Let your expert guide take the pleasure in sharing his passion for the marvels of the heavens and share some interesting facts about what can be observed on a cloudless night in the Klein Karoo at Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge.
Bookings must be made prior to the evening of the tour and preferably with your Online Registration form. Price. A minimum of 2 persons, subject to weather conditions.
This is also open to the public, however bookings are essential and must be made at least 48 hours in advance
George is 65km from here, Mossel Bay just over the fabulous Robinson Pass is just 98km and of course the entire Garden Route and the wonders of now famous Route 62 opens up to you on our doorstep!
On the farm there are a few relaxing activities, swimming, hiking, reading on your deck, watching the animals, and enjoying the scenery.
The Vergelegen Road upon which Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge is situated leads one directly to the R328 and one of the most highly sought after circular routes in South Africa, down the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert, through Meiringspoort and de Rust and back home to us, in time for sundowners and another fantastic dinner!
In April 2020, we introduced our South African cheetahs to our guests. After two years of being on the Reserve and being a part of our family, our cheetahs are now adapted and have relaxed to their new environment. We are aiming to create a platform to educate tourists about this predator in its natural environment.
We aim to create conservation awareness through education and to give the visitor a once in a lifetime experience. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is part of EWT’s Cheetah Meta-population project and are wanting to contribute towards the existence and increase of the free-roaming cheetah population in their natural habitat in Southern Africa.
Cheetahs, like all other large predators, are heavily persecuted by livestock farmers. To conserve habitat for species such as the cheetah are a massive challenge to overcome. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge decided to contribute to this cause, by conserving the habitat for the cheetah and in so doing help to overcome the challenges that our cheetah meta-population faces. Track the free roaming cheetahs by vehicle and by foot in their natural environment at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.
Outfit: Long Tracksuite
Age Limit: Min age of 12 yrs/Min height of 1.2m
Duration of Activity: 3 – 4 Hours
Meeting Point: Look-out Lounge @ 08:00 (have to leave Zwartberg Mountain View Lodge 7h00)
What to Bring: Sunblock, Hiking shoes (no sandals or flip flops), Preferably long trousers, Hat, Small Backpack, ,Water, Binoculars / Camera and Appropriate medication for personal medical conditions.
During our bush safaris ( game drives ), you can expect to experience true Karoo vegetation from our open game viewing vehicles. Our wide range of animals includes Hippo, Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, Buffalo, Springbok, and much more. The duration of our bush safaris is ± 2 hours. About midway through the safari, there is a refreshment break at one of our scenic lookout points. These offer 360° panoramic views of the area as well as the Zwartberg Mountains.
Duration of Activity: 2 Hours
Meeting Point: Look-out Lounge @ 9h00 (have to leave Zwartberg Mountain View Lodge 8h00) or @15h00 (have to leave Zwartberg Mountain View Lodge 14h00)
At a Directors meeting on 29 April 2022 a decision was taken, that with immediate effect, too no longer offer Elephant Walks as an Activity.
None of our elephants have been taken from the wild for captivity. The three elephants were orphaned when the adults were poached. Our elephants come from circumstances that if we did not intervene they would not be alive today. We did not choose this life for them but we rather chose to give them the best possible life within our means with the best possible love and care. All our elephant excursions have a most informative educational approach.
We are fortunate that they ended up here at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge as they are true gentle giants and have great personalities. Elephants are very affectionate and caring animals.
Duration of Activity: 30 min
About the Activity: An early booking for an Elephant Experience is essential as our elephants are very popular. Clients should arrive 15 minutes prior to activity. Activity will automatically be cancelled if clients arrive 15 minutes after booked time and will have to wait for the next time slot. You are welcome to ask our elephant guides as many questions as you like.
Hourly from 09:00 to 14:00 depending on availability. You may take as many photos as you like while our qualified and skilled elephant guides share their knowledge with you of these gentle giants.
Join us daily at dawn to witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, just in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities.
Meerkats are also referred to as the Suricate or in German as the Erdmännchen and are known to be part of the Mongoose family. They are small species of foraging mammals that’s usually found inhabiting the harsh conditions of the open and arid, semi-desert plains in Southern Africa.
