Ria S
Family with young children
"Peaceful visit, nice tent."
My husband and I and our two sons (6 and 8 years) stayed for 3 nights in one of Buffalo Drift's luxury tents. It is located on a farm and in a very peaceful environment with poor mobile signal (so you can completely unplug, so to speak) and many thorns (not so nice for little feet). The tent overlooks a still stretch of the river, and one cannot swim there. There is a part of the river that is swimmable a few meters up. We didn't swim, the water didn't move and we were careful because you couldn't see through it. The only other place to cool off is the 'damcuzzi' at the tent which is filled with river water. We were able to cool off, but the boys usually look for more space to play in the water. The 'damcuzzi' can also be heated by a fire and we did that too, and enjoyed it. Just be aware that this is river water, and not clean, clear water. The fact that the tent has real beds in it was very comfortable (even though the bunk bed's mattresses are thin) and we slept well. The big convenience was the bathroom that was built right into the tent. The water was nice and warm (although not very strong in the shower) and there is a toilet connected to a septic tank under the tent. You could smell the tank sometimes and it wasn't always pleasant, but having your own bathroom made up for it. The view from the tent is over the river and you are staring into a few trees, and even though it is in nature, one cannot look far or actually see a sunset or sunrise. The 'kitchen' was ok, most of the cutlery and the pan and the two plate stove are very old. When we wanted a two-point plug, the staff quickly provided it. The water in the tap is undrinkable. Drinking water is provided in a 5l jug. There are a lot of insects at night, so pack some music. I also took a mosquito net and it worked well. We took our bikes, and had quite a few flat wheels due to all the thorns on the farm. There is an off-road bike track that the boys and my husband rode on, but it is not very well maintained. Furthermore, one can only drive on a few dirt roads. (There is another farm, "The Farm" nearby where there is better cycling, but we did not see it ourselves.). Unfortunately, our car's wheel got a nail in it, and we had to replace it. If there is loadshedding after sunset, the taps do not work. The solar panels do provide power if the power is off during the day. There are 4 tents in a row along the river. There is quite a bit of privacy below where the braai is, but you can see each other if you stand on the stoep (deck) of the tent. We could hear the people next to our baby crying at night. The braai/hanging out area downstairs was very nice, you braai in a round steel wheel (?) that stands on the ground. I think the grill could be upgraded to something higher that is more comfortable to grill on. The tent was really nice and all the zips worked well. One feels safe inside. It also rained a bit, and everything inside was dry. Overall a pleasant experience. The staff on the farm are very friendly (specifically Lydia who came to wash our dishes every morning!) and were helpful. There isn't much to do, so go there to switch off.
Apr 2023
About Viya
Buffalo Drift
Buffalo Drift
Buffalo Drift
-
The accommodation comprises a choice of either a tented campsite or 2 free-standing units offering dorm-style accommodation. The Farm unit is located on the farm opposite Ruigtevlei, on the banks of a lovely dam. Each of the units has access to its own kitchen which is well-equipped to meet guests' self-catering needs.
The units each feature their own braai area while the tented campsite enjoys sole use of a private section of the river.
The Berg River flows through the farm and offers water-based activities such as swimming, canoeing (prior arrangement and at a fee) or fishing. Guests can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking(bring bikes along), clay pigeon shooting(prior arrangement and payment) on the farm.
The accommodation comprises a choice of either a tented campsite or 2 free-standing units offering dorm-style accommodation. The Farm unit is located on the farm opposite Ruigtevlei, on the banks of a lovely dam. Each of the units has access to its own kitchen which is well-equipped to meet guests' self-catering needs.
The units each feature their own braai area while the tented campsite enjoys sole use of a private section of the river.
The Berg River flows through the farm and offers water-based activities such as swimming, canoeing (prior arrangement and at a fee) or fishing. Guests can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking(bring bikes along), clay pigeon shooting(prior arrangement and payment) on the farm.
Features
Earn Viya Reward Points completing for this stay!
Earn 1% in Reward Points by completing a stay here!
1%Back in points
Reviews (43)
43 guests' feedbackI was working at an event in the Tulbagh area for a few days and was fortunate to find space at Buffalo Drift. I unfortunately didn't get to spend a lot of time here as I was out early and back late, but I appreciated the quiet, and a good shower and comfortable bed. I stayed in a cabin right next to the Berg River, which was lovely and peaceful. This is a lovely location for a getaway to paddle on and swim in the river. The location worked well for me with a 25-minute drive to where I needed to be each day.
Will definitely go again.
Was great, staff were superb, really impressed that whether 31 Dec or 1 Jan, any issues we had they came straight away and attended to it.
