Hotels in Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is far from pretty, and you'd be better off pushing on to Wilderness, with one possible exception: nearby Little Brak River. First-time safari-goers with no time to go farther north could stop at Botlierskop (tel. 044/696-6055; www.botlierskop.co.za; R4,214-R7,040 double, including meals and local beverages; ask about specials). Accommodations are in 15 tents (units 11, 12, and 13 are right on the river), and the lodge itself is a good-looking thatch-and-stone structure with views. Games drives are included, but the lions and elephants are not free roaming, and getting to the main game-viewing area can take a while. Certainly don't bother if you've experienced true wilderness or you can get to the Eastern Cape or Kruger areas. Game-viewing aside, it's an attractive, if pricey, option (note that Buffelsdrift, near Oudtshoorn, offers a better-value "tame" safari). Day visitors are also welcomed with game drives, horseback safaris, helicopter flights, and elephant rides.