Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
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This five-star Buffalo Lodge is great for families. Along the rough slopes of the ridge, guests can choose from one of eight luxurious chalets made of thatch and stone.
Buffalo Ridge opened to the public for the first time in November 2004 and has a very inspiring story about how it was started to help the local community. It was made possible by a groundbreaking eco-tourism partnership between North-West Park, the Balete Ba Lekgophung community (which has a 45-year lease to run a commercial lodge), and the operator, The Nature Workshop. It is the first community-owned Safari Lodge in South Africa.
The local Balete population owns Buffalo Ridge, and all of the employees are from the adjacent Lekgophung hamlet.
The Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is on the Tweedepoort Ridge in the western part of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. From there, you can see the ravine below as well as the northern plains and inselbergs of Madikwe Game Reserve.
Madikwe Game Reserve is home to 66 types of mammals, including the famous Big 5: the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Add to that the giraffe, hippo, cheetah, wild dog, and hyena, and you have the Madikwe Top Ten.
The African Elephant is the biggest animal that lives on land, and there are a lot of them in Madikwe Game Reserve. A recent count found that there are more than 900 of them there.
Because the number of elephants in Madikwe has grown so quickly, there are more elephants there than in any other protected area in South Africa. At the moment, elephants make up about 43% of the Reserve’s herbivore biomass.
Both black and white rhinos are found in Madikwe. The white rhino is bigger than the black rhino, and it has a “square” lip that helps it graze. The black rhino, on the other hand, is a little bit smaller than the white rhino, and it has a “pointed” lip that helps it pull leaves off the plants it eats. The black rhino is known for having a bad temper, so if you see one, you should treat it with respect.
Unfortunately, poaching rhinos has become a big problem in South Africa, and it threatens the species’ ability to live on. But a new anti-poaching programme in Madikwe seems to have turned the tide in the Reserve’s war against people who kill endangered rhinos for their horns.
There are about 844 buffalo in Madikwe. When seen in groups, these animals should be treated with respect. Buffalo are known for being aggressive, and if they feel threatened, they can become dangerous.
Lions are the most important part of any wildlife experience, and Madikwe Game Reserve is no different. The lions in Madikwe originally came from Etosha National Park in Namibia and were moved there. But two new males from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park were brought in recently to add new genes to the pool.
Even though leopards are the smallest of the big cats, they are everyone’s dream animal. They live alone most of the time, unless they have kittens. Keep an eye out for leopard at Madikwe, especially in the early morning and late evening.
The main lodge at Buffalo Ridge is on two levels and can be reached by a wooden bridge that goes across the ravine below. Here, you can relax in the shade of the tall rock figs on the large viewing deck, eat a delicious meal in the cosy dining area, or take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool while taking in the beautiful views.
The Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is a great place for families and couples to go to see wildlife because of its private location, high-end rooms, and excellent service. You can get to Buffalo Ridge by private charter or by taking the daily Madikwe Shuttle from the Safari Lodge to the Madikwe Western Airstrip, which is only 30 minutes away.
The reserve is in an area with a lot of different kinds of plants and animals because it is between the Kalahari thornveld and the Lowveld bushveld.
Accommodation
Eight luxurious thatched cottages are available for lodging.
Each room in each suite features sliding doors that lead out to an own viewing terrace. Guests are treated to bushveld luxury thanks to the earthy tones and natural finishes, which make you feel at one with your environment.
Each apartment has an en suite bathroom with an indoor shower that leads to a private terrace, complimentary amenities, and a hairdryer.
Each exquisitely furnished hut with emphasis on earth tones and organically textured materials in the modern Afro-chic design has a little lounge and sleeps two guests.
Facilities
The Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge can accommodate up to 16 people.
There is a dining room, a restaurant, an upper and lower balcony, outdoor pool, patio, a garden, and a common area.
Every morning, breakfast is served and comprises buffet, à la carte, and continental options.
Activities
The extensive variety of animals and flora in Madikwe may be enjoyed by visitors thanks to the activities provided by Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge.
Open-air wildlife drives, stargazing, bush eating, and birdwatching are some of these pursuits. Visitors are accompanied on wildlife drives by knowledgeable rangers who are well-trained and happy to share their vast expertise with you while you are on safari.
The Lodge offers twice-daily game drives in open 4X4 cars, bush sundowners, and excursions to the reserve’s hides. With the help of the Lodge’s knowledgeable rangers, you may expect to see a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, kudu, springbok, elands, red hartebeest, giraffes, and impalas, as well as a wide variety of bird species.
Rates
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge provide competitive prices.
Buffalo Ridge welcomes families, however owing to safety concerns, children under the age of six are not allowed on game drives. Nonetheless, short morning family game drives can be planned in advance. On request, there are also babysitters available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge suitable for families?
Yes, Buffalo Lodge, a five-star hotel, is perfect for families. Eight luxurious chalets are available along the steep slopes. They are made from thatch and stones.
Where is Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge located?
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge lies on the Tweedepoort Ridge, in the western area of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. You can view the ravine, northern plains, and inselbergs in Madikwe Game Reserve from there.
What type of Accommodation can I expect in Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge?
There are eight luxurious cottages with thatched roofs available. Each suite has sliding doors leading to a private viewing terrace. The earthy colors and natural finishes give guests a bushveld experience. Each apartment comes with a bathroom en suite that has an indoor shower and leads out to a terrace. It also includes complimentary amenities and a hairdryer. The modern Afro-chic style huts are beautifully furnished with earth tones, organic textures and organic materials. Each hut has a lounge and can sleep two people.
