find all prices here, depending on the season.
Since we wanted to start our day at Botlierskop a little earlier, we booked a table at the reserve’s main restaurant for 12 pm and spent the time before our 3:30 pm game drive exploring the surroundings. Honestly, it was the best decision: we got to soak in more of the atmosphere and enjoy the sunshine before heading off on our safari with our guide and jeep.
And as soon as we hopped into the jeep at 3:30 pm for the Sunset Game Drive, there it was: the first cheetah, lounging in the grass without a care in the world. Not even ten minutes later, a rhino appeared right next to us, completely unbothered by our presence.
Side Fact: Rhino protection is a sensitive but crucial issue in South Africa, even in private game reserves like Botlierskop. Due to ongoing poaching, many reserves choose not to disclose rhino locations or ask guests not to share photos online. Some even go so far as to dehorn the animals for their own safety.
Botlierskop takes an open approach: guests are allowed to photograph the rhinos, but this is paired with strict on-site security measures to protect them as much as possible.
As we drove along the green hills, we learned that wildebeests are best friends with zebras, how zebras protect themselves from parasites, and what the difference is between black and white rhinos.
We also found out just how sassy a young elephant can be: mischievous and full of energy, she suddenly charged toward our jeep with loud trumpeting and determined stomping.
Oh, and let’s not forget how ridiculously beautiful are giraffes?! We seriously couldn’t get enough of them, especially with those endlessly long eyelashes.
All in all, it was a truly exciting 3.5-hour game drive that wrapped up just as dusk settled over the reserve.
Sure, we didn’t have perfect weather on our Garden Route safari, but we saw an incredible number of animals (the lioness was the only one playing hard to get), and with binoculars and a telephoto lens, we got to observe them all up close.
Wildlife & Landscapes on Your Garden Route Safari
Here’s what you can spot on a Botlierskop safari:
- 4 of the Big 5 (lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants)
- Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelope, ostriches, warthogs
- Over 200 bird species
- Rolling green hills, rivers, and wide-open plains
Where to Stay for Your Garden Route Safari
At Botlierskop there are different lodges:
- Tented Lodge: Luxury tents with a safari feel
- Village Lodge: Great for families
- Bush Villas: Self-catering for groups or longer stays
Alternative accommodation in nearby towns (budget-friendly):
- Wilderness, George, Mossel Bay – all offer lovely B&Bs, hotels, and holiday rentals
- Ideal if you’re planning a day safari on the Garden Route
We stayed nearby and used the reserve as a day-trip base, super convenient!
By the way, we mainly book our accommodations for our travels through Booking and have already reached Genius Level 3. This allows us to get up to 20% off participating accommodations and enjoy free room upgrades or complimentary breakfast since reaching Level 2. We can highly recommend using this platform. 🫰🏼
Are you still looking for accommodation for your Garden Route Safari trip? Then find your favorite here.
Know Before You Go: Garden Route Safari Tips
Getting There
- Easy access via the N2 highway
- About 30 minutes from George or Mossel Bay
- On-site parking available
Safety Along the Garden Route
- One of South Africa’s safest tourist areas
- Safe to drive during the day
- Just follow usual precautions — avoid walking at night, don’t leave valuables in your car, and steer clear of driving in the dark
Final Thoughts: Is a Safari at Botlierskop Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re planning a Garden Route safari, Botlierskop is an incredible choice. Short drive, great service, and an unforgettable wildlife experience, all in one.
Exploring further? We also stayed at Amakhala Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape — read our full review here. (Spoiler: One night wasn’t enough.)
Botlierskop Game Reserve | Garden Route Safari FAQ
Where is Botlierskop Game Reserve?
Between Mossel Bay and George, approx. 4.5 hours from Cape Town.
How large is the Botlierskop Game Reserve?
Botlierskop Game Reserve is around 4,200 hectares.
Are the Big 5 there?
Yeeeeaasss — 4 of them: lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Unfortunately no leopards, but cheetahs.
Is Botlierskop Game Reserve it malaria-free?
Yes — making it perfect for families and travelers avoiding medication.
Can I visit as a day guest?
Yes! Morning and sunset game drives are perfect for day visitors exploring the Garden Route.
Have a question or want to share your own safari tips on the Garden Route? Drop them in the comments! :)
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More Wanderlust?
➳ Planning your Garden Route adventure? Don’t miss our ultimate guide!
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➳ Want to surf the South African coast? Check out our Jeffrey’s Bay surf guide!
➳ Looking for another safari option? Here’s our full review of the Amakhala Game Reserve!
