Hi, guys! This week, let me take you to a beautiful private game reserve in South Africa: Botlierskop.
While Kruger National Park makes you feel like Indiana Jones ready to explore the unexpected, Botlierskop offers different excitement.
I was happy that my tour package included a 3-hour safari in Botlierskop, so I could experience both.
A short safari here felt relaxing and very comfortable, thanks to the luxurious lounge, great services, and magnificent view of Outeniqua Mountains.
Safari: Our Lucky Day in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Some of you may think that sitting on a jeep for three hours is a long time, but in fact, it’s pretty short for safari.
First of all, this family-owned private game reserve is 4,200 hectares. You would want to explore as far as you can to see many animals, especially the Big Four (Botlierskop doesn’t have leopards).
Remember, you need to make your way back too!
Second, national parks and private game reserves in South Africa are different from zoos. In zoos, you’ll know where to find the animals that you want to see.
In national parks and private game reserves, the animals roam free and are hunting for their own food.
So, if you can see all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, black rhino, African bush elephant, African buffalo) and other animals, you’re lucky!
Generally, you’ll see many zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes when doing safari. But the Big 5? You could join a 10-hour game drive and didn’t see a single lion. So yes, I will say it again:
When in South Africa, go BIG.
Go for full day(s) and half day(s) safari. Do more than one safari, take a break for a few days if you need, but do more than one.
You may see some animals that you had seen yesterday, but who knows what you would see next? I will share this with you my 3 full-day safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa, next week 😉
It was challenging to wake up at 4 am for two days in a row, but it was worth it!
Me and my tour group were lucky that we managed to see all of the Big 4 during the three-hour safari. FYI, there are only three lions in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve (two females, one male).
At first, we didn’t have a high expectation that we would be able to see the lions. 4,200 hectares and a three-hour game drive… But it turned out, we were able to see them. We were so happy!! 🤩🤩🤩
Also read: “Admiring God’s Wonderful Creations in South Africa”
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Tea Time in the Charming Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Alright, it wasn’t a hi-tea or exactly tea time but I really enjoyed drinking a cup of Rooibos tea in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
After safari, we returned to the lounge where they served us coffee and tea, paired with a snack. I’m not sure what it was, but it seemed like a fried puff dough filled with honey. It was good!
You can choose to sit outside to finish your drink while admiring the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains or relax in the culturally-rich, elegant lounge.
It was a difficult decision for me but as it was a bit cold outside, I chose to have my tea (and photo shoots) in the lounge.
Thank you, Jacquie, for helping me take photos! She was the bubbliest and had a lovely personality, also my new friend 😊💙 Not forgetting Paul (aka Chucky) and Willem, who always helped me take my photos.
I hope you enjoy this blog post. Have a nice day and see you next week at Kruger National Park!😊
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