Bushmans Kloof is not only famous for its magnificent wild spring flower spectacular, but also for the exceptional diversity of more than 750 plant species which have been identified in the reserve, and which are accessible throughout the year.

In July 2004 the United Nations World Heritage Committee has recognized the Cape Floral Region as a WORLD HERITAGE SITE of which Bushmans Kloof borders and is proudly part of.

Bushmans Kloof has also given its long-term commitment to assist the Botanical Society and Western Cape Nature Conservation in its efforts to conserve the Clanwilliam cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis). This endemic tree occurs only in the Cederberg mountains and it represents one of 1 000 surviving conifer species in the world. The species is categorised as endangered on the Red Dara List as it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild, in the near future. Seeds are planted to grow saplings in the Bushmans Kloof nursery, and several young trees have been established in the reserve. Bushmans Kloof also hosts an annual tree and seed planting ceremony in support of the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree Conservation Project.

The natural botanical richness of Bushmans Kloof encapsulates plants typical of three major vegetation types: Fynbos, Forest and Karoo biomes. It is for instance, not unusual to see amongst the sandstone boulders, a Yellowwood tree (Podocarpus elongatus) growing amongst a combination of Fynbos plants, such as Protea glabra, and Karoo plants such as Wild Rosemary (Eriocephalus africanus).

In addition to the great botanical variety, more than 30 rare or endangered plant species are protected at Bushmans Kloof, with many of them occurring nowhere else in the world. 

Bushmans Kloof has identified its own 'Cederberg Seven' - seven plant species unique to the area that are being established on the property, which include four highly endangered species:  Clanwilliam Ceder Tree (Widdringtonia cedebergensis), Clanwilliam Aloe (Aloe comosa), Rocket pincushion (Leucospernum reflexum reflexum), and Snow Protea (Protea cryophila), as well as three other types of more common plants that are unique to the area:  Cederberg Vygie (Lampranthus cedebergensis), Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus linearis) and the Clanwilliam Sugar Bush (Protea glabra).

Walled Garden

Other special plants include interesting succulents, such as the tiny Conophytum minisculum, and a range of beautiful bulbous plants like Cyanella alba and other of the Iris and Amaryllis families in particular.

Guests with a botanical interest are able to explore on foot the wonders of nature, with the promise that something special can be seen in the veld at every week of the year.

On the domestic front, the team of dedicated landscapers and horticulturists has established rolling lawns, a nursery and impressive indigenous gardens at Bushmans Kloof.  These include a unique collection of 7500 succulents from the Knersvlakte, which is located north of Van Rhynsdorp. More than 40 succulent species were purchased from Kokerboom Nursery in Van Rhynsdorp, and planted in an area of a hundred square metres, with as many as 130 plants per square metre set against the typical white chipstone from the Knersvlakte, resulting in a spectacular succulent garden.

The most recent addition to the gardens was the establishment of an immaculate indigenous garden around the new swimming pools.  It features a collage of 10 to 30 year old Kokerbome and Karoo succulents, which includes many aloe species, as well as a small palette of indigenous plants such as reeds, buchus and vygies. Designed to become an extension of the landscape beyond, the new garden features contrasting textures and colours.  Acacia trees have also been planted symmetrically on either side of the pools, which flows to the edge of the tranquil Boontjies river in front of the lodge.