Buffelsdrift Game Reserve

Buffelsdrift sits on a five-hectare waterhole at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, six and a half kilometres outside Oudtshoorn and three hundred metres from the road to the Cango Caves. The lodge holds more than two hundred and seventeen bird species on the waterhole alone, and hippos in the dam. Buffalo, rhino, and giraffe move through the reserve; more than twenty-three animal species have been recorded on bush safaris.

Accommodation is in three categories of luxury tented tent, all en-suite and air-conditioned. Waterhole tents sit right at the edge of the main waterhole, with private sundecks where you can watch animals come down to drink. Horizon View tents sit a few metres back with elevated views over the lodge and Karoo fynbos. Family tents sleep up to five people across two bedrooms with a shared en-suite bathroom, and they are within walking distance of the waterhole.

Guides run bush safaris in open vehicles at dawn and late afternoon, covering animals, birds, and plants. The two-hour night drive uses spotlights to find the reserve's five nocturnal species: caracal, genet, porcupine, aardvark, and aardwolf. Dawn meerkat safaris follow wild habituated meerkats as they emerge from their burrows. Three lions have been at the reserve since January 2017; cheetahs were introduced in April 2020.

The on-site spa looks out over the waterhole and runs a full treatment menu including hot-stone massage, body wraps, and facials. The restaurant serves Karoo cuisine from local produce, with wines from Route 62. George Airport is one hour away; Cape Town is a five-hour drive.