Location: South Africa » Western Cape » Little Karoo » Route 62 » OudtshoornBuffelsdrift Game LodgeBUFFELSDRIFT Game Lodge offers guests a unique bushveld experience in the heart of the Klein Karoo ? the gateway to South AfricaDescription BUFFELSDRIFT Game Lodge is a sprawling game farm in the fertile Cango Valley at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains – South Africa's 6th World Heritage Site. Lush Succulent Karoo vegetation and a 5 ha natural waterhole create a haven for a variety of game species including: elephants, rhino and Cape buffalo (3 of the Big Five); giraffe; hippo; Cape Mountain zebra; Eland; Kudu and Springbok. Enthusiastic bird watcher's will enjoy trying to identify the more than 217 bird species to be found in the area, the ostrich of course being the easiest. Situated 7 km outside Oudtshoorn, the Lodge is in the heart of ostrich country, half-an-hour's drive from the Swartberg Mountain Nature Reserve and the isolated valley of Gamkaskloof ("Die Hell"). It lies just off the famous Route 62 and is part of the scenic circle route – Oudtshoorn – the Swartberg Mountain Pass – via the historic village of Prince Albert – through the spectacular Meiringspoort gorge which you exit just before the quaint village of De Rust, after which you return to Oudtshoorn. Accommodation Accommodation is in luxury en-suite tents with air conditioning, which, like the conference venue, restaurant and wedding chapel are on the edge of the waterhole and offer breathtaking views of the Klein Karoo. Trained guides will escort guests on an early morning or late afternoon game drive (bush safari) in an open game viewing vehicle, with a pitstop at one of the lookout points – presenting the perfect opportunity for spectacular photographs and a chance to relax and enjoy the views. Ice-cold sundowners served on the lookout deck next to the open-air bar mark the end of a perfect day with the sun setting over the mountains. Our accommodation comprises of 25-tented units. Each has its own wooden deck where guests can relax, admire the view and spot the game. Guests have a choice of Luxury Waterfront or Luxury accommodation. Luxury Waterfront Accommodation (9) – situated on the waters edge with a wooden sundeck overlooking the dam. Fully en-suite bathrooms with a private outdoor shower with hot & cold water. The tent is equipped with a dual air-conditioning unit to cool you on those hot summer Karoo days & warmth on those chilly winter days. Also provided: tea/coffee facilities, digital safe, mini bar, hairdrier and telephone. Luxury Accommodation (16) – situated just a few metres away from the waters edge with beautiful mountain and dam views. Fully en-suite bathrooms with a private outdoor shower with hot & cold water. The tent is equipped with a dual air-conditioning unit to cool you on those hot summer Karoo days & warmth on those chilly winter days. Also provided: tea/coffee facilities, digital safe, mini bar, hairdrier and telephone. Our swimming pool is situated in between the tents for accommodation guests only. On arrival at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge you will be met by a guide at the car park, to collect your luggage and direct you to reception, where our reception team will be waiting to welcome you. While you sit and relax with a welcome drink in our lookout lounge, your luggage will be taken to your tent. Your guide will then come and collect you and show you to your tent. Our environment is one of quiet solitude that offers peace of mind. The ideal place to read your favourite book, go for a long walk or simply appreciate the beauty of nature. Guests can check in from 14h00, unpack their bags before opting for a refreshing drink, a taste of the local cuisine or one of the various outdoor excursions that the lodge has to offer – or – they can simply kick back and relax!
