During 2006 when our lodge was being built there were a few beautiful Shepherds Trees growing just outside the property perimeter. They had been growing there for hundreds of years. A call was made to honor these magnificent trees and name the lodge Shepherds Tree Game Lodge. But alas, the name had already been taken….
04
Nov
Nov
Leopards have a way of captivating our hearts and sparking wonder with their beauty and mystique. With their unique rosette-spotted coats and rare, piercing yellow (and sometimes blue) eyes, these magnificent creatures hold a well-deserved place among Africa’s Big Five. Pilanesberg National Park and Black Rhino Game Reserve give us the incredible opportunity to observe…
07
Oct
Oct
The week commencing 21 September saw the whole county in a vice-like grip of icy cold weather. The wind chill factor added to the drop in temperatures. Snow in three of the major provinces were at record levels. Photos and videos on social media in and around KZN were scary to say the least. Trucks…
03
Sep
Sep
The windy month is in full swing occasionally accompanied by little dust-devils and wannabe tornados. While these weak attempts at swirling and twisting greatness are futile, they do result in us having to step up dust-patrol at the lodge. Fortunately, we are not in the league as other countries when it comes to natural disasters. Even…
07
Aug
Aug
In spite of winter chills, Buffalo Thorn Lodge has been a hive of activity and feverish excitement! The activity was in response to an event that occurred earlier in the year. On 02 March 2024 there were reports of a 3.8 magnitude earthquake 35 KMS West of the lodge. It was felt by staff and…
10
Jun
Jun
Only now in late May, are the winter chills finally arriving at Buffalo Thorn Lodge. There appears to be no collaboration between this week’s chilly blasts and the very early onset of Influenza A (historically swine flu) sweeping the country. It’s coldish now, but influenza A struck the nation already about 45 days ago. For whatever has kept the chills at…
As you well know, the whole country has been experiencing above average heat waves with little to no rain. That however didn’t stop us from having a fantastic month at Buffalo Thorn Lodge. The African bush remains a frenzy regardless of seasonal extremes. In the heat, the waterhole was the highlight with constant sightings of…
In Johannesburg as well as in the NW Province, summer is in full swing. Buffalo Thorn Lodge has regularly been experiencing temperatures exceeding 40’C. Our guests are warriors, and these temperatures have not detracted them from enjoying ice-cold beverages by the pool. All this, while watching game coming to the lodge waterhole to equally relieve parched…
09
Jan
Jan
Finally – the heavens have opened, and the parched soils of Black Rhino received much needed rain! During the first week of December, we had 82mm and then another 20mm of rain within the very next week. The bush has exploded into an oasis of lush green shoots and leaves. New life is abundant. The…
05
Dec
Dec
With the dawn of the year peeping over the horizon, there is a huge amount to reflect on at Buffalo Thorn Lodge. From the amazing rain at the outset of 2023 (which backed our wildlife through another typically rough winter), to the immense fires that ravaged through the greater Pilanesberg National Park. The Pilanesberg still…