Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge | Madikwe Game Reserve

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 Nick Plewman, 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. Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge opened in November 2004.

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

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the Tweedepoort Ridge overlooking the plains and inselbergs of the western section of Madikwe Game Reserve. The main lodge is spectacularly located on two tiers of the ridge and is 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.

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:

• Accommodation, All meals, teas and coffees. Game drives and Safari Activities

The Rates Exclude

• Bar services; Spa Treatments; Items of a personal nature.
• Conservation Levy 
• Park Entrance Fee 

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.

To all Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge Clients

The South Africa is currently at Lockdown Level 2. As we are still dealing with COVID-19 related lockdowns within South Africa and Internationally we have updated our booking and cancellation policies for Buffalo Ridge. We are aware of and sympathetic to the uncertainties surrounding domestic and global travel in the short and medium term due to the worldwide impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As such we have reviewed our Booking and Cancellation procedures to assist you with your bookings. These amendments will give our guests the opportunity to plan and book their Safari, safe in the knowledge that an amendment can be made to their booking without the standard cancellation penalties. This process is still quite fluid so we will take our cue from the Government and will monitor and update our clients accordingly

We recommend that all international guests take out comprehensive personal travel insurance and that they check the schedule of included benefits thoroughly. Most insurance companies have an option to purchase an insurance plan with a 'Cancel for Any Reason' clause, which should cover any trip cancellations for pandemics. Current insurance plans that offer cancellation insurance may only cover this in the event the guest is physically quarantined, please check that your cover is extended to cover cancellations without a quarantine requirement.

Cancellation Policy

• We have amending the policy to bring it in line with our Payment Policy: 25% deposit on booking placed 60 days or more prior to date of travel; 50% deposit on bookings placed between 30 and 60 days prior to travel and 100% on
  bookings placed within 30 days of travel.
• The following cancellation fees will be levied and the scale of charges expressed as a percentage of the total price is as follows: 60 days or more before arrival – 25% of the total amount.
• 30 – 60 days before arrival - 50% of the total amount.
• Less than 30 days before arrival - 100% of the total amount.

NEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS - Valid for new and confirmed bookings from 11th March 2021.

1. Should a guest of Buffalo Ridge not be able to travel on the dates booked due to COVID-19 related government travel directives, the booking may be amended and moved by up to 12 months at the same rates, inclusions, exclusions and conditions.

2. Should a guest be unable to travel due to any Covid-19 related illness the booking may be amended and moved by up to 12 months at the same rates, inclusions, exclusions and conditions. Proof of Covid-19 test to be sent to the lodge for approval of cancellation / postponement.

3. If the lodge is closed due to a Covid-19 related illness within the lodge the booking may be amended and moved by up to 12 months at the same rates, inclusions, exclusions and conditions.

4. Please note, only one amendment to travel dates may be made and an amendment may be made up to 30 days prior to travel.

5. Cancellations of bookings not related to Covid-19 within 30 days prior to travel will result in our standard terms and conditions and cancellation policies applying and guests will be required to claim a refund from their travel insurance.

6. Outstanding or Balance of Payment due on current bookings (within 30 days of travel) are due in full as per original payment schedule in order for Point 1, 2, and 3 above to apply.

7. Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge reserves the right to alter these terms & conditions at any time and will send out notifications of any such changes.

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

Summer (October to April)

• 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

Winter (May to September)

• 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

Binoculars and camera with a spare memory card and charger for your camera are a must all year round.

Gate times

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