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Luxury in the Heart of African Wilderness
Escape to Bushmans Kloof, a wilderness reserve and retreat of quiet beauty
and recreational diversity. Immense open plains, deep ravines, spectacular
waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations characterise this ecological oasis,
nestled between the majestic mountains of the Cederberg and the vast plains of
the Great Karoo. 270 Kilometres north of Cape Town, this one-time hunting ground
of the intrepid San is now home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, and
is a premier spring flower destination.
Since 1992, Bushmans Kloof has embodied the rebirth and development of this
sanctuary, with a mission to create a thriving wilderness which nurtures its
indigenous life, protects its history and secures its future. Bushmans Kloof is
a privately owned wilderness reserve and is world renowned for its 130 rock art
sites. In recognition of its rich cultural, historical and environmental
significance, Bushmans Kloof has been declared a South African Natural Heritage
site.
In addition to the amenities one would
expect at a luxury resort, the Homestead also comprises of 2 lounge areas: one
with a satellite flat screen TV, an extensive book and DVD library, business
facility with satellite internet access, a bar, walk-in wine cellar, heated
swimming pool, gymnasium and dual massage area. Guests can enjoy the flower and
herb garden which offers a variety of colours and scents. There is also a fruit
and vegetable garden where all produce is grown by organic principals and used
in the property’s restaurants.
At the Heritage Centre, guests may view
ancient San Bushman artefacts such as jewellery, bags, dolls and dancing sticks
as well as photographs that depict their nomadic existence and day-to-day life
experiences. The rangers also hold specialist talks and discussions in the
Heritage Centre, with topics including all aspects of the reserve as well as
insight into the general Cederberg Wilderness Area. There is a Medicinal Herb
Garden, situated near the centre, containing plants and herbs that the San
people used as remedies to cure all sorts of ailments and illnesses.
The Spa
The Spa at Bushmans Kloof is based on
the restoration and rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit. It includes and
incorporates the holistic and spiritual benefits found throughout the property,
thus enhancing the sense of well-being created by unique spa treatments that
coincide naturally with the Bushmans Kloof experience.
The Spa has two newly designed treatment
rooms and a hydrotherapy spa bath, as well as a new Fitness Centre and an
outdoor rest, relaxation and dual massage area – a tranquil corner with views of
the Lodge’s rocky backdrop.
The Spa utilizes its serene setting by
offering massage therapy in nature: on the private verandas of the suites, in
tranquil settings amidst the ancient ravines, and even in some of the cool,
rocky shelters that were home to the San thousands of years ago.
The Spa’s signature offerings include
body treatments and touch therapies such as the hot stone body treatment and
various massages. One can also enjoy aromatherapy; reflexology; skincare
treatments; and beauty salon services such as manicures, pedicures, waxing and
tints. There also are men’s skincare treatments.
Natural products are used to combat the
effects of the environment on human skin. Specifically the Moya skincare
products that incorporate the benefits of Buchu, Cape Chamomile, Lanyana, Cape
May, Zinziba, Cape Snowbush and Cape Geranium. Their natural ingredients are
used in oil form, which is rapidly absorbed through the skin for soothing,
fast-acting benefits.
A wonderful selection of Spa Packages
and programmes are available, each uniquely designed to relax, restore and
pamper your mind, body and soul.
Unique to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat
The reserve is rich in
Bushman rock art with over 130 pristine sites, some dating as far back as 10,000
years ago making them one of the oldest recorded examples of human art. Visitors
may join daily-guided walks along rivers and through the veldt to view a
selection of the sites.
Guests can view the environment and game with daily nature
drives through the reserve including: Gemsbok, Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra,
Eland, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Vaal Rhebok, Klipspringer, Kudu,
Springbok, Steenbok and Brown Hyena, to name a few. Bushmans Kloof is home to 35
species of mammals, several of which are listed in the IUCN Red Data book and
150 different species of bird such as the Malachite Kingfisher, African fish
eagle and Black Harrier. Sightings of Aardwolf, African Wildcat, Bat Eared Fox,
Cape Fox and Porcupine are possible. The late afternoon nature drives include
complimentary snacks and sundowners in the reserve. Night drives are offered
after dinner to guests who wish to view the reserves several nocturnal species
and the awe-inspiring night skies.
From July through to October the veldt
comes alive with spring flowers, revealing the colours of thousands of beautiful
and some unusual spring flowers. 755 indigenous plant species have been
identified within the reserve, including Bushmans Kloof’s own ‘Cederberg Seven’
– a group of shrub and tree species that thrive within the reserve and are not
found together anywhere else in the world.
Cool and refreshing waterfalls and
rivers, natural, crystal clear rock pools and a backdrop of wind sculpted
ancient sandstone rock formations all form part of the reserve.
Other outdoor activities
There
are no large predators at Bushmans Kloof, and guests are encouraged to explore
the great outdoors and interact with nature as they please. Bushmans Kloof is
malaria free.
Dining facilities:
Guests can
indulge and taste a profusion of gastronomic, healthy or home-style comfort
foods, made from the best local fresh produce, and harvested daily from the
organically cultivated gardens right on the property. Bushmans Kloof now offers
a flexible and exciting choice of venues and locations so no meal is quite
alike!
