Botlierskop - Western Cape, South-Africa

Nestled in the heart of the Garden Route between Mossel Bay and George is the hidden gem, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

Named after the spectacular odd-shaped rock formation "koppie", which is a landmark in this area, Botlierskop is a must visit for all ages wanting to experience various once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Back in May, on a trip along the picturesque Garden Route from George to Cape Town with family, I spotted a brochure for horse-riding at Botlierskop and could barely contain my excitement at the prospect of going.

Upon googling just what they had to offer at Botlierskop we were amazed at all the varying activities we could take part in and so decided to make a family day of it.

To start my two Aunties and I headed over to the Elephant Park where we were lucky to be given the opportunity to feed the family of Elephants they had; a mum, dad, young son and baby girl. Up we climbed into a jeep and drove the short journey to where it all happened.

I've always wanted to feed Elephants but it's not something you're given the opportunity to do in England so I could barely contain my excitement and more than likely resembled a child in a chocolate factory on the short drive there!

Immediately my love for all animals shone through as we were presented a baby Elephant to coo over and stroke. I could have honestly taken her home, she was absolutely gorgeous and the three of us were in awe as her mum allowed us to stroke and feed her without a care in the world. These animals are breathtaking, you don't realise just how big and gorgeous they are until you're up close. I've only ever seen Elephants from a distance but was left speechless at the beauty of them.

The guides were fantastic, going through minor details about each Elephant, telling us where they originated from, how they ended up at Botlierskop and a little about their personality. Putting us at ease straight away, they told us how to carefully and safely feed the Elephants but not once interfered, giving us complete control of what we were doing and how we worked out to take it turns to ensure everyone had an equal amount of turns. 

In all honesty I expected the experience to last for no more than 10 minutes as they were clearly busy, but not once were we rushed or hurried along to finish giving the Elephants our buckets of fruit. 

The three dedicated guides even offered to take each of our cameras and snap away as we enjoyed living in the moment and experience something so surreal and amazing. They captured some gorgeous photos on my camera that i'll treasure forever.

Once finished we were asked if we wanted to pose for some more photos on the logs in front of where all the Elephants were stood so we could get a nice photo of the three of us. We couldn't have been looked after better than we were and if we didn't need to get back for my ride then I'm sure we could of spent much longer just sat admiring the beauty of these large animals.

If you're considering doing this experience I would highly recommend it to anyone. It really is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that if you don't do you'll definitely regret. 

Next up was my 2-hour horse ride through the bush. Western riding in this setting has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl and I could not believe I was finally getting the chance to do something like it. 

I was given the most gorgeous bay gelding, whom I wish I could remember the name of and given a leg up. I half expected there to be quite a few of us going on the ride but was thrilled to learn it was just myself with two tour-guides. Even better! 

They asked about my riding experience, what I had done at home and what I would be confident doing. Everything was so thorough; not like your typical holiday riding experience where it's all go, go, go and hope for the best. I was filled with nothing but confidence and couldn't wait to just get going! 

Once I said I was a confident rider that was it, we were off! I admit I squealed like a girl during our first canter through a herd of other animals as I couldn't quite believe what I was doing. It was one of those moments where you realise you're actually alive and living in this very moment and no one can take that away from you. 

After a short while we slowed down to a walk and the main tour-guide offered to take my camera from me so I could just enjoy everything around me. I learnt once I got back that he'd been snapping photos the whole way around the ride, which was so very generous and something I was very grateful for. 

I cannot describe the views nor the experience - there are just no words strong enough that can get across how perfect the entire ride was. Even if you're not a rider, I really recommend doing this, just to be able to have the opportunity to soak up the scenery. 

We rode up and down tracks that I didn't even think we would make it up, cantered across land that I could only ever dream of cantering across and was in complete awe for every nano-second I was sat upon that horses back. In fact I was speechless, so much so the guide questioned whether I was always that quiet.

The whole ride simply felt like one of those moments where words weren't needed; the memories, the photos, the experience.....they all spoke a thousand words. It didn't need me to say "this is breathtaking", because honestly the smile I had on my face and lump I had in my throat did all the talking. 

We headed up to the 'Koppie' rock formation, posed for photos and the guide explained the story on why Botlierskop is called what it is. All I could do was nod and sit there to soak up just how beautiful and stunning the view was. The only way I can describe it, is something you never imagine to see in real life, but only on films, or a view you only imagine others get to experience and not you. 

All too soon it was time to head back down and slowly we navigated our way back to some flat land suitable for a few more gallops. I don't think the smile left my face for even a second. Especially as we headed for a pack of Rhinos and slowed when nearing them to take in their beauty and get some photos. 

I had to pinch myself - how can one ever imagine being that close to such an animal on horseback. I suppose for some it's normal everyday life, but for us here in England it's something we don't even dream of doing.

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Next up was our next adventure which I was equally as excited for. I'd always wanted to go on a Game Drive and finally I was about to live my dream!

All of us were bundled into a 4x4 open-sided vehicle, given blankets to keep us warm when it got a little chilly and off we went on a 3-hour long adventure!

This experience was just as amazing as the previous two - we drove up mountains that I never thought we'd get up, we drove back down drops I didn't think would be possible and we saw animals I could only ever dream of being close to. Everything about the trip was simply out of this world.

Initially when booking I thought 3-hours was a long time to be sat in a truck driving around looking for animals, but honestly the time passes so quickly you don't realise. The tour guides help make the experience as well by stopping by each animal, offering information and answering any questions anyone might have. They didn't rush anyone taking photos and it felt like you had all the time in the world to soak up the experience and capture those special moments.

The highlight for me had to be stopping literally feet away from a Lion and Giraffe. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to see such two beautiful creatures up close, let alone get some breathtaking photos of them.

Even when driving to find the next animal the drive is far from boring and mundane as you're treated to stunning views over the reserve and further, which leave you feeling care free and on top of the world - quite literally.

For anyone thinking of wanting to experience any of the above then I would highly recommend Botlierskop. As soon as I have the money next year I will be going back and cannot wait to experience the tranquility, peacefulness and breathtaking views of the reserve.  I mean it when I say there isn't anything quite like Botlierskop and if you have the opportunity it's one of those places you have to visit.

(All views are my own. This is not a sponsored post and by no means influenced) 

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Labels: Botlierskop , Botlierskop Game Reserve , LifeReview , South Africa , Things to do in South Africa , TravelReview