We do realise that the venue is marketed as more of an adult getaway resort. For a family with children, we found the river unswimmable for children due to the river being merky and not knowing the depth of the river. We would suggest to the owners considering inserting a general "swemgat", i. e. a man made pool filled with the river water on the grounds.
Good, some technical problems but sorted.
Was a nice experience.
My husband and I and our two sons (6 and 8 years) stayed for 3 nights in one of Buffalo Drift's luxury tents. It is located on a farm and in a very peaceful environment with poor mobile signal (so you can completely unplug, so to speak) and many thorns (not so nice for little feet). The tent overlooks a still stretch of the river, and one cannot swim there. There is a part of the river that is swimmable a few meters up. We didn't swim, the water didn't move and we were careful because you couldn't see through it. The only other place to cool off is the 'damcuzzi' at the tent which is filled with river water. We were able to cool off, but the boys usually look for more space to play in the water. The 'damcuzzi' can also be heated by a fire and we did that too, and enjoyed it. Just be aware that this is river water, and not clean, clear water. The fact that the tent has real beds in it was very comfortable (even though the bunk bed's mattresses are thin) and we slept well. The big convenience was the bathroom that was built right into the tent. The water was nice and warm (although not very strong in the shower) and there is a toilet connected to a septic tank under the tent. You could smell the tank sometimes and it wasn't always pleasant, but having your own bathroom made up for it. The view from the tent is over the river and you are staring into a few trees, and even though it is in nature, one cannot look far or actually see a sunset or sunrise. The 'kitchen' was ok, most of the cutlery and the pan and the two plate stove are very old. When we wanted a two-point plug, the staff quickly provided it. The water in the tap is undrinkable. Drinking water is provided in a 5l jug. There are a lot of insects at night, so pack some music. I also took a mosquito net and it worked well. We took our bikes, and had quite a few flat wheels due to all the thorns on the farm. There is an off-road bike track that the boys and my husband rode on, but it is not very well maintained. Furthermore, one can only drive on a few dirt roads. (There is another farm, "The Farm" nearby where there is better cycling, but we did not see it ourselves.). Unfortunately, our car's wheel got a nail in it, and we had to replace it. If there is loadshedding after sunset, the taps do not work. The solar panels do provide power if the power is off during the day. There are 4 tents in a row along the river. There is quite a bit of privacy below where the braai is, but you can see each other if you stand on the stoep (deck) of the tent. We could hear the people next to our baby crying at night. The braai/hanging out area downstairs was very nice, you braai in a round steel wheel (?) that stands on the ground. I think the grill could be upgraded to something higher that is more comfortable to grill on. The tent was really nice and all the zips worked well. One feels safe inside. It also rained a bit, and everything inside was dry. Overall a pleasant experience. The staff on the farm are very friendly (specifically Lydia who came to wash our dishes every morning!) and were helpful. There isn't much to do, so go there to switch off.
This is a bit like glamping. It's quite rustic but fun. The damcuzzi was delightful, especially with the heat of February.
The river is there, but not very tempting.
We had a lovely stay in the beautiful, peaceful scenery. The tent is wonderfully equipped, would just suggest a frying pan. The staff are very friendly and have gone out of their way. Everything was neat & clean. It is incredibly beautiful and we will recommend the place anytime. Here you can recharge well.
Absolutely wowed with the tented camps! It was so peaceful and everything was just perfect! Hannes was a great host and looked well after us! And we had a visitor Saturday night (the farm dog) we enjoyed her so much, almost took her home. Looking forward to a future booking!
So I booked this place for my fiance and I just to get away from all the stress of planning a wedding all year. We're to be wed in 12 days and we needed to relax. Relax! This place is awesome. The location, the amenities, everything. Choosing this place as a stress reliever was a great decision. Zero cellphone reception was exactly what we needed. We time. Quality time. I recommend this place to one and all. Thank you, Esther and Martene.
Nice to get away from the city and to relax.
We were there for 2 nights and really enjoyed it! Think it's the perfect place for a weekend away from the city.
The tent was well appointed and had everything we would need. The air conditioner was a bonus, kept the tent cool in the heat of the sun.
It was a very disappointing experience. There was a bachelors on the same premises (I feel Buffalo Drift should warn guests in advance so you can move the date, or they had to say no to bachelors) - they played music until late. The tents themselves were also not like the pictures (misleading). The towels were old and rock hard (like sandpaper) and some were frayed. Tent 1 smelled like mold & drain. The grass around tents (where you go to barbecue) is full of weeds and looks awful. Unfortunately the rain didn't help (the floors of two tents were under water when we got there, rooms and bathrooms were full of worms - realize it was due to rain, but still gross).
