Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Upscale safari lodge offering luxury tents, exceptional service, and unique rescued elephant encounters in the heart of the Garden Route.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Upscale safari lodge offering luxury tents, exceptional service, and unique rescued elephant encounters in the heart of the Garden Route.
"This was probably the best experience we've ever had! Absolutely amazing."
🎯 Book Elephant Encounters Early
These popular interactions fill up fast! Secure your spot to meet the rescued elephants.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Evenings and mornings can be chilly, especially in winter. Bring extra warm clothing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elephant Interaction
Elephant Sanctuary
Get up close with rescued elephants, feed them, and even hug these gentle giants. An unforgettable experience!
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Luxury Safari Tents
Accommodation
Stay in beautifully furnished tents with decks overlooking the water, offering comfort amidst nature.
Wildlife Viewing
Lodge Grounds & Safari
Spot deer, hippos, and other wildlife right from your tent or on guided safari drives.
Meerkat Tour
Designated Area
Join a passionate guide to find and observe meerkats in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Elephant Encounters: Book Ahead!
Pack for All Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Elephant Encounters Early
These popular interactions fill up fast! Secure your spot to meet the rescued elephants.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Evenings and mornings can be chilly, especially in winter. Bring extra warm clothing.
📸 Camera Ready!
You'll want to capture every moment, from wildlife to stunning sunsets.
🚗 Consider Transport
If driving from Cape Town, it's a long day trip. Look into transport options if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Elephant Encounters Early
These popular interactions fill up fast! Secure your spot to meet the rescued elephants.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Evenings and mornings can be chilly, especially in winter. Bring extra warm clothing.
📸 Camera Ready!
You'll want to capture every moment, from wildlife to stunning sunsets.
🚗 Consider Transport
If driving from Cape Town, it's a long day trip. Look into transport options if needed.
🍽️ Delicious Dining
Enjoy high-quality meals with great variety in a lovely atmosphere. Fair pricing too! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently rave about Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, highlighting its exceptional service, luxurious accommodation, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, especially the elephant encounters. The food and overall atmosphere are also frequently praised, making it a top choice for a memorable safari getaway. Some visitors note the cold evenings in winter, advising warm clothing.
"Absolutely Amazing. Everything 5 star. From accommodation, service and all personnel are awesome. The excursions is a lovely experience! The elephant walk as well as the lions visit out of this world!
Enjoying the nature with bulking sounds of the Hippos next to your tent house. And deer walking around your house@ To end off this was an extremely enjoyable holiday. Our third visit!"
Max Lerm
"I had an unforgettable stay at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. Everything about the experience was excellent .The accommodation, the food, the service, and of course, the safari.
The tents were beautifully furnished, very clean, and offered a unique combination of comfort and nature. The restaurant served high-quality meals with great variety and a lovely atmosphere. The staff were warm, professional, and always willing to help truly exceptional service throughout.
The safari was a definite highlight. We had knowledgeable guides and saw a wide variety of animals up close in a beautiful setting.
One tip for winter visitors: it can get quite cold in the evenings and early mornings, so make sure to bring warm clothes.
I highly recommend Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and would love to return one day!"
Ak Aza
"This was by far one of the best experiences!
From checking in, to staying on the dam, to the knowledgeable guides, to the delicious food - everything was top tier!
My husband and I were celebrating our honeymoon here and they made our stay super special. It was also my husbands first time in South Africa and everyone made sure to make his stay unforgettable.
Thank you!"
Mariette Hinojosa Gaitan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Cape Town to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is approximately 5 hours each way. Many visitors opt for a long day trip, but staying overnight is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. Consider car rental or organized transfers for convenience.
While direct public transport to the lodge might be limited, you can reach Oudtshoorn by bus and then arrange local transport or a taxi to the lodge. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the Garden Route.
The roads leading to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge are generally well-maintained. The drive is scenic, passing through diverse landscapes of the Western Cape.
Yes, Wilderness Express offers transfers from George Airport to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, providing a comfortable and reliable option for reaching the lodge.
While possible, a day trip involves 10 hours of driving. Many visitors find it more rewarding to stay overnight to fully immerse themselves in the lodge's atmosphere and activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! The elephant interaction is a highly sought-after activity and booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Elephant encounters typically run at specific times throughout the day. It's best to check with the lodge directly or when booking your stay to confirm the exact schedule.
Buffelsdrift offers various activities, including elephant interactions, meerkat tours, and safaris. You can usually book these as part of a package or individually.