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The new River Boma provides a
perfect setting for sundowners or nightcaps in the moonlight.
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Makana offers an unforgettable
brunches and teas with glorious views across the dam and river.
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Embers open-air dining venue
provides a matchless dining experience under the star-filled African sky
where guests may enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbeque) in an
exciting outdoor setting within the reserve.
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The Homestead and Manor House Bar
and Deck, under the gigantic fig tree, are ideal for romantic dinners and
fine dinning.
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Room Service from 07h00 to 21h00.
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Full Service Extraordinary Dining -
a specially prepared picnic or Barbeque (braai) menu served in a private
breathtaking location in the reserve.
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In Room Dining - Enjoy a specially
prepared dinner in the privacy of your room or private veranda
Optional Excursions:
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Visit to Wupperthal, the historic
German Mission Station and where the ‘veldskoen’ originates from
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Horse riding may be arranged in the
area
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West Coast town of Lamberts Bay
Dress:
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All year: Casual dress, comfortable
shoes and bring a camera and binoculars.
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Summer: Hats, swimwear, sun block
and sunglasses are recommended.
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Winter: Warm clothing is required.
Scarves, gloves, hats and warm jackets for the evening nature drives are
recommended.
Wheelchair access/Frail care
Bushmans Kloof is located in a
wilderness area. The terrain is rocky and uneven and has steps in and around the
lodge. It is therefore more suitable to active, fully-mobile guests.
Places of interest en-route:
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West Coast Fossil Park near
Langebaan: Langebaan Road, Langebaan Tel: 022 766-606
Hours: Mon – Fri 10h00 – 16h00 Sat & Sun 10h00 – 13h00
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Patrick’s Restaurant: A steakhouse
and popular meeting place for both locals and international visitors to the
area. Voortrekker Street Tel: 022 921-3062
Hours: Lunch at 14h30. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
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Goue Vallei Wine Cellars: Wine
tasting & sales. Citrusdal Cellars, Citrusdal Tel: 022 921-2233.
Hours: Monday to Friday 08h00 – 17h00, Saturdays 09h00 – 12h30
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Lamberts Bay: about 100km from
Bushmans Kloof, on the Cape West Coast. Aside from great fishing, Lamberts
Bay’s draw card is Bird Island; the site of thousands of gannets is
unforgettable, as is the noise. Lamberts Bay is also an excellent area for
Crayfishing.
Bird Island, Lamberts Bay: Tel: 027 432-1000
Hours: 07h00 – 18h00
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Lobster Pot Restaurant, Lamberts
Bay: 027 432-1126
Hours: 12h00 – 18h00
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Clanwilliam Museum (Old Goal):
Houses memorabilia from Louis Leipoldt and the Anglo Boer War 027 482 2024.
Hours: Monday to Friday 08h00 – 13h00
Access to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness
Reserve & Retreat:
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By Road: on request transfers are
available from Cape Town or Clanwilliam
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Scenic 3 and a half hours drive from
Cape Town (270 km’s)
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By Air: Fly in safaris on a daily
basis
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Private airstrip: 1200m, gravel
surface. Co-ordinates: S: 32º 02’ 00” / E:19º 02’32”
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20 min transfer to lodge from
airstrip
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Approximately 45 minutes flying from
Cape Town
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Distance 117.6 NM
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Co-ordinates for helicopter arrivals
at lodge: S: 32º 07’ 02” / E: 19º 06’ 45”
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Fixed wing helicopter transfers
Directions:
(270 km from Cape Town – allow three and a half hours driving time)
1. Depart Cape Town via the N1
2. Before Century City/Ratanga Junction, take the N7 off-ramp towards Malmesbury
3. Continue past Malmesbury, towards Moorreesburg, Piketberg and Citrusdal to
enter the Olifants River Valley (route takes approximately two hours)
4. Pass the Clanwilliam dam (located on the right hand side of the road) and
turn right onto the R364 to Lamberts Bay/Clanwilliam
5. At the T-junction, turn right to Clanwilliam
6. When entering the town, a petrol station is located on the left hand side of
the road
(NB: fill up if petrol is required)
7. Continue straight on the R364 towards Wupperthal and Calvinia and cross a
bridge to reach a gravel road.
8. Continue on the gravel road for about 34kms, over the Pakhuis Pass, past
“Louis Leipoldt’s grave”.
9. Cross a low bridge over the Brandewyns River.
10. Continue past a sign on the left hand side to “Travellers Rest - JJL
Strauss”
11. After approximately one kilometre, turn right at the Bushmans Kloof signpost
12. Continue to a game fence and gate where Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is
entered.
13. Continue straight onto a concrete road, crossing a small bridge below the
dam wall
14. Continue towards the Lodge, and on arrival, please park next to the big Blue
Gum trees and the building marked “RECEPTION”
For reservations and/or information for
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat call +27 21 685 2598; email
info@bushmanskloof.co.za; visit
www.bushmanskloof.co.za.
Edited by Erika Wright
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