Water buffalos join the herd at Cradle Moon

In an exciting move to diversify its wildlife offerings, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge has introduced a herd of water buffalos to its already impressive collection of species on January 7.

According to Cradle Moon owner Andrew Dott, the decision to introduce water buffalos was inspired by the need to provide a safe and risk-free alternative to indigenous African buffalos, which can be challenging to accommodate due to disease and safety concerns.

“This initiative not only enhances the guest experience but also supports conservation efforts in the area. The water buffaloes, being a placid and docile species, offer a unique opportunity for guests to view these majestic creatures up close.

“The introduction of the water buffalos was a carefully planned process, with the animals being transported from a farm near Kimberley by a professional game capture unit. The buffalos were inoculated and released into their new habitat, where they have settled in seamlessly”, Dott explains.

Guests visiting the game lodge can now look forward to spotting the water buffalo on guided game drives, hikes or cycling excursions.

“The lodge is home to an impressive 20 species, and the addition of the water buffalo further enhances the overall guest experience. These animals are also known to feed on hyacinth, a highly invasive aquatic plant, which could have significant benefits for the local environment,” Dott adds.

Guests can look forward to an experience of enjoying the views and the waterfall with the opportunity to spot these animals in their natural habitat.