| | | AttractionsActivities Day visitors welcome - no entrance fee charged Bush Safari Take a bush safari in a Safari vehicle to a panoramic lookout point where refreshments will be enjoyed while taking in the natural beauty of the environment and paying homage to the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Duration 2 hours. Elephant Walk Safaris Join our 3 baby elephants for a early morning or late afternoon walk around our waterhole and watch the sun set on the horizon. Duration 1 hour. Elephant Experience Elephant experience offers an opportunity to interact and feed our elephants. Get to know these gentle giants by name and their meanings from close up, feel the texture of their skin, scratch behind their ears and sit on an elephant’s knee. Relaxing under starry Karoo skies Great weather all year round and plenty of sunshine promise spectacular views and great outdoor living. In the Klein Karoo the full moon is more beautiful and the stars much brighter than anywhere else in the world! Horseback Safaris Game viewing on horseback is also an option – guests will be escorted by a trained guide to get a closer view of game roaming the vast undulating hills. Guided Nature walks Early birds can take a guided nature walk into the veld to appreciate the splendour of indigenous Karoo succulents and fynbos or catch up on their bird watching. Summer Sundowner Trips Come and enjoy the amazing Karoo sunsets up at our Spioenkop view point, while sipping on a glass of sparkling wine. Watch the sunset over Oudtshoorn.   
Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |
TGCSA Star Grading FacilitiesWedding in the Karoo A romantic Wedding Chapel in the heart of the Klein Karoo The KAROO WEDDING CHAPEL is situated on the edge of a natural water hole with a wide wooden deck as entrance to the intimate little chapel. The deck is an extension to the restaurant and this creates a beautiful space for wedding guests to take their seats and witness the couple exchanging their wedding vows. We offer two different packages: Complete Wedding package with Chapel, Reception venue and 24 luxury en-suite air-conditioned tents and a Complimentary 'Honeymoon Suite'. The bride will be able to dress for this 'life-changing' occasion in her own luxury en-suite air-conditioned tent. A hearty Karoo breakfast and bush safari for the guest staying over will be a final farewell before you say your goodbyes. Karoo Elephant Wedding package for a smaller wedding which includes a ceremony under thorn tree bushes with the elephants as witnesses, the conference room for the reception and a complimentary 'Honeymoon Suite' with Breakfast and a Bush safari for the newly weds. This Wedding venue is unique for its setting, breathtaking views of the Swartberg Mountains, vast Klein Karoo plains and blue skies become a natural backdrop - a photographer's dream to Capture the special moments for the bride and groom to remember and to treasure. Rates and other detail available on request. Feel free to contact Beadri, our in house wedding coordinator A Buffelsdrift Conference Our modern conference centre is situated on the edge of a natural water hole with a wide wooden deck. Providing the ideal setting for Bush Breakaways, Conferences, Team Building Sessions and Incentive Getaways. Equipment - Data Projector with Screen
- Two combination flip charts
- White boards
- Secretarial services available
- Internet access
- Additional equipment can be arranged
Seating Arrangements - "U" Shape - 30 delegates
- Boardroom - 50 delegates
- School Room - 60 delegates
- Cinema Style - 100 delegates
BUILD YOUR OWN CONFERENCE PACKAGE - Accommodation
- Buffet Breakfast
- Lunch (Set Menu or Platters)
- Dinner (Set Menu or Buffet)
- Conference Room
- Stationary
- Water
- Coffee and Tea breaks (with or without snacks)
- Bush Safari
- Elephant Feeding
- Elephant walk
- Cango Wildlife Ranch visit
- Cango Caves visit
- Cango Ostrich Farm visit
- Wine tasting experience and lunch
A la Carte Restaurant Perfect setting - overlooking the Swartberg Mountains The Buffelsdrift Restaurant offers an à la carte or buffet menu that specializes in local Karoo cuisine – homemade preserves, chutney, pickles – fresh produce and herbs from the area as well as a variety of freshly baked oven bread. The selected wine list is a true representation of excellent South African wine and offers guests some of the best award-winning wines on the R62 – the longest wine route in South Africa. This venue is available for functions – corporate as well as family celebrations – all year round About the Restaurant - maximum of 120 guests
- grand piano
- huge fireplace
- doors opening onto the wooden deck with views
- professional PA system
DirectionsFrom Cape Town - Take the R62 to Oudtshoorn - Buffelsdrift is en route the Cango Caves road (R328), 7 km outside Oudtshoorn - No traveling on gravel roads |