Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge ? Buffalo Ridge Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is a 16-bed luxury facility designed by Nick Plewman, an acclaimed small lodge designer. The lodge is situated at a prime site in the west of the Madikwe Game Reserve, straddling the Tweedepoort Ridge with expansive views across the northern plains and Inselbergs.

The central lodge sits on the slopes of a hill across a ravine, separating it from the chalets. Each of the chalets is positioned on the ridge with expansive views to the north. Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge opened in November 2004.

Accommodation

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the Tweedepoort Ridge overlooking the plains and inselbergs of the western section of Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge has 8 suites, each with their own viewing deck, decorated in natural hews of colour and texture, offering a very private and luxurious experience. The thatched suites, with sliding doors from each room and shower allow the guest to experience a oneness with the bushveld.

Facilities

The main lodge is spectacularly located on two tiers of the ridge, accessed via a wooden bridge that crosses a ravine surrounded by rock figs. Each of the living areas has its own character, mood and style providing guests with a choice of breathtaking views and tranquil spaces. The lodge has reception, dining, lounge, upper and lower deck and swimming pool areas.

Activities

Open vehicle game drives, walks, tracking, stargazing, bush dining, birding, botany interests. Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including both the black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The lodge is a superb walking and open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari.

What to take

Walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, cameras, binoculars, light clothing and bathing suit in summer and warm clothing and jackets in winter.

Climate

Summer - September to March

Rainy season with hot days and warm nights. Temperatures 25°C - 40°C.

Winter - April to August

Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights. Temperatures 0°C - 25°C.

Children

Regret no children under 12 years of age. Children aged between 12 and 15 years, sharing the accommodation with their parents, will be charged 50% of the tariff with a maximum of one child per suite.

Rates include -

All meals, teas and coffees

Game drives and bush walks

Rates exclude -

Bar services

Room levy of R 8.75 per person per night

How to get there

Daily scheduled flights are operated from Johannesburg Intertnational Airport to the Madikwe Airstrip with Federal Air/ Madikwe Air Charters. Private air-charters are organised on request. It is only a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg to Buffalo Ridge

species from both ecosystems. Geographically the region has enormous volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, which are prominent throughout the reserve and are a spectacular backdrop to the reserve & Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is the first wholly owned Community based Safari Lodge to be developed in South Africa. The lodge is a pure ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Balete Ba Lekgophung Community and the operator, The Nature Workshop. The community has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge with traversing rights across the reserve. The concept is unique in South Africa in that the community owns the development, with substantial benefits accruing back to the community itself.

The main lodge is spectacularly located on two tiers of the ridge, accessed via a wooden bridge that crosses a ravine surrounded by rock figs. Decorated by Lucy Corder, who interpreted the brief with a fresh and innovative vision, each of the living areas has its own character, mood and style providing guests with a choice of breathtaking views and tranquil spaces.

Whether you are relaxing in the lounge, the lower or upper deck areas or at the pool, you will find a space that suits your mood. Judy Dyason creates the magic in the kitchen and the delicious cuisine has become a highlight of a visit to Buffalo Ridge.

The lodge has 8 suites, each with their own viewing deck, decorated in natural hews of colour and texture, offering a very private and luxurious experience. The thatched suites, with sliding doors from each room and shower allow the guest to experience an oneness with the bushveld.

Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including the black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The lodge is a superb walking and open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari.