Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for more than 35 species of mammals, 150 bird species and 755 plant species, which have been identified in the reserve. The wildlife has prospered and the veld has reached optimum carrying capacity. The animals have become habituated to game viewing vehicles, providing guests with a fine game viewing experience against the spectacular backdrop of the Cederberg mountains.

Many species of indigenous game were introduced at Bushmans Kloof, including the property’s flagship species, the rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra). Current recorded numbers of the Cape Mountain Zebra totals approximately one thousand two hundred animals worldwide. In genetic terms this still represents a small population, but is a vast improvement of the just over 400 recorded in 1984. Bushmans Kloof is the proud owner of one of the largest breeding herds of Cape mountain zebra on privately owned land.

Bushmans Kloof  recently re-introduced its first pair of Brown hyena (Hyena borunea) as part of the greater eco-tourism philosophy of Bushmans Kloof, introduced by the previous owners, Bill and Mark McAdam.  This strategy is extended by the Tollman family who have undertaken to continue the gradual reintroduction of indigenous species, which have been displaced through human activity and interference, within the Cederberg region.

Bushmans Kloof has always offered excellent Bass fishing, but recently launched a project to protect the endangered Clanwillian Yellow fish by eradicating all exotic fish species from the two dams that are not connected to the river systems. At the same time, the dams are being restocked with fingerlings caught in nets from the Biedouw River.

Species to be introduced include the Clanwilliam Yellow fish, Clanwilliam Red fins and Saw fins – all endemic to the local Olifants- and Doring River systems. In summer this will result in excellent fly-fishing in the rock pools all the way up-river towards the lodge (fishing on a catch-and release basis only).

Exciting news about our birdlife is the introduction of endemic Waterfowl to the lodge dam for breeding and re-population purposes. Yellow billed ducks, Flovous ducks, White faced whistling ducks, Cape Teal and Cape shovler can be seen around the lodge.  Recent spottings of new species in the reserve include Black stork, Flamingoes and the Great crested grebe. Bushmans Kloof has become a safe haven for more than 150 bird species which have been identified in the reserve and lodge area, such as Spotted Eagle Owl, Black Eagle, African Fish Eagle, the Malachite Kingfisher and the Black Harriet, to name but a few.