Pricing for the elephant experience can vary. It's advisable to check the official Buffelsdrift Game Lodge website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Yes, you can visit for dinner. The lodge offers a dining experience, and some visitors have enjoyed dinner followed by the Meerkat tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Buffelsdrift offers luxurious safari tents with decks, providing a unique blend of comfort and immersion in nature. Some tents offer water views.
You can expect to see animals like deer and hippos roaming around the lodge grounds. Guided safaris offer opportunities to see a wider variety of wildlife.
Yes, Buffelsdrift is highly recommended for families. Children often love the elephant encounters and the general safari atmosphere.
Activities include guided safaris, meerkat tours, and simply enjoying the natural surroundings. The lodge also hosts events like weddings.
Yes, you can explore the lodge grounds and enjoy the natural environment. Keep an eye out for the resident deer and listen for the hippos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant serves high-quality meals with great variety and a lovely atmosphere. Many guests praise the delicious food and fair pricing. +1
Yes, breakfast is typically included with your stay at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, offering a great start to your day.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, most upscale lodges like Buffelsdrift are accommodating. It's best to inform the lodge of any dietary requirements when booking.
The dining atmosphere is often described as lovely, with opportunities for starlit evenings and fireside stories, creating a memorable experience.
The lodge's setting, with water views and a tranquil ambiance, makes it ideal for romantic dinners. Special occasions can be accommodated.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour creating stunning shots of the landscape and wildlife.
Absolutely! The elephant interactions provide incredible close-up photo opportunities. The staff are also helpful in ensuring you get the photos you want.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for wildlife photography. However, even a smartphone can capture beautiful moments, especially during the elephant encounters.
Yes, photography is generally permitted during the Meerkat tour, allowing you to capture these fascinating creatures.
While generally encouraged, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography directly at them, especially during close encounters.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The lodge's setting, with wildlife visible from the grounds, keeps kids entertained and engaged with nature. Accommodation in the luxury tents provides a unique and comfortable experience for the whole family. The lodge's overall atmosphere is welcoming and geared towards creating memorable experiences for all ages. Consider booking activities like the Meerkat tour for added family fun.
❤️ Couples & Honeymooners
Enjoy starlit evenings and the tranquil sounds of the bush for a truly magical ambiance. The lodge is known for making special occasions memorable, as highlighted by honeymooners who found their stay unforgettable.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Travelers interested in ethical wildlife tourism will appreciate the lodge's focus on the welfare of these orphaned animals. The 'Eco-Ambassador' program offers a deeper connection to the lodge's mission, allowing visitors to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying a comfortable stay. By choosing Buffelsdrift, you're supporting a lodge that prioritizes the well-being of its animals and contributes to their rehabilitation and protection. This makes it a responsible choice for travelers who want their tourism dollars to make a positive impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rescued Elephants of Buffelsdrift
+1The elephant experience is more than just a tourist attraction; it's an educational and emotional encounter. You can feed them, walk alongside them, and even receive a gentle hug. This close proximity allows for a profound connection and a deeper understanding of these intelligent animals. The staff are passionate about the elephants' welfare and ensure that all interactions are respectful and contribute to their well-being.
+1It's important to note that these interactions are carefully managed. The lodge prioritizes the elephants' comfort and safety, ensuring that the experience is positive for both the animals and the visitors. This commitment to ethical tourism is a cornerstone of Buffelsdrift's philosophy, making it a truly special place for animal lovers and conservation advocates.
Luxury Accommodation in the Wild
Inside, you'll find comfortable bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and all the amenities you'd expect from an upscale lodge. The design seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern luxury, allowing you to relax in style after a day of wildlife viewing or activities. Waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying your morning coffee on the deck is a truly magical experience.
The lodge's setting is also a highlight, with wildlife often seen roaming freely around the property. You might spot deer grazing nearby or hear the distinctive calls of hippos from the water. This proximity to nature enhances the safari experience, making your stay at Buffelsdrift unforgettable.
Exploring the Garden Route from Buffelsdrift
Beyond the lodge's own activities, visitors can venture out to explore the Cango Caves, visit ostrich farms (Oudtshoorn is the 'ostrich capital of the world'), or drive through the scenic Swartberg Pass. The lodge's proximity to George Airport also makes it convenient for those flying in and out of the region.
+1For those looking to extend their journey, Buffelsdrift is a perfect stopover on a larger Garden Route itinerary. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or wildlife encounters, the lodge and its surrounding area offer a rich and varied travel experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit