Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is situated in the west of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. It is unique for many reasons, none more so than the fact that it is the only lodge of its kind wholly-owned by a local rural community, and the lodge is staffed by people from the village.

Open Land Rovers stand ready to take you on safari. Your knowledgeable ranger with his friendly disposition will ensure that your safari experience is unforgettable. As well as elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, the Madikwe Reserve is also home to wild dog, cheetah, and plains game including gemsbok, springbok, zebra and giraffe, as well as over 340 species of birds.

The main lodge is spectacularly located on 2 tiers of the ridge and is accessed via a wooden bridge that crosses a ravine surrounded by rock figs. Each of the guest 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, on the lower or upper deck areas or at the pool, you will find a space that suits your mood.

Offering a very private experience, there are 8 uniquely decorated suites, each with their own deck which provides guests with expansive views to the north. The suites were designed to blend with the beauty of the natural surrounds.

Decorated in natural hews of colour and texture, each suite has sliding doors from each room and shower which allow the guest to fully experience the concept of complete integration with the bushveld.

Rates Include

Two shared shared game drives per day; the Madikwe Conservation Levy; the Madikwe Gate entry fee/FedAir landing/departure fee (if applicable); all meals; tea/coffee with meals; and road transfers to/from the Madikwe Airstrip to the lodge are included. PLEASE NOTE: A room levy of R10 per person per night (subject to change) is to be paid directly to the lodge on check out.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome.  Children under 6 years are not permitted on game drives.

Directions For Drivers

PLEASE NOTE: The main gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. Guests who arrive after this time will not be allowed to self-drive to the lodge. The lodge will send a representative to escort guests to the lodge at an additional cost. SUGGESTION: Refuel at Sun Village/Zeerust as there is no fuel available inside the reserve. DO NOT follow your GPS after Zeerust/Sun City - it will take you on the wrong roads.

From Johannesburg Airport via N4 tar road: Follow the R21 north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park. After 40 km follow N1 north to Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane). After about 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort Dam. Follow the N4 to Hartebeespoort Dam.

Take the N4 to Zeerust past Brits, Rustenberg, and Swartruggens. Zeerust is approximately 220 km from Pretoria. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 to Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. Take the N4 to Zeerust past Brits, Rustenberg, and Swartruggens. Zeerust is approximately 220 km from Pretoria. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 to Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. After +/- 90 km you will see a sign on the right for the Abjaterskop Gate of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Continue on this road past the Abjaterskop Gate for 7 km. You will find a small thatched gate (Wonderboom Gate) on the right into the reserve - turn in here.

Once you are in the reserve, follow the signs to the lodge. Allow between 20-30 minutes to drive from the gate to the lodge.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Sun City via N4 tar road: Turn right from as you leave Sun City onto the R565. After a few km you will come to a junction with the R565 to the left, and the R556 signposted straight ahead. Turn left here to keep on the R565 signposted Phokeng and Rustenberg, and it is 38 km from here to the junction with the N4 tar road.

When you reach the N4, turn right onto the road (signposted Swartruggens and Zeerust) and continue for around 130 km on this road to Zeerust. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg or Sun City via gravel roads: There is a gravel road from Sun City to Madikwe - this route is a lot shorter than the current tar road route, however as the roads are gravel and the signs to Madikwe are rather inconsistent, we would not really recommend this route to customers.

Should you wish to return to Sun City or Johannesburg using the gravel roads, the lodge will be able to supply you with a map and directions.

General Information For Guests

Each suite has its own viewing deck  and en-suite bathroom.

The main lodge is spectacularly located on two tiers of the ridge, accessed via a wooden bridge. The lodge has a main reception, a dining area, a lounge, an upper and lower deck, and a swimming pool area.

Credit cards are accepted.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 15 minute drive away from the airstrip.

Popular Alternatives to Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.