- Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge - North West Province Accommodation -Conference Accommodation
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the few reserves in Southern Africa, which is malaria free. Located in South Africa along the Botswana border and 20km from Gaborone, the reserve lies within a transition region between lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. The tremendous diversity of fauna and flora includes the black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
The main lodge sits on the slopes of a hill across a ravine, separating it from the chalets.
Spectacularly located on two tiers of the ridge, the main lodge is accessed via a wooden bridge that crosses a ravine surrounded by rock figs.
The dining room and pool are located on the upper tier and the reception, lounge and sun deck on the lower tier. Each of the living areas has its own character, mood and style providing the guests with a selection of breathtaking views and tranquil spaces.
Madikwe Game Reserve is MALARIA FREE and offers 75000 hectares of prime Game Viewing including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino. As well as the Big Five Madikwe offers fantastic opportunities to view the rare and endangered Wild Dog, which is a mega "tick" on any game viewers list.
There is also extensive plains game and over 340 species of birds to attract your attention.
Rise to the African dawn and join your morning game drive with your professional ranger who will show you the wonders of the bush including the thrill of search for the big 7, birdlife and the lovely terrain. Our rangers are all very well trained and have a deep passion for the bush. Their in-depth knowledge will entertain and delight you. Coffee and teas served at a point chosen during the drive, arriving back at the lodge for a sumptuous Brunch the day is yours to spend as you please with a book by the waterhole, swimming in the pool, or snoozing on your private veranda. You choose.
Tea will be served before the dusk game drive where you will again experience the bush in different conditions and this time watch the African sun set with a sundowner drink. This will set you up for your dinner, with shared stories of your day before it is time to dream of what’s to come tomorrow.
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is unique for many reasons, none more so than the fact it is the only lodge wholly owned by a local rural community. Known as the Balete, the owners of Buffalo Ridge live in the village of Lekgophung just west of Madikwe. Like many such places, Lekgophung was shaped by the history of our country. Its people, the Balete, have deep roots in the North West as members of the Batswana, the great tribe that has lived in and around the fringes of the Kalahari for many centuries. Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is named after the Balete totem - the buffalo.
After many years involvement in the lodge business, The Nature Workshop realized the potential of the industry to bring benefit and economic development to remote areas such as Lekgophung. The idea emerged of a very special partnership between The Nature Workshop and the Balete. After five years, together with Mafisa Consulting, the team completed successful negotiations with the local authorities, raised the money and overcome the many obstacles along the way, with the result that the Balete have lease rights to this prime site in Madikwe. The lodge that has been built competes with the best, and the partnership with The Madikwe Collection as an operating company provides the expertise the local community requires making their new business work.
And so the wheel has come full circle. The people who were dispossessed during the apartheid era now own a world-class business. The lodge is staffed by people from the village and the rigorous training program has been designed to ensure that the Balete develop the skills to manage their own lodge within a 15 year time frame. They receive a fair rental from the bookings, which is available for investment in the village and its people.
The superb wildlife destination of Madikwe has environmentally and socially welcomed the development of Buffalo Ridge, where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers, who are able to interpret and enhance the many unforgettable encounters while on safari.
Scheduled daily charters are available via the Federal Air Madikwe Charter Joint Venture Partnership. Lodge tariffs include luxury accommodation, two fabulous game drives per day and all meals.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TARIFFS ARE QUOTED: |
* Inclusive of 14% V.A.T. * In South African Rands * Subject to availability |
TARIFFS CHANGES : |
All tariffs quoted are subject to change, without prior notice, however rates quoted for confirmed bookings will be honored |
TARIFFS INCLUDE : |
* Luxury accommodation * Two game drives per day * All meals daily * Selected beverages * Tea & Coffee * Optional walking safaris * Road transfer from the Madikwe Airstrip to the Lodge * |
TARIFFS EXCLUDE : |
* Curio shop purchases * Beverage unless otherwise indicated * Telephone calls * Lodge transfers * Airport Tax * Tourism Levy * Landing Fee at airstrip * Laundry services unless otherwise indicated |
CHILDREN : |
* Children 10yrs and older are welcome at our lodges * Children under 10yrs old can be accommodated in most of our lodges and babysitters available. |
PAYMENT: |
A deposit of 50% of the total accommodation charge is required for direct bookings. Retail Agents and Tour Operators are to prepay, unless otherwise arranged. There is a 5% surcharge on credit card payments for commissionable bookings. Extras may be settled in camp. We accept all credit cards. |
CANCELLATIONS: |
Our cancellation policy is as follows: Four weeks before arrival - 50% of full amount. Two weeks before arrival - 75% of full amount One week or less - 100% of full amount |
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE: |
Guests may arrive any time from 12:00 am, and rooms are to be vacated by 11:00am. |
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) |
GATE ENTRANCE FEES: |
Gates open @ 06h00 & closes @ 21h00. Entrance fee into the Madikwe Reserve by Road, please settle in camp. |
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. |
The silence is Deafening, something everyone remembers
General Enquiry Information
