Highlights
- Beautiful location
- Hippos in the dam
- Super activities
- Good value bush safari
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireBuffelsdrift is full of surprises. On the face of it, the entrance just 5 minutes drive outside of Oudtshoorn feels more like a visitor attraction than a private reserve, but hidden within is a beautiful landscape. Lavishly appointed safari tents are located on the shore of the lake and we were woken during our stay by the sound of hippos literally metres outside. We were also pleasantly surprised by the quality of guiding with a refreshing focus on all the wildlife not just the big animals - the 6 year old loved learning about (and nibbling) the wild plants. Currently there are no lions on the reserve, but plans are afoot to acquire neighbouring land and introduce predators.
Buffelsdrift is very proud of its elephant experiences which allow you to get up front and very personal with their tame elephants. Children and adults who are confident with animals will love it. For me it lacks the sense of wilderness you get in the best reserves, but given its location, good value and the tents on the lake, it is arguably the best choice for a family looking to drop a short and relatively inexpensive safari experience into a Garden Route holiday.
Activities include horse riding, elephant feeding, Meerkat experience and bush drives. There are 22 species on the reserve including Hippo, Elephant, Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, Buffalo, Rhino, Wildebeest and Springbok. Bush drives take place on open safari vehicles. A genuine emphasis is put on providing an all round bush experience and the guides are well versed in the bug-life, plants as well as the big beasts. We particularly enjoyed learning about the edible and medicinal plants found in the bush. Without the predators on the reserve, it is difficult to compare Buffelsdrift to a traditional wild safari experience, but as long as you go in with that understanding, Buffelsdrift is a fantastic place.
Accommodation comprises 25 classic safari tents set on the shore of an attractive water hole with resident hippos. The Luxury Waterfront tents are all on the front row immediately on the banks of the dam. The Luxury tents are set higher with good views but not immediately on the banks of the watering hole. These latter are usually used for families and can accommodate up to two adults and two children.
Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair
Alistair A
reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger
on 28 April 2023
Dear Lisa,
We have just returned from South Africa and wanted to pass on our huge thanks for helping to organise such a fantastic holiday. The entire trip was amazing - accommodation was first class. The safari was incredible!
We'll be sure to get in touch when we're next planning an adventure!
Best wishes, Ed & Jane
Roy P
reviewing Cape Town & Kruger Safari
on 17 April 2023
Can't praise tour dust enough, they helped us to create a holiday of a lifetime that has given us family memories we will treasure forever. From start to finish the whole experience was exactly what we wanted and more. Due to covid we waited 2 and a half years for this trip but worth the wait.
Carly
Carly R
reviewing Value KwaZulu-Natal Safari and Mauritius
on 07 November 2022