Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is located on the rugged slopes of the Tweedepoort Ridge in the west of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.
This family-friendly Safari Lodge has eight lavishly-appointed thatch-and- stone chalets positioned to offer maximum solitude and afford visitors breathtaking panoramas of the kloof below and out across Madikwe’s northern plains and inselbergs.
Each luxurious chalet sleeps two persons and features a small lounge area, en-suite bathroom, and double sliding doors that open onto a raised wooden deck from where you can fully appreciate the sheer tranquility of your pristine surroundings.
The Lodge’s contemporary Afro-chic décor with its accent on natural colours and textures further serves to enhance your experience of this slice of bushveld paradise.
Buffalo Ridge’s main lodge spans double tiers and is reachable via a wooden bridge that traverses the kloof below. Here you can unwind on the expansive viewing deck in the cool of the impressive rock figs, enjoy delectable cuisine in the welcoming dining area or relax poolside as you immerse yourself in the magnificent bushveld vistas.
Ensuring you have every opportunity to explore all that makes Madikwe a prime safari destination is a priority for Buffalo Ridge. To this end, the Lodge boasts a range of visitor activities, including twice-daily game drives in open 4X4 vehicles, visits the reserve’s hides, and bush sundowners and drink stops.
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Expect to encounter a diversity of bird- and wildlife species, from the Big Five to cheetah, wild dog, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, and impala, under the expert guidance of the Lodge’s accomplished rangers.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns, children aged six years or younger are not permitted to participate in game drives. However, being a committed family-friendly Lodge, Buffalo Ride does offer mini morning game drives for children on request. Babysitters are also available by pre-arrangement.
This exclusive Lodge is the outcome of an eco-tourism partnership between North-West Park, the Balete Ba Lekgophung community – which has a 45-year lease to operate a commercial lodge – and the operator, The Nature Workshop making it the first wholly owned community- based safari lodge to be developed in South Africa.
Its remote setting, stylish accommodations, and five-star service make Buffalo Ridge a sought-after safari getaway for families and couples alike.
Buffalo Ridge is easily accessible by private charter or the daily Madikwe Shuttle into Madikwe Western Airstrip which is just 30 minutes’ drive from the Safari Lodge
https://madikwe.travel/buffalo-ridge-lodge.html#sigProGalleria9c38ce1827
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Rates
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General
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The Lodge
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Safari
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Terms
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Climate..
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Direction
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Flights & Transfers
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What to Pack
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Gate Times
| Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to availability | |
| 8 Luxury, thatched Chalets | 1
Jul 2024 to 30 Apr 2025 |
| Per Person Per Night Sharing | R6 255 |
| Single per night | R8 135 |
| Kids 3-12yrs sharing with Adult | R3 130 |
Look at our Special Offers for SA Residents under our special offers section!
The Rates Include:
- Accommodation, All meals, teas and coffees. 2 Game drives per day.
The Rates Exclude
- Bush Walks and Village Tours.
- Bar services; Spa Treatments; Items of a personal nature.
- Conservation Levy 2023: Rate per person per night: R190.00 - adult; R95.00 - under 12, R0.00 - children under 2.
- Park Entrance Fee: R180.00 per adult per stay and R90.00 per child (under 12) per stay.
Payment details
Please Note: In order to confirm your booking a deposit
payment will be required on the following basis:
- 25% deposit is required if booking is placed 60 days or more prior to date of travel.
- 50% deposit is required if booking is placed between 30 and 60 days prior to date of travel.
- 100% payment on bookings placed within 30 days of travel.
Should the reservation be
cancelled
The following fees will be levied and the scale of charges
expressed as a percentage of the total value is as follows:
- 60 days or more before arrival – 25% of the total amount.
- 30 – 60 days before arrival - 50% of the total amount (Standard Deposit).
- Less than 30 days before arrival - 100% of the total amount.
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is a 16-bed luxury facility designed by NickPlewman, 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.
