Botlierskop Game Reserve & 12 Apostles Hotel Package | Itinerary | Enquire here
A luxurious African oasis that redefines conservation. Botlierskop does it differently. Here’s a creative African perspective on conservation and sustainability, where ‘people-development’ forms part of a near-perfect symbiosis. The owner, Arnold Neethling is a builder of buildings, vision and of people. Arnold believes that true empowerment is training up people and letting go. Yes, there is a risk they may make mistakes, but it’s their mistake to correct and take ownership of. He grew this magnificent, luxury game farm from employing 4 people twenty years ago, to over 180 people today. In this interview Arnold also questions why the world feels they can dictate conservation policies to Africa when they have no vested interest in Africa. He also questions the motive behind some so called conservation organizations. Botlierskop’s conservation footprint reaches out across Africa. The partnership program with resident veterinary Dr.Willem Burger and Arnold Neethling has projects in many African countries including, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Chad, and Somalia. In this video you will find a sequence on helicopter elephant-darting at Botlierskop, which forms part of a new exciting African cancer research program. The breakthrough African research program explores a possible link between elephants and humans, as elephants have cancer-resistant cells in their DNA. In a separate video (link here) we interview Dr Burger, as well as the scientist Charlot Vandevoorde behind this unique African initiative. Meet Silas Sibanda, a charismatic, enthusiastic, college-trained game ranger who is living his life-passion at Botlierskop. Silas was part of a Botlierskop program to release previous zoo elephants successfully back into the wild. Also meet Botlierskop’s veteran marketing manager Francina Terblanche who has been with Botlierskop from the very beginning, as well as Eben Karsten who is heads up their unique horse breeding program.
Majestically located above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by the magnificent Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, discover a unique five-star experience close to the vibrant heart of the city. Our luxury boutique hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms, dramatic ocean views, delicious dining adventures, and an award-winning Spa, all delivered with the generous hospitality characteristic of Red Carnation Hotels. Step out onto the flora and fynbos-framed trails to explore our staggeringly beautiful setting, with iridescent sunsets that are known as the best in Cape Town. Our complimentary shuttle service to Camps Bay and V&A Waterfront keeps you connected to the city and the beaches, whilst also affording total luxury in our secluded coastal sanctuary.
An African Treasure and Export found in Cape Town. The Twelve Apostles Hotel has won numerous international awards primarily because of its people. The sought out, African expertise and people-focus culture of the Twelve Apostles Hotel staff has been exported to the UK. This documentary presented by the Red Carnations Group Manager, Michael Nel, highlights what makes this spectacular hotel so unique. Majestically located in a nature reserve and one of the new 7 wonders of the world above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by the magnificent Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. The unique five-star African experience is only 15 minutes from Cape Town. The luxury boutique hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms, dramatic ocean views, delicious dining adventures, and an award-winning Spa, all delivered with the generous hospitality characteristic of Red Carnation Hotels. Step out onto the flora and fynbos-framed trails to explore the staggeringly beautiful setting, with iridescent sunsets that are known as the best in Cape Town. Their complimentary shuttle service to Camps Bay and V&A Waterfront keeps people connected to the city and the beaches, whilst also affording total luxury in the secluded coastal sanctuary.
Day 1.
- Arrive in Cape Town and transferred to your hotel.
- Check-in at hotel. Time to relax and freshen-up.
- CAPE TOWN has a rich multi-cultural history because of its position as a stopping point for ships plying their trade between the east and the west. Today it is a meeting place for Africa and the rest of the world, which gives it its own vibrancy. Cape Town is a colourful and vibrant city surrounded by dramatic mountains and sandy beaches. It is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world – presided over by one of the 7 Natural Wonders of The World – Table Mountain. The magic of Cape Town lies in the collision of natural wonder, diverse cultures, art, design and a thriving food and wine scene. Cape Malay, Dutch and British architecture sit side by side with cutting edge 21st century loft apartments and slick skyscrapers. Sit a while in Cape Town and take in the buzz and bustle of flower sellers, buskers, food markets and Capetonians going about their daily lives. A short ride away is the infamous Robben Island where you’ll find the erstwhile prison cell of the late Father of the Nation, Nelson Mandela.
- Dinner: “Journey Through The Cape” included at the hotel (excluding drinks)
- Overnight: Twelve Apostles Hotel 5* (DB&B) – De Luxe House room
Experiences in Cape Town• Table Mountain • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens • Robben Island • Art Galleries & Museums
Day 2. CAPE TOWN
- Cape Town City tour: Half-day escorted private tour
- The diverse cultural heritage and rich historic past are evident when one visits the various national museums and sights such as the Castle Good Hope dating back to the Dutch East Indies Company, Robben Island, the South African Cultural History Museum, the District Six Museum, and the unique Gold of Africa Museum. Stop off and visit the Waterfront, the Aquarium, St George’s Cathedral and the South African Museum, Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Seapoint along the Atlantic Coast.
- Dinner – at leisure to enjoy great innovative local cuisine or one of the many restaurants at the Waterfront or in the city.
- Overnight: Overnight: The Twelve Apostles Hotel 5* (B&B)
Day 3. CAPE TOWN
- Full day Peninsula escorted private tour.
