Bush Safari
Description
During our bush safaris ( game drives ), you can expect to experience true Karoo vegetation from our open game viewing vehicles. Our wide range of animals include Hippo, Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, Buffalo, Springbok and much more. The duration of our bush safaris is ± 2 hours. About midway through the safari, there is a refreshment break at one of our scenic lookout points. These offer 360° panoramic views of the area as well as the Swartberg Mountains. “We call it Bush Safaris, as our guides are trained to not only educate our guests on our wide variety of animals, but also about our bird and plant species..” – Andries van Schalkwyk | Managing Director
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(25)
We participated in a bush safari on February 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Our guide "Henry" drove with us very quickly the track without looking for animals. When we saw an animal, it stopped reluctantly and late. At the picnic area, he just put us boxes of drinks and snack bags and disappeared. There was no exchange of views. After the picnic it was obviously only important for him to be back on reserve as early as possible and first. Nevertheless, we have seen a lot of animals, as they have obviously got used to the traveling off-road vehicles.
Dear Martin, We sincerely appreciate you bringing this to our attention. At Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, we strive to provide a world-class educational experience, and it is clear that on this occasion, the standard of guiding did not meet the high expectations we set for our team. We are disappointed to hear that your interaction with Henry lacked the enthusiasm and hospitality we pride ourselves on. Please rest assured that your feedback regarding the pace of the drive and the lack of engagement during the refreshment break has been noted and will be addressed internally with our guiding department to ensure this remains an isolated incident. We are, however, glad that the natural abundance of our reserve allowed you to still enjoy many wildlife sightings during your 9:00 AM safari. We hope that despite this experience, the beauty of the animals and the landscape left you with some positive memories of your visit. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and for providing us with the opportunity to improve our guest services. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family
Fantastic! We've seen a lot of animals. Our guide had proven expertise and a lot of empathy.
Dear Stefanie, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and recommendation. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the experience and were able to see many animals, and that your guide’s knowledge and care made the tour so memorable. We also appreciate your comment regarding the lions. As part of our management approach and animal welfare considerations, certain species are housed separately, and we value your understanding in this regard. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. We hope to create more unforgettable memories with you in the future. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family
Lovely staff, lovely experience.
Dear Mari, Thank you for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your morning excursion and that our staff made your experience even more special. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. We hope to create more unforgettable memories with you in the future. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family
It was absolutely amazing, we saw so many animals in the span of just two hours, it was unbelievable! Our guide was super knowledgeable and gave great insights
Dear Cathleen, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review and rating for Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. We are delighted to hear that your two-hour game drive exceeded expectations and that you enjoyed seeing so many animals in such a short time. It is especially rewarding to know that our guide’s knowledge and insights added to your overall experience. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, and we look forward to creating more unforgettable memories with you in the future. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family
A lot seen in just a 2 hour safari, fun facts about the animals from our guide. Was our 1st safari, greatly enjoyed.
Dear Nienke, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your first safari was so enjoyable and that you were able to see so much in just two hours. It’s great that our guide could share interesting insights about the animals as well. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, and we look forward to creating more unforgettable memories with you in the future. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family
It had been raining that was not a big deal, we drove around. The car had slippery tires. The guide knew a lot about plants and animals but did not want to drive further into the park. After 45minutes we stopped for a drink wn snack and took with slightly different way back. We were with the wrong guide in the car. The other cars had driven much further into the park. After 1 hour and 45 minutes we were back. We have seen girafffrn and a few more small animals a lot of explanation about plants. All in all a disappointment.
Dear Ellen, Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear that your safari did not meet expectations. Your feedback regarding the route, timing, and experience with the guide is valuable. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family
A great tour ! Guide was helpful and informative and drive was comfortable. Right length of time too .
Booked a morning package, which included Bush Safari, Elephant Experience and a light lunch. Cost R2540 for two (about £106) Had the most amazing safari with Eddy, who was knowledgeable and eagle eyed ( he spotted everything). Then had a great experience with the rescued elephants before going for a light lunch. Tipped both guides well. The young man in the restaurant had no knowledge of the package, but guided us as to what we could have. We ordered the food, with a bottle of water and a small beer. After the lunch, we spent around 30 minutes on the restaurant terrace area, watching the wildlife and taking pictures. At no point did anyone present us with a bill. When we drove out, the security guard stopped us at the gate and told us (politely) that we hadn’t paid. I explained about the package and he rang reception who told us we had left without paying for our drink, and asked us to back to the centre. I agreed to leave the R60 at the gate. AT NO POINT WERE WE TOLD DRINKS WERE NOT INCLUDED, AND WITH ITEMS IN THE GIFT SHOP, WHICH WE DID ON OUR WAY OUT, WE SPENT OVER R3000 TODAY. NOT THE WAY TO TREAT YOUR GUESTS. PLEASE MAKE YOUR PACKAGE CLEARER AND ALSO MAKE YOUR STAFF AWARE OF THE PACKAGES. This spoiled what was otherwise and amazing morning.
Dear Helen, Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the Bush Safari and Elephant Experience with Eddie, and that your morning was otherwise memorable. We sincerely regret the confusion and miscommunication from our staff. Your comments regarding clearer package information and better staff awareness have been noted and will be addressed to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide a seamless and fully enjoyable experience for you in the future. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family.
Claudia Claassen took us on an amazing game drive. Her enthusiasm was uplifting and her knowledge was great. Thanks Claudia for a unforgettable experience.
Good Day, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with Claudia! We’re delighted to hear that her enthusiasm and knowledge made your Bush Safari truly unforgettable. We hope to create many more special memories with you at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family.
A great introduction to wildlife as I'd never been on a safari before. The guide was very knowledgeable and experienced, and it was an excellent experience all round.
Dear Roger, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review and rating for Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. We’re honoured to have been your first introduction to wildlife and safari experiences! It’s wonderful to hear that your guide’s knowledge and expertise helped make it such a memorable one. We're so pleased you had an excellent time all round and hope it’s the first of many wildlife adventures to come. Thank you for choosing Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, and we look forward to creating more unforgettable memories with you in the future. Have a safe journey, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge Family.
