Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
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Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Knapsak River Road, Philippolis 9970 South Africa
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Avg. AU$119 /night, 9/16 - 9/17
AU$131
per night
AU$118
per night
AU$104
per night
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4.5
#1 of 1 lodge in PhilippolisLocation
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Otterskloof Private Game Reserve lies on the border of the Free State and Northern Cape along the majestic Van Der Kloof Dam - the Reserve is 34 000 acres in extent. Set in an unique part of South Africa, this jewel of the Free State awaits to surprise our visitors. Otterskloof Private Game Reserve offers high standards in accommodation, close wildlife encounters, beautiful vistas, and personal service. The accommodation is spread over 2 lodges, each with it's own character : Safari Lodge is the main lodge and offers luxurious catered accommodation in a revamped farm homestead - each room with it's own separate entrance. Safari Lodge is situated 30km from Phillipolis and can only be reached via a well-maintained gravel road.Bush Lodge is set in a reclaimed hunting outpost and offers a close-to-nature private self-catering lodge with 3 en-suite bedrooms.Bush lodge is rented out as a unit and is a 45 minute drive from the main lodge in a high-clearance vehicle.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Canoeing
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Parking
Paid wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Hiking
Darts
Fishing
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Conference facilities
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Shared kitchen
Laundry service
Room features
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Safe
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, German
Location
Knapsak River Road, Philippolis 9970 South Africa
Getting there
Bloemfontein Intl Airport
163.2 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
2 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
2 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
42Reviews3Q+A4Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews
We didn't want to book a place on the N1, but rather something a bit more interesting on our way back from the Western Cape. And we found this gorgeous game farm close to Phillipolis.
Carina was very friendly and made sure everything was as we wanted it (both my partner and I have allergies). There is good WiFi although there is no cell signal.
Really comfortable rooms.
It does not add much time to your journey if you're travelling between the Cape and Gauteng and definitely worth the little extra travel time.
Carina was very friendly and made sure everything was as we wanted it (both my partner and I have allergies). There is good WiFi although there is no cell signal.
Really comfortable rooms.
It does not add much time to your journey if you're travelling between the Cape and Gauteng and definitely worth the little extra travel time.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2020
Value
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Abel Erasmus, Owner at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Responded 13 Jan 2021
Hi Neil - thank you for the kind words. We appreciate your support - safe travels! The Otterskloof Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We enjoyed staying at the lodge, would suggest a boma like area at the farm house for self catering, but the facilities we used where great. The managers and hosts we incredible and very helpful with everything. We were all impressed by them.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2021
Value
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Abel Erasmus, Owner at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Responded 11 May 2021
Hi Mark, Thank you for the kind words. We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Regards ABEL
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The new husband‐and‐wife management team has been there less than a month at the time of writing, which makes reviewing the place a bit difficult. It is a private hunting reserve, so if you are opposed to blood sports, it might be better to seek alternative accommodation. That said, when we were there, no one went hunting, and we saw many beautiful Sable antelope, as well as golden Oryx, Blesbok, blue Wildeebeest, Springbok, Roan antelope, and more. What made our stay delightful were the resort administrator, Hester, and the lady chef and her team in the kitchen and restaurant. They were so friendly, so helpful, so professional! Well done to them! We could not have been made more comfortable.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The road from Philippolis is 25 km on dirt. When we were there, it was reasonably good. There is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful location, away from it all and this year particularly beautiful after the rain. Well appointed accommodation, comfortable bed and hot shower, clean and spacious. Book directly with the host as they will go out of their way to meet your requirements. It is a bit far from the N1 for an overnight stay, unless you have an hour on arrival and departure to spare each way as the roads requires you to drive slowly. Best if you have a day or two to enjoy the outdoors, for hiking, swimming and game drives. We found the meals a bit basic, nothing special, the only area we would recommend to approval as well as the amenities in the room, which did not match similar accommodation in its class. However, if you want to sleep well in a dark, quiet, safe place, try it out. I make a point of visiting of the beaten track places, and this has been lovely.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2021
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Abel Erasmus, Owner at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Responded 2 Mar 2021
Hi Johanita - thank you for the positive feedback - we take all comments to heart and are sorry that we did not live up to your expectations. We are always looking at ways to improve our offering and will discuss with the Team. The Otterskloof Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great venue and accomodation. The staff are very friendly and helpfull. Areas to improve: upon arrival we booked for 4, room was made up for 3. Food is great, however, basics like no sparkling water etc. not available. Food also run out during dinner.
Will definately go back - great place for the family and plenty to do.
Will definately go back - great place for the family and plenty to do.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Rooms
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent facility and first class accommodation. The food was also excellent. The farm and wildlife as well as the scenery is magnificent! Really enjoyed the hunting although we were not very successful. The game is very wild and starts running from afar. The PH and tracker really tried their best. Only negative issue was the unprofessional attitude of the manager. The lady consistently wanted to know how much beers we took and wanted to know beforehand on the last evening how much we are going to drink so that she could finalise the bills already. The PH had to braai for us the last evening as she did not want the staff to wait for us as we wanted to have dinner only at 20:00 This was the only issue that distracted from an otherwise wonderful long weekend.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Abel Erasmus, Owner at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Responded 29 July 2020
Hi Maarten, Glad you enjoyed your stay and we are sorry that you had a negative experience with the manager. We take all complaints seriously and will address them internally. Regards ABEL ERASMUS
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I decided to go and do a Hunt for non-Trophy animals for meat. The manager Andre and his wife Sulma were very friendly and helpful and great hosts. The food was superb and the Guide , tracker was very good. It was a short stay do to my time constraints but very enjoyable and I would love to spend a few more days there next time. Thank you.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From arrival to departure, we were treated with 5-star quality service and fine dining. The staff were well-trained, well-mannered and helpful. The lodge rooms were clean with all the necessary amenities available at hand. The grounds were immaculate.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Abel Erasmus, Owner at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Responded 8 Jan 2022
Hi, Thank you for the kind words- we are delighted to have exceeded your expectations. The Otterskloof Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The rooms at Otterskloof are spacious and very neat. the service of staff was amazing.
The food was great, and t also enjoyed the farm look
I enjoyed my stay and i will be definitely going back for either business or leisure.
The food was great, and t also enjoyed the farm look
I enjoyed my stay and i will be definitely going back for either business or leisure.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will definitely be visiting again! An experience that makes one feel like you are on holiday! Amazing sunsets, amazing food. An experience worth experiencing!! Staff are amazing and always willing to help!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi David,
Yes. The nearest lodge to the Fishing spot is Bush Lodge. It can accommodate up to 8 people. It is about 15 minutes to the dam. You will need a high clearance vehicle.
Bush Lodge is powered by solar panels and gas appliances.
Looking forward to see you on the farm
Regards
Marida
Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
"If travelling from Cape Town sleep over in Matjies fontein to avoid fatigue over the 8 hour road trip to Philipollis "Read full review
"The road from Philippolis is 25 km on dirt. When we were there, it was reasonably good. There is no cellphone reception, and when we were there, the wifi went down"Read full review
"Room 1, 2 is perfect facing pool, 4 is spacious, 6 has bath and shower, rooms 11 and 12 are also in good view of the swimming pool."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
AU$115 - AU$131 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaFree StatePhilippolis
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingOTTERSKLOOF PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (AU$115) - 2024 Prices & Reviews (Philippolis, South Africa) - Photos of Lodge - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Which popular attractions are close to Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
Nearby attractions include Transgariep Museum (0.2 km) and Laurens Van Der Post Memorial Garden (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Otterskloof Private Game Reserve located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Philippolis.
Are pets allowed at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and German.