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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.

  • Hiking and Walking

  • Mountain biking

  • Rock Climbing

  • Canoeing

  • Stargazing

  • Fly-Fishing

  • Bird Watching

  • Educational/Specialist Talks

  • Painting

  • Full day walking trails

  • Swimming in rock pools and near waterfalls

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!

  • The new River Boma provides a perfect setting for sundowners or nightcaps in the moonlight.

  • Makana offers an unforgettable brunches and teas with glorious views across the dam and river.

  • 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.

  • The Homestead and Manor House Bar and Deck, under the gigantic fig tree, are ideal for romantic dinners and fine dinning.

  • Room Service from 07h00 to 21h00.

  • Full Service Extraordinary Dining - a specially prepared picnic or Barbeque (braai) menu served in a private breathtaking location in the reserve.

  • In Room Dining - Enjoy a specially prepared dinner in the privacy of your room or private veranda

Optional Excursions:

  • Visit to Wupperthal, the historic German Mission Station and where the ‘veldskoen’ originates from

  • Horse riding may be arranged in the area

  • West Coast town of Lamberts Bay

Dress:

  • All year: Casual dress, comfortable shoes and bring a camera and binoculars.

  • Summer: Hats, swimwear, sun block and sunglasses are recommended.

  • 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:

  • West Coast Fossil Park near Langebaan: Langebaan Road, Langebaan Tel: 022 766-606
    Hours: Mon – Fri 10h00 – 16h00 Sat & Sun 10h00 – 13h00

  • 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.

  • Goue Vallei Wine Cellars: Wine tasting & sales. Citrusdal Cellars, Citrusdal Tel: 022 921-2233.
    Hours: Monday to Friday 08h00 – 17h00, Saturdays 09h00 – 12h30

  • 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

  • Lobster Pot Restaurant, Lamberts Bay: 027 432-1126
    Hours: 12h00 – 18h00

  • 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:

  • By Road: on request transfers are available from Cape Town or Clanwilliam

  • Scenic 3 and a half hours drive from Cape Town (270 km’s)

  • By Air: Fly in safaris on a daily basis

  • Private airstrip: 1200m, gravel surface. Co-ordinates: S: 32º 02’ 00” / E:19º 02’32”

  • 20 min transfer to lodge from airstrip

  • Approximately 45 minutes flying from Cape Town

  • Distance 117.6 NM

  • Co-ordinates for helicopter arrivals at lodge: S: 32º 07’ 02” / E: 19º 06’ 45”

  • 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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