Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

It could be an amazing experience but you can see that the staff are new, and probably also a little unqualified without intuition to make the guest experience enhanced. We had the coldest welcome in our whole South Africa tour, no explanation on any game activities other than a sheet of paper with the titles and price, we had to probe and question the front desk for information around timings, what to expect and where to go, which were given eventually but without a smile. It really felt like we were putting them out by being there and asking questions for the activités that we would pay extra for. Whilst we waited out the storm, we were asked if we would wait for the porter or make our own way to the room as it wasn’t far - we weren’t shown a map or location to our tent so we had no idea where to go. A simple explanation of the layout would have been appreciated and saved us all time. We don’t have highest of expectations however the basics of hospitality would include a warm welcome, a smile, and introduction to upsell their own activités (which were well worth it thanks to their amazing game drive hosts) however the front desk really did that team an injustice by lack of explanation. On top of that, the room wasn’t ready for the storm to come so there was water in the tent, which was also quite dirty already with vintage flies and it was missing some basic items such as a bottle opener for the wine and beers they provide. We asked twice at reception for a bottle opener, both times they didn’t mention they were not provided in the room, instead on the second ask they sent us to the bar, where the lovely bar man said he didn’t have one either and he opened his bottles with his ring. We were finally lended a bottle opener which was for sale in the shop… a basic if you are offering beers and wine in the room no? Overall a great location, fantastic extra activités and game drives, but really disappointing front desk with lack of information and enthusiasm for the basic requirements of the stay. We wouldn’t recommend to our friends coming to SA on this basis.

Great location, tends with private bathroom and external shower. Amazing food at the restaurant, great landscape and view, and animals close to see at the property... swimming pool, spa and much more... simply great, a must! I would recommend for anyone going to see the cango caves

Thoroughly enjoyed our time at this game reserve. The family tent was a great. Buck and tortoises roaming the grounds really added to the experience. Hippos in the dam to watch while lazing at the pool was fab. Restaurant overlooking the dam had a great ambience. We did a two day package, luckily had two game drives as saw alot more on the second drive. The elephant encounter was also a highlight! Perfect for out family with two young children.

A truly unforgettable experience. I would highly recommended this excursion. The guides were experienced and very friendly. The Elephant experience was one of a kind and a lot of fun. It was super easy to book and we hope to return in future.