Accommodation
The lodge has eight suites, each with their own viewing deck, decorated
in natural hues 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 beauty
of 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, an upper and lower
deck, and swimming pool areas.
Activities
Open vehicle game drives, stargazing, bush dining, birding, botany
interests. Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and
flora, including both black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion,
leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The lodge is a superb 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
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, cameras,
binoculars, light neutral-coloured clothing and bathing suit in summer;
and warm clothing and jackets are essential in winter (May to October).
Climate
Summer – October to March
Rainy season with hot days and warm nights. Temperatures 25°C
– 40°C.
Winter – April to September
Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights. Temperatures
0°C – 25°C.
How to get there
Daily scheduled flights are operated from Johannesburg International
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 (Please request a map
on reservation).
GPS Co-ordinates: S24 46m 0.11s | E26 12m 17s
The Main Lodge
Whether you are relaxing in the lounge, on the lower or upper deck areas or at the pool, you will find a space that suits your mood.
Luxury Thatched Chalets
The lodge has eight suites, each with its own viewing deck, decorated in natural hues 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 beauty of the bushveld.
Madikwe Game Reserve 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 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.
- All prices are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR) and are inclusive of 15 % VAT. Tariff Charges
- All tariffs quoted are subject to change, without prior notice, however rates quoted for confirmed bookings will be honoured
The Rates Include:
- All meals, teas and coffees.
- 2 game drives per person per day
The Rates Exclude
- Phone Calls, Bar Account, Bed Levy @R 10.00per Person per Night
- Park Entrance fees, Landing fees, Rhino Conservation Levy
- Beverages and Items of a personal nature.
Gates open @ 06h00 & closes @ 21h00. Children
- Children of all ages are welcome at most of our lodges (please enquire)
- Babysitters available
- Children under 6 years old are not permitted on game drives
Deposit Policy
- For all bookings made within 30 days of travel
- Full payment Is required within 48 hours of your booking. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
- For all bookings made more than 30 days of travel
- A 50% deposit Is required within 48 hours of your booking and the balance 30 days prior to arrival. This payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (Master/Visa).
Arrival | Departure
Check in is from 14h00 and rooms are to be vacated by 11h00.
What to Take
Comfortable walking shoes • Sun hat • Sunglasses • Sun block • Cameras and binoculars • Light, neutral coloured clothing • Swimming costume • Warm jackets are essential in winter (May -October)
Climate
Summer - October to March
Rainy season with hot days and warm nights. Temperatures 25°C - 40°C.
Winter - April to September
Dry season with generally warm days and cold nights. Temperatures 0°C - 25°C.
Flight | Air Transfers | Private Charters
• Daily scheduled MADIKWE AIR flights from O.R.Tambo Airport (JIA).
• Private charters are available on request
• Road transfers available on request
• Entrance Fee into the Madikwe Reserve by Air, please settle in camp.
Cancellation Policy
- If a booking is cancelled after confirmation, a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
- Four weeks before arrival – 75% of the total amount
- Two weeks before arrival – 100% of the total amount
- A 10% admin fee will be retained for cancellations made after the card has been charged.
South Africa is a big country just south of the tropic of Capricorn, but it is the topography and surrounding oceans that influence its climate, rather than the latitude. Although the climate varies from region to region, it is generally mild and sunny throughout the year.
Winter (May – August) in Madikwe Game Reserve is generally cool and dry with temperatures averaging between 3°C
(38°F) to 23°C (73°F).
Summer (September – April) is characterised by hot and wet weather, with temperatures averaging between 25°C (77°F)
to 40°C (104°F). The area is classed as a semi-arid region, with 500 mm (19.5 inches) of annual rainfall. This is usually as
a result of short thunderstorms in the late afternoon or night time during the summer months.
