Buffalo Hills Private Game Reserve

Buffalo Hills Private Game Reserve

Description

Situated south of Harrismith in the Eastern Free State, Drakensberg Highlands & Maloti Transfrontier Route – The Buffalo Hills Private Game Reserve has a unique “Bush Camp Style” Lodge built from rugged sandstone and thatch grass up against the Kerkenberg Mountain’s Majestic rock face. At 1860m, you are ensured of breathtaking panoramic views and a natural biodiversity unique to this Drakensberg World Heritage Area.The Lodge has been designed to accommodate singles, couples or small groups to a maximum of 6 people sharing, offering total privacy in rustic luxury!Three cosy chalets with bathrooms en suite ensure a comfortable and restful stay. The clean mountain air and softly echoing night sounds form part of the therapy for a good night’s sleep.

Lodge

The Lodge has been designed to accommodate singles, couples or small groups to a maximum of 6 people sharing, offering total privacy in rustic luxury!

Three cozy chalets with Percale-linen dressed King size beds and bathrooms en suite ensure a comfortable and restful stay. The clean mountain air and softly echoing night sounds form part of the therapy for a good nights sleep.

Contact Details Lulu Spilsbury +27 (058) 62 21220 0835076954 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

Lodge Activities

• Game Drives, Buffalo Feeding and Sundowner trips are organized daily as well as outings on the reserve quads.
• A Walking Safari or a Mountain Hike are certainly not out of the question and most enjoy a Champagne Breakfast at the cave where Rock Art can be viewed up close.
• Simply laze around the rock pool with your favourite book back at camp or put our Golf Driving Range to the test 
• Should a bit of fly fishing tickle your fancy? - A dozen dams on the reserve host your choice of Rainbow Trout, Large Mouth Bass or Yellow Fish which can be caught & released or brought home for dinner.
• Polo clinics can be arranged for the keen rider, or simply just a Horse Back Safari
• Nothing like a game of Volleyball followed by a crispy rock shower before Bar Snacks and Sundowners

Nearby Attractions

• Sterkfontein Dam (Windsurfing, Fly Fishing, Power Boating, Yachting) - 15km
• Golf courses in Harrismith, Clarens and the Drakensberg – 30 to 80km
• Golden Gate Nature Reserve – 60km
• Clarens Art Village – 80km
• Basotho Cultural Village -  60km
• World Heritage Drakensberg Sites - 50 to 100km
• Helicopter Trips (From reserve)
• Oaklands Country Polo Estate – 50km
• Tugela Vaal Hydro Electric Scheme – 30km
• Bingelela Restaurant & Pizzeria – 50km
• Little Switzerland Restaurant – 30km
  

Game

Besides a host of plains game including Eland, Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok, Mountain Reedbuck, Zebra, Steen buck, Lechwe, Waterbuck and Blesbuck, Buffalo Hills supports the very important African Buffalo breeding project where a herd of "desease free" have been released into the reserve and are monitored daily. Red rabbit, Caracal, Ant Bear, Serval, African Wild Cat and Brown Hyena are sometimes seen.

Picturesque landscapes, breathtaking views and game seen at close range makes Buffalo Hills a photographer's paradise.

Polo - A Sport for Kings and Buffalo Hill's Clients!

BroPolo Horse Farm borders Buffalo Hills and  provides specially prepared programs for beginners of all ages. This includes selected ponies, gear and polo exercises to adapt to the individual need and maximize the learning experience. Even new players without riding experience learn and benefit from BroPolo’s unique style and instruction.

Professionals operating in a high-stress business environment find the game offers the challenge and competitive stimulation they thrive on, while the rural environment and proximity to the horse is therapeutic, calming and good for the soul.

The trek-party of Piet Retief started to ascend the Drakensberg along the Oliviershoek Pass on 19 October 1837. They trekked left past the Oudeberg Spring until they reached a fountain, near the present day Retief Rock, where they stopped for a short period. Erasmus Smit named this area Kerkenberg because it reminded him of a church or a place where religious gatherings could be held. During this time Piet Retief was visiting King Dingane in order to negotiate the possibility of acquiring some land for the Voortrekkers. On his 57th birthday (12 November 1837) his daughter, Debora Retief, wrote her father’s name and the date on an overhanging rock with green paint. The other names that appear on the rock are those of the Bethlehem commando that occupied the Oliviershoek Pass on 10 October 1899 with the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. 

This rock can still be seen today. It is situated 30 km south of Harrismith, over the steep Oliviershoek Pass at Kerkenberg. The green painted writing is protected against natural elements such as the wind and rain by a glass case, which was placed over the writing much later. With the 1937-Centenary Celebrations a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Mrs. J.C. Preller and in 1986 the English version of the plaque was donated by students of the Pretoria Technicon.

Facilities

• Malaria Free Area
• Roads mainly gravel.
• Landing Strip for Light Aircraft  ~   Harrismith Airport 28* 14`00”S   29*06`00”E  5585 Feet
• Bring: ~ Warm Clothing, Binoculars, Fly Fishing Equipment, Camera, Hiking Boots & Golf Clubs.
• Top quality spring water on tap!!
• Wireless Hotspot
• Cell Connectivity at Lodge
• DSTV PVR
• Fully Catered, home style cuisine specialising in organic venison, fish and locally sourced ingredients.
• All Drinks included
• Guests hosted by the owners to ensure a tailor-made stay

Directions