Buffelsdrift Game Lodge – Sunrise Meerkat Safaris in the Klein Karoo

At Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, just 6.5 km outside Oudtshoorn on South Africa’s Garden Route, one of the most magical wildlife encounters awaits—our Meerkat Experience. Known as the “shy five,” meerkats are social, highly intelligent animals, and watching them at sunrise as they emerge from their burrows is a truly unforgettable moment.

Led by experienced guides, the Buffelsdrift Meerkat Safari begins early in the morning when these fascinating creatures wake, groom, and stand sentry as the sun lights up the Klein Karoo. It’s an intimate experience, where guests quietly observe the natural behavior of wild meerkats without disturbing them. With limited group sizes, every safari feels personal and authentic, giving you the rare chance to witness nature’s daily rhythm. (Minimum age: 8 years)

For those seeking more adventure, Buffelsdrift also offers close encounters with free-roaming cheetahs (minimum age: 12 years), as well as elephant feeding, bush safaris, and night drives. After your wildlife experiences, relax in one of our luxury tented suites—some set right at the edge of a waterhole where hippos, elephants, and antelope are often seen.

Whether you come for a family getaway, honeymoon, or a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge combines luxury with authentic safari experiences. A portion of proceeds supports conservation through the Buffelsdrift Foundation, ensuring these wild encounters remain for generations to come.