- Province:Western Cape
- District: Garden Route
- Coordinates: 34°05′S 22°58′E
- Area:0.82 km2
- Municipality Knysna
Buffels Baai is a coastal settlement in the Western Cape, situated about 15 kilometres south-east of Knysna along the Garden Route. It lies within the Goukamma Nature Reserve, between Knysna and Sedgefield, and is bordered by protected coastal forest, wetlands, and the Indian Ocean. Access is via a gravel road from the Rheenendal area, reinforcing its secluded and low-impact character.
History of Buffels Baai
This settlement derives its name from the hundreds of buffalo that roamed the area until the last ones were killed in 1883.
Originally, it was a holiday town renowned for its natural beauty, unspoiled beaches, and tranquil atmosphere. The area is part of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, a protected coastal region that boasts diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There was no road, and one had to travel there by mule wagon. A gravel road was built in about 1944.
More recently, it was the scene of a shipping disaster when the cargo ship Kiani Satu, travelling from Hong Kong to Ghana with a shipment of rice, ran aground and sank off the coast of Buffels Baai in August 2013. The oil that leaked from the vessel threatened the nearby Goukamma Nature Reserve; 217 birds were cleaned and rehabilitated by SANCCOB after the spill.
Postcode for Buffels Baai is 6570
Things to see and do in Buffels Baai
- Goukamma Nature Reserve
- Hiking trails in the area,
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Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
WEATHER IN BUFFELS BAAI TODAY
Browse businesses and places to visit inbuffels baai
Useful Numbers
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around
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Emergency Services
- Police: 044302 6688
- Fire: 044 302 8911`
- Ambulance: 044382 5613
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Medical
- Closest hospital;Knysna Provincial Hospital-044 302 8400
- Knysna Town Clinic-044 382 0836
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Municipal & Utilities
- Municipality – Knysna Municipality-044 302 6300
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic department:044 302 6551/ 044 302 6337
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Community & Safety
- NSRI 087 094 9774
- SPCA: Garden Route SPCA-044 693 0824
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Post office; Sedgefield Post Office- 044 343 163
- Library: Leisure Isle Library 044 302 6311
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
