Waterfront Tented Safari near the Garden Route
Set just outside Oudtshoorn on a scenic waterhole, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers a relaxed, family-friendly safari base near the Garden Route. Guests stay in air-conditioned canvas tents with easy access to daily game drives, popular meerkat outings, and a calm spa—making it a convenient addition to Cape Town–to–Garden Route itineraries.
Price Per Person Sharing From:
From: POA
Rating | Personal and Comfortable
Highlights & What to Expect
- Convenient Little Karoo location near George for easy trip pairing.
- Daily game drives with chances to see elephants, rhinos, buffalo, giraffe, hippos, and diverse antelope.
- Lion Experience offers elevated viewing of the lodge's rescued lions within their dedicated enclosure.
- Meerkat outings offer sunrise viewing of these charismatic mammals.
- Waterfront tents overlook the lodge’s large waterhole for relaxed downtime.
- Spa treatments and pool time between morning and afternoon activities.
- Regional attractions include ostrich farms, the Cango Caves, and Swartberg passes.
Location & Setting
Buffelsdrift lies in the Little Karoo near the town of Oudtshoorn, with the Swartberg mountains providing a striking backdrop. The setting combines semi-arid Karoo plains, low ridgelines, and a central waterhole that attracts resident wildlife and birdlife. Its position along the Garden Route makes it a practical stop for travelers driving between Cape Town and coastal highlights.
Rooms
The lodge hosts 34 air-conditioned tents with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Categories typically include luxury, family, and waterfront tents positioned for views over the main waterhole. Layouts are suited to couples or families; guests can request specific locations based on proximity to the main area or preferred outlook.
Facilities
Facilities include an à la carte restaurant showcasing local produce and regional wines, a spa for massage and beauty treatments, and a swimming pool for warm afternoons. Activity scheduling centers on morning and late-afternoon drives, leaving mid-day time for spa appointments, birding from the deck, or regional excursions such as the Cango Caves and ostrich farms.
Amenities
Bar & Lounge
Spa
Restaurant
Swimming Pool
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning
Wi-Fi
In-room Safe
Gift Shop / Curio Shop
Viewing Deck
Minibar
Tea & Coffee
Outdoor Shower
Hair Dryer
Private Deck
Activities
Game Drives
Night Drives
Meerkat Encounters
Elephant Encounters
Horseback Riding