It’s time to get to know the Buffelsdrift family!

Whether you’re a regular at Buffelsdrift Lodge, or about to head out on your first safari here, it’s nice to be able to get to know the people who’ll be helping you shape the experience of a lifetime. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the unique team that makes Buffelsdrift the spectacular experience it is. Today, it’s time to get up close and personal with Joe Koorts.Joe is a key part of our field guide team. Field guides in South Africa are slightly different from Game Rangers, and they’re more focused on the guest experience rather than conservation activities themselves, despite their excellent knowledge of the bush. You’ll typically meet them on your safari or bush drive. Joe’s only been here for about 6 months, so he’s had a very unique experience of the Buffelsdrift bush so far, with the global health crisis making an unusual introduction to the lodge and its surrounds- but it has given him plenty of time to learn the lodge’s secrets at a time where the bush has never been quieter. He grew up in Cape Town and George as well as our local Oudtshoorn, so he’s experienced many of the most beautiful landscapes South Africa has to offer. The Klein Karoo calls to him, however, offering spectacular natural beauty alongside a humble, down-to-earth lifestyle among her people.

Enjoying the simple things

Joe love’s life’s simple pleasures, spending his off time gaming and cracking a beer with friends, but he’s got a sensible head on his shoulders too- you know you’re in good hands with this guy! That’s probably why his top tip for visitors is such a fantastic one: Keep yourself hydrated in the bush, and make sure you use plenty of sunscreen too. We couldn’t agree more. SA has a daytime peak UV rating that’s often over 12, so it’s sensible to take precautions in the sun. You don’t want to spoil your day safari, after all!2020 may have been a quiet year for humans, but it’s been packed full of exciting animal sightings. He’s even spotted one of our juvenile male cheetah’s with a full springbok carcass. While he enjoys spotting all of the birds we have in the bush, he specifically loves the animals, and counts our local White Rhino as one of his favourites. One day, Joe hopes to visit Japan, but until then he’s happy helping make your holidays a dream. What’s his personal pick from the exciting lineup at Buffelsdrift? He says no one should neglect to add a meerkat safari to their time here, and hopes you’ll have great fun on a bush safari too. Who knows? Joe may even be your field guide for the say!Keen to take Joe’s advice? Why not book your very own day safari right now? Or, if you're planning a future trip, don’t forget to keep a careful eye on our Buffelsdrift Game Lodge specials, which change every month. You could sweeten the trip of a lifetime with an amazing discount! Or simply head straight to our package deals and shape an experience you’ll remember forever. We look forward to seeing you soon!