One can comfortably drive through all of Buffelspoort in less than 10 minutes but the residents are grateful for the anonymity and solitude of their village that overlooks the scenic Buffelspoort Dam. How long this anonymity remains is anyone’s guess and a visit is recommended to enjoy a relaxed and unhurried break before the developers move in.
Buffelspoort lies in a valley that forms part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known as the Magaliesberg Biosphere. The area is rich in diversity, from changing landscapes of grassland, savannah and forest to varying plant and animal life across the length of the reserve.
In Buffelspoort, the dam is the main attraction and with its impressive dam wall, is one of the cleanest bodies of water in the North West Province. Proof of this is the water clarity and the plentiful fish stock.
Top 8 reasons to visit Buffelspoort
1. Revel in the water-related activities available on Buffelspoort Dam. Swimming, boating and windsurfing are popular while fisherman arrive in summer for the black bass and for carp fishing in winter.
2. Unwind at the Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa. The spa offers couples specials that include a steam bath, full body massage and facials. The proprietors are past winners of the World Luxury Spa contest.
3. For a fun night out, visit the Tarantaal Teatre, a dinner-theatre venue with live acts on show while you sample ‘egte boerekos’ (true farmer’s food).
4. Established by a platinum mining company, the 9-hole golf course at Mooinooi Golf Club is beautifully laid out and visitors are welcome to play on any day of the week. Restaurant and bar at the clubhouse.
5. Ask your host to arrange a visit to the Lost City of Mogale to see Chief Mogale’s ceremonial cairns, kraal and monoliths, and drink from the spring believed to have healing powers.
6. Visit the town of Kroondal to experience the history and German heritage so prevalent in the town. If visiting during May, the town hosts the Kroondaler Karneval (carnival) with traditional oompah band, beer tent, schnapps and eisbein on the menu.
7. The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is an exciting, eco-friendly zipline course that includes 10 ziplines ranging from 30m to 140m in length. Get a bird’s eye view of the area while travelling at speed above the tree line.
8. To fully appreciate Buffelspoort and the surrounding Magaliesberg area, a hot air balloon trip at sunset or sunrise. Contact Bill Harrop's Balloon Safaris to make a booking.
Transport
The nearest international airport to Buffelspoort is OR Tambo International Airport, 145km away. An alternate airport is Lanseria Airport, 80km from Buffelspoort. Johannesburg and Pretoria have many car rental agencies to hire a vehicle as do the airports, however, you could book a rental online. Shuttle Service Magaliesburg offers shuttle services from Buffelspoort to the major cities and airports.
Did you know?
Chief Mogale was the Po chief of the BaTswana tribe during the early 1800s. The Magaliesberg range of mountains is named after him.
There is a drive-through liquor store in the nearby town of Mooinooi…