- A ride around the Cape Peninsula sets the tone for a touring holiday of spectacular proportions. The playgrounds of the rich and famous at Clifton and Camps Bay are passed through on the way to the Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay. Cutting into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the road makes for one of the most magnificent drives in the world. Cross over Red Hill and make your way through the historic navel town of Simon’s Town before moving onto the wild and rocky promontory of Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans are supposed to meet. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Nature Reserve at the meeting point of the two ocean currents. Visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and enjoy a live encounter with these fascinating creatures.
- Head out of the reserve clinging to the coastline, before turning inland through the thick forests of Constantia Neck to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the city.
- Dinner – at leisure.
- Overnight: Overnight: The Twelve Apostles Hotel 5* (B&B)
Day 4. CAPE TOWN
- At leisure for optional tours or just relaxing
- Enjoy a day at the beach, a helicopter flight, a round of golf or a shopping spree.
- Dinner – at leisure.
- Overnight: Overnight: The Twelve Apostles Hotel 5* (B&B)
Day 5: CAPE TOWN > MOSSELBAY > BOTLIERSOP PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
- After breakfast private transfer to Cape Town airport for flight to George
and then road transfer to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. - Optional private road transfer of Car rental available for self-drive option. (Own account)
Mossel Bay, the western gateway to the Garden Route, is less than 249 miles from Cape Town along the N2 highway. Driving conditions are excellent and the scenery peerless: before the fabled Garden Route even commences, With the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop and sweeping views over the glistening Indian Ocean below, lies Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Just 4.5 hours’ drive from Cape Town, it’s midway between Mossel Bay and George, on South Africa’s scenic Garden Route. This gracious family-owned and privately-operated game reserve is malaria-free and home to four of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as a host of antelope, including rare black impala, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo and more. Arrive in time for a light late lunch
- Evening: Sundowner game drive (3½ hrs) – including snacks and drinks
- Dinner included at the lodge restaurant
- Overnight: Botlierskop – Deluxe Tented Suite (D/B/B)
Day 6: BOTLIERSKOP
- Day at leisure for activities
- Morning game drive – or exchange for a horseback safari or 1 hour Spa Massage
- You’re spoilt for choice at the range of activities on offer – from half or full day safari packages, pampering spa treatments, delicious lunches, horseback safaris, guided game drives and so much more.
- Botlierskop Tented Lodge guests have free access to heated pool and gym
- Afternoon or Sunset game drive (3½ hrs) – including snacks and drinks
- Dinner included at the lodge restaurant
- Overnight: Botlierskop – Deluxe Tented Suite (D/B/B)
Day 7. BOTLIERSKOP
- Day at leisure for activities.
- Morning Game drive- or exchange for a horseback safari or 1 hour Spa Massage
- Lunch can be exchanged or a picnic at one of the picnic spots
- Afternoon or Sunset game drive (3½ hrs)
- Dinner- an alternative option to dine at the Village Lodge: Bellevue Restaurant – free transfers
- Overnight: Botlierskop – Deluxe Tented Suite (D/B/B)
Day 8. DEPARTURE DAY – or optional extension
- After breakfast time at leisure in before return to Cape Town – or optional extension.
- Met and transferred to George Airport.
– END OF ARRANGEMENTS –
TOTAL COST PER PERSON – RATES VALID TILL 31 DEC 2022
> ZAR 42,700 (±$2710) per per sharing – Low season (01 Apr- 30 Sep, 01 Dec – 14 Dec)
> ZAR 53,400 (±$3390) per per sharing – Mid season (06 Jan-31Mar, 01Oct- 30 Nov)
> ZAR 59,850 (±$3800) per per sharing – High Season (15 Dec – 31 Dec)
Cost includes Prices are per person sharing
- Accommodation in 5* hotel/4* luxury game lodge based on a Luxury room at the 12 Apostles and De Luxe Tented Suite at Botlierskop
- Full buffet breakfasts daily
- Dinner for the first night at 12 Apostles included.
- Snacks, lunch, and dinner daily at Botlierskop
- Bottle of Sparkling Wine on arrival at the 12 Apostles and Botlierskop
- Transfers and tours and activities as per itinerary
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
Cost excludes:
- Meals other than stated
- All drinks and refreshments not specified
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, ‘phone calls etc
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Transfers & domestic airfares between Cape Town and Botlierskop
Terms & Conditions apply
Optional Extras
Botlierskop’s conservation efforts reaches out across Africa. It has been discovered by scientists that elephants are cancer resistant. Scientist Dr Charlot Vandevoorde has started an ambitious African project collaborating with Botlierskop, to find a possible link to human cancers, and hopefully contribute to bringing about a cure for cancer. In this video meet international veterinary Dr Willem Burger, who partners with Dr Vandevoorde in collecting blood and skin samples from free-roaming elephants at Botlierskop Game Reserve. The entire process is a race against time as the blood samples need to be process with a few hours of collecting them. This is to prevent blood coagulation. Working with Africa’s only, and world pioneering NRF-iThemba LABS, the samples are processed by Dr Vandevoorde and her team. NRF-iThemba LABS is also one of the few international facilities able to produce ‘space radiation’ contributing to the international space ‘Mars’ project. View dramatic footage of a unique elephant darting, where one of a family of elephants is darted – but its family members want to come to its rescue. Elephants are herd animals and their instinct is to protect each other. A helicopter with eyes on the other elephants had to be used to make sure they did not come too close, and possibly endanger the lives of the vets who were conducting the procedure on the darted elephant.
