Description
While much of the Little Karoo (or Klein Karoo) is parched semi-desert, the private Botlierskop Private Game Reserve begs to differ. Watered by the Kammanassie River, its plains support wildlife including giraffe and leopard. Also here is the splendidly-scenic safari Madi-Madi lodge, its six rooms spread along the waterside. Distant mountains render this a tranquil place, and yet you’re well situated on Route 62, which connects the Western Cape’s Winelands with the Garden Route.
Accommodation
Sleeping four, Madi-Madi’s quartet of cottages are freestanding units arranged spaciously along the Kammanassie. Both the Superior and Executive Riverfront Cottages come with freestanding bathtubs, fireplaces, air-conditioning and water-facing patios with hammocks; the latter boast slightly bigger lounge areas. Smaller Luxury suites are on the main building’s first floor, and have patios but no bathtub and less privacy.
Facilities
The lodge’s outdoor swimming pool has similarly gobsmacking views of the river, plains and mountains – and bathers should keep eyes peeled for animals coming to the Kammanassie for a drink. Inside is a main lounge and reading room. Dinner is served there or on the adjacent deck, or can be taken privately in cottages.
Activities
Full-board bookings include a guided morning bush drive, walk or horse-ride, on which you might see buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, eland and more than 200 bird species including fish eagles. If you spot one of the elusive Cape mountain leopard, buy a lottery ticket immediately. Later come sundowner cruises (water levels allowing) to Kammanassie Dam and educational stargazing tutorials. Fishing and canoeing are also possible, as are trips to see Oudtshoorn’s ostriches or the Cango Caves.
Child Policy
Children aged 6 and over are welcome and undertake game drives; those 13+ must have their own room. For ages 6-13, the cottages come with lofts which can fit two kids’ beds.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
