Buffelsdrift Game Lodge management realise that the success of Buffelsdrift Game Lodge as a tourist destination is squarely founded on the contribution of the captivating beauty of the Klein Karoo. The foundation was born from this humbling realization and a vision grew to bring harmony between humans and nature. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, as founder is committed to the Buffelsdrift Foundation as guardian and funder.
The vision of the foundation is to allow every person to discover their own unique conservation role and purpose and to empower individuals to live a conservation lifestyle. We believe that it is the small gestures and actions, by many, that will cause a ripple effect and save the world for generations to come. We know we have not, and will never completely arrive, but know that no step forward is too small, if we are sure we are taking it towards a worthy dream.
At the Buffelsdrift Foundation, this purpose and vision are built on the following guiding values and principles which are used to keep us focussed and in line with who we are.
Buffelsdrift Foundation’s habitat conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring the unique eco systems within the Buffelsdrift Reserve. Funded by tourism and external contributions, our projects aim for long-term sustainability of threatened and endangered species. We are committed to protecting the quartz-soil habitat, preventing the extinction and fragmentation of rare plant species.
Our habitat conservation initiatives include various projects such as the Spekboom & Ukarabati Project, which centres around rehabilitating indigenous plant species.
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We also involve the community through the Eco-Brick Project, reducing plastic pollution by creating reusable building materials from recyclable plastic.
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Erosion Project to prevent land degradation, and the Seed Ball Project, which promotes reforestation. We have a specific focus on the Spekboom habitat, due to its abnormal ability of removing approximately 10 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than for instance plants in the Amazon forest.
Learn moreConservation is an ethic of resource use, allocation, and protection. Its primary focus is upon maintaining the health of the natural world, habitats and biological diversity. South Africa is home to some incredible wildlife species, and it is our opportunity to protect them by living a conservation life.
At Buffelsdrift Game Lodge this means, that we act with a conservation mindset. Our guides are trained to think conservation and to educate all visitors to think conservation as well. Our Wildlife Conservation Project includes:
We actively contribute to grow and strengthen the genetic pool of the cheetah population in Southern Africa. Partnering with the world-renowned Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), we are custodians of wild cheetahs that roam freely. Their offspring will eventually be relocated to other reserves, helping to maintain healthy, diverse bloodlines and prevent inbreeding. Each cheetah is fitted with a VHF collar, allowing us to track and gather valuable data for conservation research. Our commitment is to ensure a sustainable future for these incredible animals—discover more about our efforts to protect this endangered species.
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We have three elephants formerly from the Kruger National Park. Their parents were poached because of constant conflict with the nearby commercial farmers. There is a similar problem in the North East of Namibia where a group of 125 free-roaming African elephants are in conflict with commercial farming in Namibia. Our conservation efforts aim to provide a safe environment for these magnificent animals and raise awareness around human-wildlife conflict. Discover more about our initiatives to protect and support the future of African elephants.
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In January 2018, after two years of preparation, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge became the proud custodians of three young lions—two sterilised females and a male, all about nine months old. These lions were relocated from a Western Cape farm, with Cape Nature's assistance, to a spacious new habitat. A mistake occurred with the infertility precautions and the lions were born with no certain future. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge assisted Cape Nature to provide a secure, natural home where their iconic roars can now be heard echoing through the Klein Karoo. Discover more about Buffelsdrift Foundation's dedication to lion conservation and join us in safeguarding the future of these incredible animals.
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Meerkat Research
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is home to wild meerkat families, a unique species that can be found in the Klein Karoo. Due to habitat loss and farming, their numbers have declined. Our research focuses on monitoring their behaviour and habitat, collecting data to help ensure their long-term survival. This work also aids in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, particularly between meerkats and local farmers or those keeping them as pets.
Aardwolf Research
The aardwolf, a insectivorous hyena species native to East and Southern Africa, is under threat due to habitat destruction and limited awareness. Unfortunately, because of land developing, farming and the lack of knowledge these species have diminished over time. At Buffelsdrift, we use camera traps to monitor these nocturnal animals, gathering essential data to understand their habits and survival needs.
Elephant Research
We monitor the stress levels of our elephants at Buffelsdrift using non-invasive methods, such as analysing dung samples for stress hormones. Our research, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, shows that our elephants have low stress levels. Ongoing monitoring ensures we maintain their well-being and provide the best possible care.
Giraffe Research
Through the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, we participate in research focused on preserving giraffe populations and maintaining healthy bloodlines. Blood testing and other conservation initiatives are key to protecting this iconic species and ensuring their survival for future generations.
At Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, we are committed to studying these animals in their habitat. By monitoring them through various research methods, such as camera traps and non-invasive sampling, we gather essential data that deepens our understanding and helps ensure their long-term survival.
At Buffelsdrift Foundation, we are dedicated to uplifting our local community, focusing on supporting local education for under privileged children. A key initiative is our partnership with Vrederust Pre-primary, a nearby farm school, where we provide essential resources, including educational materials, facility maintenance, and nutritious meals. In 2024, we've expanded our efforts to support an individual student, guiding them through their educational journey from school to university. Whenever possible, we also engage with the wider community, educating them on the importance of conservation. Our goal is to empower children with the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future, contributing to the long-term development of our community.
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Whereas the Founder is desirous of creating the trust herein referred to and which shall be active in Southern Africa in the protection of biodiversity through sustainable conservation practices. The Trust’s vision is to actively mitigate the difficult crisis of human-wildlife conflict, and to actively address this complex, multi-faceted, challenge by becoming global leaders and ultimately setting the conservation example of mitigation that the world can reliably and optimistically follow.
Also, as a proudly South African foundation/trust the founder and trustees are aware of the intricate demographic composition of the country and committed to contribute towards reconciliation through the trust’s vision of empowerment, development, education and mentor-ship of the beneficiary community.
A portion of the funds accumulated by these conservation projects is donated towards entities that support animals to be free-roaming.
Involvement:
We believe that conservation starts with each person’s small action, but the impact is seen through the combined efforts of many. Therefore, we actively engage all walks of the community in our effort of conservation.
We take hands with Cape nature, Farmers, communities, NGO’s and government. We believe in making a difference and to steer clear from bureaucratic talk and no walk initiatives. This element will also help us to mitigate human/animal conflict through the exchange of knowledge to the local community.
Empowering every person, we come in contact with is our dream and we want to answer each overwhelmed person’s question “What can I do for conservation” or “How to start to become a conservationist”?
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