Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve — Attraction in Swartland Local Municipality

Some parts more like a zoo than a game drive. Unless you enjoy watching beautiful lions and other big cats pace up and down in very small enclosures then don't go.

First, they advertise lions and cheetahs as part of the drive (there are no cheetahs by the way). They do not advertise that these animals are kept in very small enclosures. Once you are there, they try to justify the lions being in captivity because they are 'rescue' lions. When you ask more questions you learn that they are fourth generation (their grandad was a rescue). This means they have been needlessly bred over and over again to live their lives in captivity. There is no need for Buffelsfontein to keep breeding them in captivity, other than to make money from people like us who pay to watch them live their lives in a cage. When we questioned them on this we got different answers from different staff members- meaning somebody was lying about the real reason they are there.

On the plus side Bufflesfontein were very accommodating and polite when we questioned them and complained about what we saw. We were very happy to receive a refund and appreciated their understanding.

I would suggest that Buffelsfontein management reevaluate keeping big cats in cages for business. And be transparent in their advertising about what it is they are really doing there. We were happy with the tour of the other animals roaming free (ish), until we saw this. Maybe in 2023, this is not what people want, or need to see. Nobody wants to be Joe Exotic (from Tiger...

Dear Reserve Management,

I visited your reserve today with my children, who were very excited about the visit. At the entrance, they saw a turtle and played near it. I had already instructed them not to touch it. My children are 9 and 4 years old, and my 4-year-old does not always follow instructions at this age.

I was shocked when a tall, heavy-set white female staff member, with what I believe was blonde hair, shouted from a distance at my children in her language, telling them not to touch the turtle. I immediately repeated the instruction to my son in my own language and in English, and he stopped touching it.

However, she returned again and raised her voice unnecessarily, frightening my child. When I told her that I had already instructed him, she replied in a confrontational tone that she saw him touching the turtle while I was watching. I explained that I was in the process of convincing him not to touch it, but she continued her rude and disrespectful behavior.

This conduct is completely unacceptable, highly unprofessional, and creates an unwelcoming environment for visitors. Her manner strongly suggested discriminatory behavior toward us. I demand that clear and serious action be taken against this staff member, and that measures are put in place to ensure such behavior is never repeated with any future...

We are from the Cape and we decided to celebrate our 36th birthday at Buffelsfontein as I have heard of this place and invited my friend along on the weekend of the 3rd of August. The first day we just enjoyed relaxing and catchin up but on Sunday morning we went out with our guide Trevor......we enjoyed it and when saw him I immediately fell in love with the giraffe, only problem, we couldn't get a very good view of him.....a bit far for my liking.....It was exciting to see the other animals and anticipate seeing more. The rhino's were absolutely huge....didn't expect their size to be so big and my friend fell in love with the wild cats. Monday on our return to home, Uncle Willie took us on a game drive because I was complaining that all I wanted as a birthday gift was to see the giraffes up close................dreams do come true......I got to see ALL 6 of them....really close....The staff are friendly, the experience was great, the food was simple yet tasteful, the wine was out of this world and they weren't catering or only the overseas market.....the prices were VERY affordable for the local visitors. Had such a fun and amazing time and this in WINTER. Can't wait to visit in the summer......they have a pool and cocktails and a bit of sun would be even better. Thank you to everyone for making my and Natacha's...