Meerkats are known for their upright stance and their sociable behaviour. The Meerkat Safaris at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge will bring you up close to these amazing animals. A trained ranger will meet our guests in the Lookout Lounge, where they will enjoy a warm cup of coffee and rusks, before heading to the Safari vehicle by which they will be taken to the Meerkat burrows. On the way to the burrows guests are usually lucky to spot some of the 22 species of animals on the reserve. As there are dangerous animals like Buffalo and Hippo on the reserve, the guests remain on the vehicle while waiting for the Meerkats to emerge at the break of dawn. The ranger will educate the guests on all the interesting facts and behaviour throughout the experience.
Duration of Activity: +-2 Hours
Please note:
Weather permitting. On sunny mornings our meerkats wake up on time, but conditions such as rain and cold overcast mornings can delay the meerkats to emerge from their burrows for the morning. Meerkats prefer clear sunny mornings. Thus, in the event of above mentioned weather conditions, there is a possibility that we will not see the meerkats or that the meerkat safari can be cancelled.
General Guidelines:
These are wild habituated Meerkats and will not be touched or handled by humans, including the ranger. The distance from the Meerkats and the guests will at all times be determined by the ranger and respected by the guests. Maximum of 16 guests per vehicle. Maximum of 2 vehicles per day. No children under the age of eight years.
Strap your boots and come experience an adventure that will allow you to use all your senses to connect deeper with the Little Karoo and its history. A 5km trail swirls past dramatic scenes of the famous red rock formations of the little Karoo. These scenes will take your imagination on a journey, while a qualified guide tells the stories on how the Little Karoo was born millions of years ago. Smelling nature and Feeling the grass crush underneath your boots while following your guide, you can encounter a variety of wildlife species from a safe distance. This activity is also a fantastic opportunity for bird lovers as our expert guides are fully qualified and well informed on the many bird species you may encounter on the walk. Moving through dense Karoo veld, the trail leads you to a historical cave that was previously inhabited by the San ( Bushman ) people. Here you will witness the fine art of the bushman people, painted many years ago against the folds of the mountain range. Overlooking the plains of the Little Karoo, the guide will share stories of the Bushman and how they lived here in the land of thirst.
Outfit: Long Tracksuite
Age Limit: Min age of 12 yrs/Min height of 1.2m
Min Pax: 2 Pax 8 Max
Duration of Activity: +- 4 Hours (depends on group’s pace)
Breakfast: Snack pack, juice & water incl.
Trail difficulty: Casual +- 5km walk
Fitness Level: Moderate
Provided: Walking Stick (optional)
Departure Times: 06:00 (summer-have to leave Zwartberg Mountain View Lodge 5h00) 08:00 (winter -have to leave Zwartberg Mountain View Lodge 7h00)
What to Bring: Sunblock, Hiking shoes (no sandals or flip flops), Preferably long trousers, Hat, Small Backpack, ,Water, Binoculars / Camera and Appropriate medication for personal medical conditions
Along the same route you’ll encounter ostrich farms, wine estates, endangered species breeding units and of course one of the greatest natural wonders in the world – the awesome Cango Caves and its sister attractions, Cango Ostrich Farm – directly accessible from here!
Ontdek die wonder en natuurskoon van die Klein Karoo te perd met ons kundige span.
Experience nature on horseback: up close, rugged, beautiful. We offer scenic guided outrides in the Klein Karoo routes on Doornkraal farm along old tracks and hidden game paths through the foot-hills of the spectacular Swartberg Mountains. Riders of all skill levels welcome, even beginners.
You can enjoy short outrides or day rides including a sumptuos picnic of fresh, wholesome farm produce served with local wine or delicious homemade cordials. Our horses are descendants of the Cape Riding Horse, a South African breed with a rich history. They have excellent temperaments and are sure-footed and big-hearted.
