Experience something you've never done before...

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat has completed the latest in a series of enhancements to the property. Each of these was carefully planned to fulfil its ongoing commitment to conserving, protecting and enriching the land, environment, wildlife and flora as well as to preserve and safeguard the heritage of the San Bushmen.

Additionally, these were undertaken to further enhance this 5-star retreat, providing all guests with a unique wilderness experience - one filled with potential enrichment from outdoor adventures, education, supreme luxury, remarkable comfort and relaxation.

 

A SA National Heritage site, the reserve is situated within the Cederberg wilderness area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region - a World Heritage site.  In March 2005 USA Travel + Leisure magazine voted Bushmans Kloof first in the Africa/Middle East Worth the Splurge category and fourth worldwide for Value Overall.  It was also selected as the 5th Top Hotel in the World (USA Travel + Leisure August 2004), and included amongst the 'Top 500 - The World's Best Hotels, Resorts, Lodges, Inns and Safari Camps' (US Travel +Leisure January 2005).  The (USA Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report) also declared Bushmans Kloof a Grand Award Winner in 2004.

 

Flora & Fauna

 
In the reserve the dedication continues to restoring the indigenous wildlife, flora and land to the splendour of centuries ago. With no large predators, the property today acts as a safe haven to many unique and some highly endangered species of indigenous plants and animals.

The fauna is diverse, featuring over 35 species of mammals including the Eland and Bontebok, as well as nocturnal animals like the rare Aardwolf and Smiths red rock rabbit. All thrive on the property and roam freely. Bushmans Kloof is furthermore the proud owner of 29 Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra), which rates as one of the largest privately owned herds of this endangered species, with current recorded numbers totalling only approximately 1200 animals worldwide. October 2004 saw the reintroduction of ten Kudu at Bushmans Kloof, as well as the first pair of Brown hyena (Hyena borunea) – a small, shy and timid nocturnal scavenger that lives mainly on insects and plants, presenting no threat to humans. Guests are encouraged to interact closer with nature since they are able to walk and take mountain bike rides through the property, as well as participate in traditional game drives. Without large predators, they can always feel safe in this malaria-free environment.

 

Sharing the mammals’ home are over 150 kinds of birds, including African fish eagle, the Malachite kingfisher and Black harrier, and many species of water birds. Seven species of indigenous ducks, such as Cape teal and Cape shovler were reintroduced to the area and established in the dams around the lodge, in an effort to lure more wild birds to the area, turning the lodge and reserve into a delight for bird watchers. Bushmans Kloof is also working with a bird rehabilitation centre to assist with the release of injured and rescued Barn owls and Spotted eagle owls.  Hacking cages and nesting boxes have been positioned and it is expected that the first eight owls will soon be released into the reserve. It is hoped that breeding will thus be encouraged and that this will lead to sightings of the owls around the property.

The natural botanical richness of Bushmans Kloof include more than 755 indigenous plant species, representative of three major vegetation types: Fynbos, Forest and Karoo biomes. Each of these exists and thrives within this protected wilderness. Bushmans Kloof has identified its own ‘Cederberg Seven’ - plant species unique to the area that are being established on the property, including four highly endangered species: Clanwilliam Ceder Tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis), 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 also unique to the area: Cederberg vygie, Rooibos tea and the Clanwilliam sugar bush.

 

Additionally, a dynamic programme is in place to remove alien vegetation. In the last year, over six hectares of land has been cleared of Port Jackson trees along the river systems, amounting to thousands of trees that will provide the lodge with sufficient firewood for all of 2005. The reserve management programme furthermore entails the reclamation and restoration of old farmland and the re-vegetation of the area with indigenous grasses and shrubs for grazing  purposes as well as erosion control.

All of these undertakings have been enhanced with the addition of five dams recently built on the property, thus enabling more animals and plants to flourish and to provide even more perfect locations for guests to unwind.

 

San Heritage

  

Bushmans Kloof is equally dedicated to preserving the cultural history of this ancient land. The San, South Africa’s earliest inhabitants, roamed this region during the Later Stone Age and today are recognised as one of the oldest civilisations of mankind. Within its boundaries are over 130 remarkable San Bushmen rock art sites. The opportunity to witness these - is to observe some of South Africa’s greatest national treasures. These ancient sites located amidst overhanging cliffs and rocky shelters, have been meticulously preserved and recorded, and reflect some of the finest examples of rock painting in all of South Africa.

 

In September 2004, the Bushmans Kloof Research and Information Centre was opened. This 70m² complex was established to provide guests with further insight into the history and lives of the San people, through artefacts and images. The Centre recently acquired the famous Rudner Collection of San objects, which includes jewellery, dancing sticks, hunting kits, musical instruments, dolls, digging sticks and magic sets, as well as some important 19th century sticks and other objects made by the San. It has also started acquiring historical photographs documenting San culture and displays a collection of exceptional photographs by renowned wildlife photographer Michael Poliza shot on location in Botswana, depicting scenes of the daily activities of the San people.

