101 Trail Guide | 2010

Buffelsfontein Nature Reserve

“Frail” is probably not the right word for Buffelsfontein’s 4x4 route – it’s more of a large sand playpen in a natural dune belt.
Seven kilometres long, it can be driven in either direction, with entry and exit managed by reserve staff. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll get lost in the dune maze, it can be confusing – a signboard or two would not go amiss.
However, if you want to sharpen those rusty sand-driving skills, Buffelsfontein is a good place to start.
The trail is good fun and more challenging than one expects. On a mid-summer’s day when the sand is soft, hot and dry, the pit can get tricky. Reverse becomes a well-used gear, and low-range and reduced tyre pressure (stick to 1 bar) essential. You might want to pack a spade too, because somewhere between the tight U-turns, cambered descents and unexpected ascents, you are bound to get stuck.
In winter, it’s a good place for beginners to practise their sand driving, as it is isolated, private and safe – with little chance of scratching the vehicle unless you really run it off the track.
Somewhere near the middle of these inter-looping capillaries is a braai and overnight spot. Groups often book the spot for the day, play, braai and then stay overnight in the dunes. Alternatively, you could chill out at the lodge around the lapa, have a late lunch in the restaurant, book the braai facilities next to the pool or overnight in one of the self-catering units. There are worse ways to laze away an afternoon.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
Buffelsfontein offers a variety of options, from catered luxury chalets to self-catering rondavels, or a bush camp in the dunes. Visit the website below for more information.
 

What else?
Bird watching, game viewing (lion, buffalo and giraffe), swimming … and the kids can take Jerusalem, the local donkey, for a walk.

Contact:
Paul Loubser 
022 451 2824;
072 356 4797; 
buffontein@xsinet.co.za,
www.buffelsfontein.co.za

Nearest town: Yzerfontein (17 km)

Best time to go: All year round, but flower season (spring) is best

Trail distance: 14 km (7 km each way)

How long will I be driving? Two hours, but you can repeat the course as often as you choose, or stop and braai in the middle.

Full Review | Nadine Thomson (October 2009)

If you’re looking for a bit more action head to Buffelsfontein Nature Reserve, just 3 km past the Yzerfontein turnoff on the R27.

Lion, buffalo, giraffe, an upper-crust lodge with an excellent restaurant, a 4x4 trail / play pit, a rustic campsite in the dunes − Buffelsfontein offers some interesting additions to a normal family 4x4 outing.

“Trail” is probably not the right word for Buffelsfontein’s 4x4 track – it’s more of a large sand playpen in a natural dune belt.

Seven kilometres long, it can be driven in either direction, with entry and exit managed by reserve staff.

Although it’s unlikely that you’ll get lost in the dune maze, it can be confusing – a signboard or two would not go entirely amiss.

However, if you’re looking for somewhere to sharpen up those rusty sand-driving skills, Buffelsfontein is a good place to start.

The trail is good fun and more challenging than one would expect.

On a sunny mid-summer’s day when the sand is soft, hot and dry the pit could get tricky. Reverse then becomes a well-used gear, low-range essential and reduced tyre pressure (stick to 1 bar) a necessity.

I’d recommend you pack a spade too, because somewhere between the tight U-turns, cambered descents and unexpected, sudden ascents you are bound to get stuck – at least once.

In winter, it is a really good place for beginners to practise their sand driving.

The trail is isolated, private and safe and there is little chance of the vehicle getting scratched – unless you really run it off the track.

Somewhere near the middle of these inter-looping capillaries is a designated braai and overnight spot.

Groups often book the spot for the day, play, braai and return to the comforts of the lodge for the night.

You could also overnight in the dunes.

Alternatively, for the better prepared among us, with just one phone call you could go fishing, chill out at the lapa, have a late lunch in the restaurant, book the braai facilities next to the pool or overnight in one of the self-catering units.

There are worse ways to laze away an afternoon.

Drive Out says: As an outing for a day or a weekend, Buffelsfontein is well worth the visit. It’s great fun and a good way to brush up on those rusty sand-driving skills.

What you need to know

Why should I go?
This is a family getaway that offers something for everyone.

En Route
How long is the trail?
14 km (7 km each way)
How long will I be driving?
Two hours, but you can repeat the course as often as you choose, or stop and braai in the middle.
Maximum number of vehicles? 12
Do I get a map? No, it’s unnecessary.
Will my car get scratched?
No chance
Should I remove the running boards?
It depends on your ground clearance.
Should I take a compressor?
You should, although Buffelsfontein does have one available.
Can I turn around halfway?
No, it’s a short one-way trail, in either direction.
Can we have a braai en route?
Yes, at the designated picnic/braai spot mid-course.

The Surrounds
Best time to go?
All year, but flower season (spring) is best.

Can I take my family along?
Definitely – the kids will love the game drive and the lions.

Just for the day or the weekend?
Overnight at least

Are there ablution facilities for day visitors? Yes

Can I see game?
Apart from lion, there are buffalo, giraffe, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, kudu, eland, gemsbok and springbok.

The nearest town?
Yzerfontein (17 km)

How do I get there?
Take the R27 out of Cape Town towards Langebaan, past the Yzerfontein turn-off and continue until you see the entry to Buffelsfontein on the right. 

The nearest fuel?

Yzerfontein (17 km)

Where can I stay?
Buffelsfontein can accommodate 52 people sharing in a variety of accommodation options, from catered luxury chalets to self-catering rondavels and overnight loft beds.Visit www.buffelsfontein.co.za for all the options.

What else?

What else can I do there?
Bird-watching, game viewing, catch and release fishing, swimming and the kids can take Jerusalem, the local donkey, for a walk.
Must I take anything special?
Binoculars for game spotting, sunscreen for the dunes and if you plan on just loafing, a swimsuit and good book.

Cost?
Visit  www.buffelsfontein.co.za for a breakdown on all the prices.

Contact?
Contact person Paul Loubser 
Tell 022 451 2824;
Cell 072 356 4797;
E-mail buffontein@xsinet.co.za;
Web www.buffelsfontein.co.za

Download: 

DO_Trails Buffelsfontein.pdf