The place needs some attention. Need to paint decks and clear the field after stagnant river. Maybe barbecue provided. Furthermore, everything was nice and clean regarding bedding etc. There were bachelors further down in camp and there was a lot of noise until very early next morning. Very disturbing.
As expected we needed a quiet break from city life and Buffalo drift was really as tranquil as advertised. Wish we could stay longer.
The people who are very friendly and helpful and always available if you need something. Ideal if you want to sit on the veranda and relax in nature.
Just lovely!
We were 14 guys who stayed in the River Cottage for a bachelors weekend. The house has everything you need and the boys really enjoyed the clay pigeon. Just make sure you take enough ice with you.
We stayed in tent 1. The tent was equipped very well with everything you could need. It was very nice to be in the nature without the bustle of the city.
We had a fantastic time. Very friendly, helpful people. Nice, neat accommodation. The farm is safe and far from the tar road. Would definitely return.
It was all very relaxing and beautiful, thoroughly enjoyed the camp atmosphere. Thanks for good service.
Very nice place to spend time with your partner for the perfect getaway. To appreciate the silence of nature and just rest.
Buffalo Drift is truly a place to go if you just want to get away with your love from the hustle and bustle of city life. We really had a breathtaking time there. I have to give up on Hannes because he really made our time there comfortable. It was hard to say goodbye on Sunday but we will definitely book a weekend there again. Amazing over!
Recommendations I made were to put a small work island on castors by the kitchen area, too little work space. Bench and towel rails in bathroom and list of activities they offer also to be placed inside tent. For people who want to experience tranquility and farm life, this is a nice destination. The large accommodation and reception area may be distracting if loud music is played during receptions, but that said, Buffalo Drift enforces the rules well.
Just two issues for me: they can close the drain outside so we can't look in, and maybe build a real swimming pool and not one with river water in it. But will go again. The canoes were also a highlight for us as a family.
Value for money and faultless.
Clean tidy and nicely presented. Just about everything you need for a couple of nights stay next to a river.
Nice.
No help was provided, we could not stay in the accommodation unit due to no reception, safety and no information about the condition of the dirt road for a regular car.
The photos look very pretty, but when we got there we were told that we could not drink the water. Every morning at 9 and every evening at 5 they bring you drinking water, which they did not mention on the website. For 3 stars the place is in a horrible condition. Throughout the day it sounded like gunshots were being fired. Of the 6 nights we booked, we only stayed for 2 and then went looking for alternative accommodation. We didn't even get back the security deposit. Will not recommend this to anyone.
We had a great weekend at Buffalo Drift. We were received kindly and immediately felt at home. Don't be afraid if the wind blows, because I have learned that the wind can blow there at times. But if it wasn't for the wind we might have gotten too hot. At least the wind also keeps the mosquitoes away. Make sure you take enough ice and fire wood. You should also take a cooler box in which your ice can stay cold for the weekend because the small fridge there is too small for it, but it works very well for your food etc. There is a 2-plate stove, but you must bring your own pot or pan. Furthermore, there are als. Break away for a weekend and go rest and enjoy the silence.
We took the braai packs and it was incredibly tasty. A lot of effort was put in and the meat was very tasty. It was lovely to stay among the nutmeg groves.
See the stars.
We had a great time, just maybe take mosquito repellent with you for the mosquitoes and gnats that are bothersome at night.
When we got there there was used linen on the bed, the excuse was that they had a lot of people the night before, and did apologize for it being there. We had a great stay and the place is beautiful, just a shame the place has not been cleaned for months. I think the cleaners only wash the dishes, and sometimes the bed linen is changed cleanly.
Water is not drinkable and smells unpleasant. Difficult to get hold of staff as there is no signal. Clean and tidy.
We traveled from George and then arranged for a late check-in. There were no outside lights on and we arrived at a pitch black farm with a water pump, which was not on. There are no extra blankets in the tent and my sister and I then slept together to keep warm, even though we paid for two tents. The evening upon arrival we were therefore unable to take a shower and had to call three times in the morning for service. The office claims it's not her fault and I had to call the farm foreman. However, he didn't answer either. Meanwhile, we had to leave for an appointment.
We stayed in the River Cottage. We never knew there were only 2 bedrooms. The toilets were leaking and the showers were clogged. The stove kept kicking out the electricity. No bath mats, braai tray, teaspoons or pots to use. The kitchen sink drain outside was clogged. I would not recommend the place at all for families or families, it can only work for a bunch of men who don't care about the above. We fetched pots from one of the tents, it looks better than the River Cottage.
People who just want to relax quietly in the tent and don't want to do anything else can go there. There is nothing for children to do except canoeing, but the water is not up to standard. I'm not full of nonsense at all, but it wasn't fun there, I really wasted my money. Maybe I was just "unlucky" and it's not always like that! I knew it would be hot but was looking forward to swimming in the river with the kids. It is not a running river and is therefore very dirty and very difficult to get to, we had to drive around in the car to cool off! The water pressure was also weak and we had no water for a whole day. Our next door neighbors had 3 dogs.
