A Winter Getaway to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Whenever it’s getaway time, I like to hit the road as early as possible so that we can get to our destination to let the fun begin! That preference was no different when it was time to head to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve in Mossel Bay two weeks ago. I was up at the icy Cape Town crack of dawn to hit the road! I always consider the drive as part of the getaway as the scenery already does wonders to calm and relax the mind.

We arrived at Botlierskop just before sunset and the view from the restaurant was absolutely breathtaking. We stood for about half an hour just taking in the the rolling mountains and chirping of birds while enjoying our complimentary sparkling wine and snacks. We then hopped on the little golf cart and headed to our luxury tented suite which would be our home in the bushveld for the next two nights. Botlierskop is a four star rated game reserve and it shows in everything from their welcoming (your luggage is transported to your suite and valet parking is offered) to the fully equipped suite’s amenities which includes an outdoor shower, private deck, electric blanket and air conditioner (essential for winter!).

After having fully unwinded and watched the sunset over the mountains from our private deck albeit being given a fright by the resident Vervet Monkeys, we headed to the cosy restaurant for dinner. We had pre-drinks by one of the three warm fireplaces before sitting down for our delicious three course meal. We had to endure the cold for a brief five minutes after leaving the restaurant but came back to our warm tented suite where the complimentary turndown service had already been done. All that was left to do was to collapse and float away on the big comfy bed.

The next day we awoke early for breakfast and let me tell you, nothing can prepare you for the bushveld’s winter cold! But we gladly braved it, enjoyed the buffet breakfast and spent some time afterwards roaming the grounds, in awe of the unspoilt beauty of nature. It was then time for our long overdue back and neck massages which we enjoyed at the reserve’s calming spa suite that also overlooks the surrounding bush. The massages were so restoring that we nearly fell asleep! Botlierskop also offers various other activities such as game drives and animal interactions but we opted to take it easy on this getaway as we already did the fullboard package at their sister lodge – Madi Madi just over a year ago.

We were fortunate enough to spot some wonderful wildlife sightings all from the comfort of our private deck the second afternoon and of course the vervet monkeys made another turn to say hello again! The rhinos were also wandering in front of the restaurant just as we were having our pre-dinner drinks so we were truly lucky. The staff at Botlierskop are all sincerely welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is enjoyable. We loved everything from the African drumming during dinner time to the sheer bliss of hearing no inner city noise. If you’re looking for a mid winter getaway this is the perfect place and they’re running some great specials at the moment too. All in all this was just what we needed to recharge our batteries to beat the mid-year working slum. We will definitely be returning.

** Photos taken with Canon DSLR and iPhone 6 **