For more information and to book click hereThe Klein Karoo, specifically the Oudtshoorn area and Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge, is a haven for bird lovers. The lodge offers a variety of bird-friendly habitats, allowing guests to observe a diverse range of bird species on the walking trails, at waterholes, and even on the mountain itself. These habitats include permanent streams, thickets, fynbos, and karroid veld, as well as man-made habitats like dams and gardens. Each of these habitats is home to its own unique species, some of which can only be found in the Western Cape. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply appreciate the beauty of these feathered creatures, Zwartberg View Mountain Lodge is the perfect destination for an unforgettable birding experience.
Download Bird ListWe had a very nice stay here. The hosts were very kind and helpfull. Seeing the animals was great. We have really enjoyed the morningwalk. Seeing the animals again in... read more another surrounding was great. And do not forget the magnificent diner We have enjoyed the first evening.
This is the third time my husband and I have stayed at Zwartberg View and every time it just gets better. This is the most peaceful and comfortable accommodation we... read more have stayed in, coupled with wonderful, generous hosts, amazing food and the best beds we have slept in! I cannot recommend this enough. It's a perfect stop off between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. We have stayed here as a couple, with our 4 children and the most recent trip was with my elderly parents. Varley and Hannalize could not have been more accommodating and kind towards them.
If you are looking for a good place to stay, Zwartbergview Mountain Lodge is allocated just outside Oudtshoorn where you can enjoy peace and tranquility. You have privacy at the... read more chalets and good company/entertainment at the lodge.
This peace of heaven is just far enough away from town to enjoy nature, but still close enough to enjoy all the activities in the surrounding area.
We had a wonderful time here. Spectacular views, lovely accommodation. Food was great and the service was above and beyond. We did the Meiringpoort 21km race and Zwartberg is in... read more perfect proximity to the race. Varley, his wife and sons went out of their way - organising sandwiches for us after the race as we missed breakfast. We definitely plan to be back again for next year’s race if not before
Peace of heaven on earth. Was the most pleasant experience ever. The quietness of nature restore your inner peace. Will definitely be back. I enjoyed the hospitality, nature and complete... read more relaxation of body and soul. Highly recommended More
We had an amazing stay at Zwartberg View Mountain lodge. Truly such a friendly place with lovely staff and beautiful animals.
We were so happy there and have... read more decided to book another trip soon. 100% Recommend this place.
The best Karoo experience! Comfortable chalets, great food, excellent hosts! Best views and plenty of game! We were there in winter and there was a constant fire in the diningroom... read more and airconditioning in the rooms! Ambiance is excellent! Do youself a favour!
This was the second time I have visited Zwartberg. It is the MOST wonderful getaway, and so worth the visit. The Zwartberg chalets are beautifully decorated, and wonderfully isolated. The... read more views of the Klein Karoo are absolutely unmatched. We were lucky enough to see snow on the mountains surrounding us!
The lodge area is the perfect place to enjoy a meal, have a dip in the pool, watch game or just sit by the fire with a book. The food is absolutely delicious, and I would definitely recommend having a meal or two there.
The farm is a great place to relax, and watch the game. We also walked a beautiful hiking trail on the property with beautiful views over the farm and the mountains.
The owners are wonderful, and are very accommodating to any needs we had. More
Look no further for a perfect break from the hassle and bussle. Great nature experience and hospitality to soothe away everyday stresses and rejuvenate while enjoying nature and wildlife. The... read more lodge is easily accessible and provides the right balance of comfort and rustic Africa experience. The highlight is the tranquility and the ability to get really close to majestic wildlife as they enjoy feeding in front of the lodge terrace. Amazing sunrise and sunset, and the Milky Way stars are awesome!
We loved our stay, definitely worth a second visit! The views and the tranquil atmosphere are to die for. Sun-downers at the lapa with the animals eating nearby was... read more the highlight for the children. And going on an early morning walk up to the lookout point with the giraffe and zebras watching us, was just as amazing for the adults. Will recommend to friends.. More
Your Hosts: Varley & Hannalize plus Family
Tel: + 27 64 554 4905
Bookings: bookings@zwartbergview.co.za
Website: www.zwartbergview.co.za
GPS: 33°31’48.46″S / 22°23’43.83″E