We wanted to get away from all the hustle and bustle and we got it here. However, the tents were not as luxurious as the pictures showed. There was no railing around the deck, so it's extremely dangerous for children or people who suffer from a fear of heights! There were no plugs for the sinks in the bathroom, no soap or washing-up liquid. Only two small towels. Bed and bedding were comfortable. There was no water in the taps in the bathroom the first morning. However, Hannes came very quickly to solve the problem and apologized profusely, apparently this is a problem that happens often. We had a good rest and were blessed with a beautiful full moon!
Map
Rooms
Swamp Donkey Motel
The Farm
More photos
We are Viya!
Welcome to Mzansi’s one-of-a-kind accommodation booking app.
Learn more about Viya
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Calendar
Tap any rate to see more detailed pricing.
Price Includes
Breakage Deposit
A refundable breakage deposit of R500 is payable directly to the establishment.Check-in/check-out details
House rules
Please note that a refundable breakage deposit is payable upon arrival.A minimum of 10 adults are required for bookings at the our large units and additional guests will be accommodated at an additional cost.
Please note that there is a gravel road leading to the establishment. Guests are required to enquire about the condition of the road, before arrival, as it could be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Swamp Donkey Motel
More room/unit pictures
Description
This accommodation comprises 5 Wooden Wendy's with a double bed in each, 2 containers with a double bed in each, 3 containers with 2 bunk beds in each, and another 3 containers with 6 bunk beds in each sleeping 62 guests in total. The bathrooms are fitted with showers.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Please note that a refundable breakage deposit is payable upon arrival.
A minimum of 10 adults are required for bookings at the our large units and additional guests will be accommodated at an additional cost.
Please note that there is a gravel road leading to the establishment. Guests are required to enquire about the condition of the road, before arrival, as it could be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This accommodation comprises 5 Wooden Wendy's with a double bed in each, 2 containers with a double bed in each, 3 containers with 2 bunk beds in each, and another 3 containers with 6 bunk beds in each sleeping 62 guests in total. The bathrooms are fitted with showers.
The Farm
More room/unit pictures
Description
The Farm is situated on a farm across from Ruigtevlei farm. The lodge consists of an open-plan kitchen, living, and entertainment area, inside and outside braai, pool table, and dart board. Accommodation is dorm-style with bunk beds in 3 bedrooms sleeping 26 guests. The bathroom is fitted with a shower and bath.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Please note that a refundable breakage deposit is payable upon arrival.
A minimum of 10 adults are required for bookings at the our large units and additional guests will be accommodated at an additional cost.
Please note that there is a gravel road leading to the establishment. Guests are required to enquire about the condition of the road, before arrival, as it could be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
The Farm is situated on a farm across from Ruigtevlei farm. The lodge consists of an open-plan kitchen, living, and entertainment area, inside and outside braai, pool table, and dart board. Accommodation is dorm-style with bunk beds in 3 bedrooms sleeping 26 guests. The bathroom is fitted with a shower and bath.
River Cottage
More room/unit pictures
Description
Two dorm-style rooms plus en-suite bathrooms that offer accommodation for up to 18 people. Each room is kitted out with 3 single beds and 3 bunk beds whilst each bathroom is fitted with a shower, toilet and basin.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Room Facilities
Appliances
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a self-catering basis.
House Rules
Please note that a refundable breakage deposit is payable upon arrival.
A minimum of 10 adults are required for bookings at the our large units and additional guests will be accommodated at an additional cost.
Please note that there is a gravel road leading to the establishment. Guests are required to enquire about the condition of the road, before arrival, as it could be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Two dorm-style rooms plus en-suite bathrooms that offer accommodation for up to 18 people. Each room is kitted out with 3 single beds and 3 bunk beds whilst each bathroom is fitted with a shower, toilet and basin.
The accommodation comprises a choice of either a tented campsite or 2 free-standing units offering dorm-style accommodation. The Farm unit is located on the farm opposite Ruigtevlei, on the banks of a lovely dam. Each of the units has access to its own kitchen which is well-equipped to meet guests' self-catering needs.
The units each feature their own braai area while the tented campsite enjoys sole use of a private section of the river.
The Berg River flows through the farm and offers water-based activities such as swimming, canoeing (prior arrangement and at a fee) or fishing. Guests can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking(bring bikes along), clay pigeon shooting(prior arrangement and payment) on the farm.
Earn Viya Reward Points completing for this stay!
Earn 1% in Reward Points by completing a stay here!
1%Back in points