Buffelsdrift - Oudtshoorn

by Caroline Derman
(Cape Town)

Wonderful setting on the dam - note the hippo in foreground!

We went to Buffelsdrift as we were invited to a wedding there. The entire wedding party was put up in the tented camp :o)

There are about 16 luxury tents which are really beautiful and have all sorts of nice touches like air-conditioning, private outdoor shower, lovely linen etc.

It is in a beautiful setting with lovely views of the mountains and it is on a large dam full of hippos. All the tents open onto lovely lawns which drop straight onto the dam wall so in this respect it is really not suitable for YOUNG children as they could quickly disappear in the murky water or be chomped by hippos!

(Fear not! The steep dam sides keep the hippos in the dam and not roaming around the tents.)

There is a pool on the edge of the dam and a great restaurant and bar area built on a wooden platform over the dam which makes it quite special.

The service was fantastic and the staff are really friendly and go out of their way to do everything for you.

We did not go on the game drive but those who did found it not very enjoyable. They said it was hot and long and they did not see too many animals so that would not seem to be the main reason to stay there. *

It is a really great place to stay if you are wanting a bit of luxury and peaceful surroundings while exploring Oudtshoorn.

*(I think they may have been a bit unlucky -- reading other guests comments, it seems this is not a regular complaint! Ali)