 

Guests may visit the unique medicinal herb garden adjacent to the Research and Information centre to learn about these fascinating plants and the medicinal remedies used by the San throughout the ages. These include the Kapokbos (Eriocephalus africanus) – its leaves and twigs used as a diuretic and to treat stomach ache; Kruidjie-roer-my-nie (Melianthus major) which was used to treat snake bite, septic wounds, sores, bruises and back ache; and the Wild Camphor bush (Tarchononthus camphorates) – its dried leaves were smoked like tobacco and infusions were used to treat everything from toothache to bronchitis and abdominal troubles.

Today, all of the rangers of Bushmans Kloof have extensive training and knowledge of the surrounding land and are able to provide interesting insight into these archaeological wonders. Furthermore, captivating presentations will be held in the Research and Information Centre about the San people, along with talks on the wonders of nature, this sensitive eco-system and the diverse environment that makes up Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat.
 
Lodge & Retreat

 
The lodge, set in a majestic garden setting overlooking rock pools, towering cliffs and rock formations with pebbled pathways leading to 16 individually decorated rooms and suites, four swimming pools and the organic fruit, vegetable and herb gardens, has also gone a number of improvements.

There are five beautifully renovated suites - including the impressive Riverside Honeymoon Suite with its private sitting room, spa bath for two and private garden terrace. In the historic Manor House there are four individually restyled suites, each with their own luxurious, distinguishing design and private terraces, some with living rooms and fireplaces. Plus all of the seven standard rooms, which were refurbished at the end of 2004.

 
The Homestead, the heart of Bushmans Kloof Lodge, has been enhanced and now offers a bar and two new comfortable living rooms with fireplaces – one with flat screen television where current feature films are shown in the evenings. There is a sunny terrace with a newly heated swimming pool and the sauna. It is also home to an extensive library and a business facility with recently installed broad band wireless Internet access, as well as a conference room with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, that is connected to the new Research and Information centre.

During 2005 Bushmans Kloof will open its new 4-luxury suite Tented Camp in the midst of the reserve. This addition will provide guests with another exclusive way to experience this unforgettable destination.

 
Food & Beverage
 

Renowned executive chef Floris Smith brings a touch of magic to the original a la carte menus of Bushmans Kloof. Guests can now indulge and taste a profusion of gastronomic, healthy or home-style comfort foods, made from the best local fresh produce, and harvested daily from our own organic gardens. One is able to dine in a variety of breathtaking locations - Bushmans Kloof now offers a flexible and exciting choice of venues and locations so no meal is quite alike!
 
Greet a new morning with delicious homemade croissants next to a cascading waterfall, and toast the end of yet another glorious day at the new River Boma, which provides a perfect setting for sundowners or nightcaps in the moonlight, accompanied only by the nocturnal sounds of Africa. Or maybe delight in an unforgettable brunch at Makana (‘to feast’ in the San language)  - the newly improved ‘Spanners’ – which offers glorious views across the dam and river, with an expanse of rocky cliffs and the reserve beyond. There is a new location for Embers, providing 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, overlooking wildlife drinking below at the recently completed Khabo dam (‘dream’ in the San language). Or else delight in fine dining venues such as the dining room or terrace of the Homestead, or the new Manor House bar and deck with its romantic riverside setting under the colossal fig tree (Ficus natalensis). Guests may even choose to have a private, romantic dinner for two at a specially chosen location on the reserve, or in the privacy of your own room.

Complementing the award winning cuisine (Bushmans Kloof is a 2005 South African Top 100 Restaurant) is an acclaimed wine cellar with a wide choice of superb South African wines, French champagnes and cognacs, as well as a refreshing choice of beverages including herbal infused, home-brewed Rooibos and Honeybush tea, organically grown in nearby Wupperthal.  The proprietors of the hotel also own the South African award winning wine estate, Bouchard Finlayson in Hermanus. These sought after wines may now be purchased at Bushmans Kloof at cellar prices.

 
Activities
 
A wide variety of activities are available at Bushmans Kloof, which allow guests to explore as well as renew their inner self, by fulfilling a combination of sensory experiences through rejuvenation, intimacy, enrichment, or healing. One can touch and feel the energies of the rocks, plants and other elements and try some outdoor adventure to fortify one’s adventurous spirit whether by hiking, rock-climbing, mountain biking, archery, fly-fishing and canoeing. Or one can do simply nothing but enjoy the peaceful solitude and be pampered by the experienced spa therapists of Bushmans Kloof.

The Spa at Bushmans Kloof has two serene treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy spa bath. Signature treatments include Spa Body Treatments and Touch Therapies such as the Hot Stone Body Treatment, as well as various massages. These may also be taken in the privacy of guest rooms or suites or in a scenic spot in the gardens, or maybe in the heat of summer, in the cool of an ancient cave in the reserve.

Today, come to Bushmans Kloof to experience, discover, share and treasure special moments with loved ones.... or bond and exchange ideas through corporate team building and motivate fellow workers by providing the perfect, private, serene environment to brainstorm and create. It is the perfect haven to rest, heal, and pamper the mind, body and spirit.