CLOTHING
From November to March light summer clothes are best, although do bring a jumper for the evenings. From April to October warmer clothes are advised as the mornings and evenings can be cold. The days are typically warm and summery though. It’s best to bring neutral coloured clothes for the game drives. A complimentary overnight laundry service is offered in the lodge. Comfortable walking shoes or boots, swimwear, sun bock, insect repellent, sun hat and sunglasses are recommended. We have waterproof ponchos in the game-drive vehicles in case you are caught in any rain. Binoculars and good cameras are an absolute must
HEALTH
South Africa requires all travellers journeying from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination by means of a valid yellow fever certificate.
The Madikwe Game Reserve is not a malaria area. Other areas in South Africa are malaria areas, should you be traveling to other parts of the country, please consult your personal physician for more information.
TIPPING GUIDELINE
You are travelling on an independent itinerary and the cost of your program does not include gratuities. Tipping is a very personal matter and should only be considered when our staff have gone above and beyond for you.
Whilst tipping is entirely at your discretion, we advise US$ 30 per person, per day. 1/3 of gratuities is allocated to the guide, and the remainder of the balance is divided amongst the rest of the staff. Gratuities can be added to your account upon check out, given to the lodge manager for distribution, or given directly to the individual staff members.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge prides itself on its personalised services. Please let us know if you have any special requests, interests, dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions.
PHILANTHROPY PROJECTS
Local communities
Makanyane Safari Lodge actively supports the local communities in the area. The majority of our staff are Tswana people from the local communities, providing employment and advancement opportunities and an exciting and varied livelihood.
Guests at the lodge can actively participate, either financially or practically, in assisting impoverished local communities, thereby also supporting the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Makanyane Children’s Tree-planting Campaign is part of our programme where children and their parents are involved in planting saplings in the reserve.
LUXURY, NATURALLY
Sanctuary Retreats was born in Africa with the launch of our first luxury safari camp, Sanctuary Olonana, in Kenya, in 1999. Today, the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of luxury safari lodges and expedition ships brings a much wider choice of our boutique adventure than ever before – but our standards remain the same. We promise adventure, enchantment and ‘Luxury, naturally’, all delivered with a quiet, understated charm and understanding of place
It is approximately 4- 5 hour’s drive from Johannesburg International Airport. The adventure starts right away whether you rent a car, make use of a private ground transfer, or decide to fly in. The time it takes to drive to each specific lodge will vary. Kindly, ask your consultant for these directions if you have not already received them.
Driving times
Madikwe Game Reserve is centrally located to various other cities –
- Gabarone, Botswana (approximately 2 hours)
- Pretoria (approximately 4.5 hours)
- Sun City (approximately 3 hours)
- Johannesburg OR Tambo airport (approximately 4.5 hours)
Driving inside the reserve
Guests are allowed to drive to the designated lodge only. There may be speed traps along the route to the reserve, so please adhere to speed limits. Please drive no more than 40km/hour within the reserve.
If guests are staying in two lodges during their holiday they may also drive themselves to the other lodge during day light hours. Guests must let reception know so that they can radio to the other lodge to advise them that the guests are en-route to check- in.
Directions to Buffalo Ridge from Johannesburg International Airport, now O.R. TAMBO AIRPORT
- Take R21 to Pretoria.
- Head north on the N1 towards the N4 Toll Road.
- Take the N4 Toll road north west towards Rustenburg, Swartruggens, Groot Marico and Zeerust.
- Once in Zeerust turn right at the fourth stop street into President Street. There is a signpost on the left that says “ Madikwe Game Reserve/Gaborone” and a First National Bank on the corner to the right.
- Follow the R49 towards the reserve for approximately 97km.
- The first entrance to the reserve is Abjaterskop gate.
- Pass that gate and enter at the next gate – Wonderboom Gate exactly 7km from the first gate.
- Contact details for the Lodge: +27 (0)18 365-9908 and ask for Godfrey or Priscilla.
