DescriptionSituated 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.
The Buffalo Hills Lodge was originally built in 1988 in order to conceal the scars left from quarrying sand stone for the construction of the Turtle Dove B&B in Harrismith. Originally built as a family retreat and then rebuilt as a Lodge in 2006 after being gutted by a runaway veld fire in 2003. The Buffalo Den Lounge was the only building to survive this fire. The Lodge is built on the Northern Slopes of The Historical Kerkenberg Mountain approx 4km from the Retief Rock Monument and 6km from The Barefoot Woman Statue.
AttractionsLodge Activities
Nearby Attractions
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
DirectionsFrom Harrismith, 4km on N5 toward Bethlehem, turn left onto R74 for 8km then turn left again onto the R74 (Bergville). Travel for a further 10km and turn left onto the S19 gravel road (Opp. dam against road). Travel 3.8km then turn left, travel a further 3.9km (passing farm school on right side) and then turn right for a further 5km. Turn right into Buffalo Hills Private Game Reserve. Once in reserve travel past old farm Homestead for a further 2km to Lodge (Up against the Kerkenberg Mountain Slopes). |
