Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Located 8 km outside of Oudtshoorn, the lodge is in the heart of ostrich country, half-hour's drive from the Swartberg Mountains Nature Reserve and the isolated valley of Gamkaskloof.

Buffelsdrift Lodge is on 4ha dam is by the dry Klein Karoo vegetation which acts as a magnet for the game in the area which includes elephants, rhino and Cape buffalo, giraffe, hippo, Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland, Kudu and Springbok. Enthusiastic bird watchers will enjoy trying to recognise the 216 bird species to be found in the area, the ostrich, of course, is the easiest. 

The Buffelsdrift lodge lies just off the famous Route 62 and is part of the spectacular ring route: Oudtshoorn - to Swartberg Crossing - via the historic village of Prince Albert - through the dramatic Meiringspoort Gorge, which you exit just before the picturesque hamlet of De Rust, after which you return to Oudtshoorn.

Buffelsdrift Professional guides escort guests on early morning or late afternoon safari drive in open wildlife viewing vehicles. Refreshing sundowners are served on the lookout deck next to the open-air bar, which marks the end of a perfect day with the sun setting over the mountains. The Lodge's swimming pool is set in between the tents and is only accessible for guests staying at the lodge.

On arrival at the lodge, guests are met by a guide at the car park to collect their luggage and direct them to the reception. Where guests sit and relax with a welcome drink in the lookout lounge, their luggage will be taken to their tent.

The Lodge offers accommodation in luxury en-suite tents which feature air conditioning. Like the conference venue, the restaurant and the wedding chapel, the housing is located on the edge of the waterhole and offers breathtaking views of the Klein Karoo.

The accommodation at the Lodge comprises of 25 tented units. Each has its wooden deck where guests can relax, admire the view and observe the game. There are two different types of room available to guests which are:

The restaurant offers an à la carte or buffet menu which specialises in local Karoo cuisine such as homemade preserves, chutney, pickles. Fresh produce and herbs from this region, as well as a variety of freshly baked oven bread, are offered. The selected wine list is an accurate representation of excellent South African wine and offers guests some of the best award-winning wines on the R62, which is the longest wine route in South Africa.

Bush Safari: Guests can participate in the exciting bush safari, which is in an open game vehicle to a panoramic lookout point where refreshments will be enjoyed while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The duration of this bush safari is approximately 2 hours.

Elephant Walk Safaris: Visitors can join the three baby elephants for an early morning or late afternoon walk around the Lodge's waterhole and watch the sunset on the horizon.

Elephant Feeding Experience: The Elephant feeding encounter offers a chance to socialise with the elephants. One will get to know these tender giants by name and their suggestions from close up, feel the touch of their skin, scratch behind their ears and sit on an elephant's knee.

Relaxing under starry Karoo skies: Excellent weather throughout the year with plenty of sunshine promises panoramic views and great outdoor living. In the Klein Karoo the full moon is more beautiful and the stars much brighter than anywhere else.

Horseback Safaris: Game viewing on horseback is also an option for guests at Buffelsdrift. Visitors are escorted by a guide to get a closer view of game roaming the large undulating hills.

Guided Nature Walks: Early birds can take a guided nature walk into the veld to appreciate the splendour of native Karoo succulents and fynbos or catch up on their bird watching.

Summer Sundowner Trips: Come and enjoy the magnificent Karoo sunsets up at our Spioenkop viewpoint while sipping on a glass of sparkling wine, watch the sunset over Oudtshoorn.

Guests are welcome to make themselves at home with a refreshing cocktail at the open-air lodge bar or choose a suitable spot on the deck nearby. Look out for the dam to the towering Swartberg Mountains in the background.

The Gift Shop, located in the reception area is a reflection of the best local arts and crafts from the area and provides the tourist with an impressive selection. Beautiful, stylish leather products and a varied range of clothing are also available.

Enjoy the spectacular views on offer from the elevated vantage point of the Lookout Lounge. With its beautiful big fire for those chilly winter nights. Also equipped with a plasma television for those sports enthusiasts.

The Hippos are allowed to swim in the dam but not guests. Instead, residents may relax and relax around the swimming pool situated between the accommodation units for your convenience.

The lodge has a helipad on site offering guests the opportunity of flying along the Garden Route.

• Picnic flights
• Champagne stopover on the Swartberg & Outeniqua mountains
• Trips to the Pezula Golf Course in Knysna
• Specialised flights: romantic picnics, whale watching and other tailor-made flights are available

Superior Accommodation (9 tented suites)

• En-suite bathrooms
• Private outdoor shower
• Dual air-conditioning
• Tea & coffee facilities
• Digital safe
• Minibar
• Hairdryer
• Telephone.