Shuttle
Flights / Air Transfer (from R4 670 one-way)
The most convenient mode of travel to Madikwe Game Reserve from
Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is by making use of a
shuttle flight. These shuttle flights are being provided by Federal
Airlines and can seat up to 10 or 12 people. Their premier shuttle
service flies daily from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) which
takes about 1 hour. All
of the Shuttle Services from Johannesburg and
other destinations can be booked through us.
What
is included in your flight?
- Internationally recognized Safety and Quality Management Systems
- Welcome booth and waiting facilities at OR Tambo International Airport
- Complimentary guest parking at the Federal Airlines Lounge
- Complimentary luggage storage facilities at the Federal Airlines Lounge
- Access to the exclusive Federal Airlines lounge
Low season schedule (May, June, September, November)
| From | TO | Departure time | Arrival time |
| Madikwe | Johannesburg | 11.15 | 12.15 |
| Johannesburg | Madikwe | 13.00 | 14.00 |
High Season
schedule (January, February, March, April, July, August, October,
December)
| From | TO | Departure time | Arrival time |
| Johannesburg | Madikwe | 10.00 | 11.00 |
| Madikwe | Johannesburg | 11.15 | 12.15 |
| Johannesburg | Madikwe | 13.00 | 14.00 |
| Madikwe | Johannesburg | 14.30 | 15.30 |
Charter
Flights (rates on request)
The ultimate option for getting to Madikwe game reserve has to be
chartered flights. Flights are moulded to each individual’s
needs and requirements, which include private flights to luxury game
lodges in the bush or at the coast, incentivized trips for large groups
of guests, and flights for corporate executives for whom time is of the
essence, and where confidentiality can be guaranteed. Large corporate
groups can even be accommodated with flights in a Boeing if needed.
Each flight is tailored
exclusively, taking into account all passenger comforts
including – to name but a few – the type of
aircraft being used, catering requirements with consideration given to
dietary needs, specific liquid refreshments, cuddly blankets for those
cold winter days and pillows for the long distance traveler. Not to
forget that Federal Airlines has the highest guest liability insurance
in South Africa, providing their guests the ultimate peace of mind.
Speak to one of our travel consultants and they will assist you in
selecting the best aircraft and will take care of your logistical
issues such as transport to and from Federal Airlines private
facilities. Our customized
itineraries ensure that you will always fly on your own
terms.
Situated at Johannesburg International Airport, Federal
Airlines’ friendly staff are there to provide:
- Welcoming meet and greet service off both domestic and international flights
- Transfers from the airport building to their exclusive lounge facility
- Lounge Facility which boasts delicious food and drinks, shower facilities and Wi-Fi
- Lightweight clothing
- Long trousers and long-sleeve tops
- Shorts, t-shirts and vests
- A warm sweater for cool mornings or evenings
- Swimwear, sunblock, sunglasses and sunhat
- Walking shoes and socks, sandals, cap, raincoat
- Long trousers and long-sleeve tops
- Shorts and t-shirts for warm days
- Fleece, warm gloves, beanie, scarf
- Thermals for particularly cold mornings
- Swimwear, sunblock, sunglasses and sunhat
- Walking shoes, socks, closed comfortable warm shoes, sandals
The gates of the reserve are open from 06h00 to 18h00. Should you arrive later, you will need to be escorted from the gate to your lodge. There is a strict policy that the gates will be impassable after 21h00. This can be arranged with prior notice from your travel consultant if a guest thinks they will be late to check in.
There are 5 main gates to enter the reserve. Contact your consultant to find out which one will be closest to your luxury accommodation. There is an entrance fee at the lodge upon check-out of R 180.00 per person per stay and R 80.00 per child per stay. Guests may us their credit card or South African Rands when paying by cash.
These are the 5 main gates:
- Abjaterskop Gate
- Wonderboom Gate
- Tau Gate
- Derdepourt Gate
- Motledi Gate