Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat
Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa
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BUSHMANS KLOOF
WILDERNESS RESERVE AND RETREAT
- WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat is a heavenly wilderness
reserve, a retreat of unparalleled beauty and recreational diversity,
surrounded by thousands of acres of majestic, savage beauty of wind-sculpted
landscape of reddish sandstone rock foundations. Discover Cape Town's
closest 5 star luxury lodge (270km north of Cape Town) set in the heart
of the wilderness of the Western Cape, between the majestic Cederberg
mountains and the vast open plains of the Great Karoo.
This luxury ecological oasis was once the hunting
ground of the Bushman, and the very cradle of humankind.
This five-star lodge is a proud member of Relais & Chateaux, with 16 luxurious rooms and suites. It is
world renowned for its 130 rock art sites, and abundance of indigenous
flora and fauna.
The property borders the Cederberg Mountains, which was granted
World Heritage Site status as part of the Cape Floral Region. US Travel
+ Leisure voted Bushmans Kloof the 5th Top Hotel in the World (August
2004), as well as first in Africa/Middle East Worth the Splurge (March
2005), fourth worldwide for Value Overall (March
2005) and seventh in Africa/Middle East World’s Best Service (June
2005). Bushmans Kloof was a Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Grand
Award Winner in 2004.
Bushmans Kloof is fresh from a series of enhancements to fulfil its
ongoing commitment to conserving, protecting and enriching the land,
environment, wildlife and flora as well as the heritage of the Bushman,
thus providing a deeper meaning to the glamorous 5-star experience.
Offering
a unique malaria-free, wilderness experience and a sanctuary
for many indigenous plants, birds and animals, the reserve’s carefully
preserved San rock art sites also make it the world’s ‘largest
open air art gallery’. Guided walks provide insight into the
lives of the San, South Africa’s earliest inhabitants who
roamed this region during the Later Stone Age and today are recognised
as one of the oldest civilisations of mankind. At Bushmans Kloof
over 130 rock art sites are located amidst overhanging cliffs and rocky
shelters. The new Heritage Centre provides further insight
into the history and lives of the San people through artefacts and photographic
images, as well as the unique medicinal herb garden.
With no
large predators, the property is a safe haven to many unique and some
highly endangered species of plants and animals. There
are over 35 species of mammals including Eland and Bontebok, as well
as 29 Cape mountain zebra (currently numbered at only 1200 worldwide),
and nocturnal animals like the rare Aardwolf and Smiths red rock rabbit.
Over a 150 kinds of birds, including African fish eagle, Malachite kingfisher
and Black harrier, as well as many species of water birds and indigenous
ducks, such as Cape teal and Cape shovler can be seen at Bushmans Kloof,
and more than 755 indigenous plant species thrive within this protected
wilderness, including Bushmans Kloof's onw Cederberg Seven.
Fortifying their adventurous spirit with a range
of exhilarating outdoor activities, guests may enjoy evening nature drives
as well as hiking, mountain biking, archery, canoeing, fishing and swimming
in crystal clear rock pools. Or be pampered with soothing
spa treatments before relaxing on their private terraces or
in their luxurious accommodation. |
Accommodation For
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Thirty-two
guests can be accommodated in 7 luxury rooms, 6 deluxe rooms and
3 suites. All rooms and suites have designer en-suite bathrooms
with separate bath and shower, air conditioning, under-floor
heating, mini-bars, ceiling fans and temperature control units, in-room
safe, as well as their own private terraces, with magnificent views
over rolling lawns, the river and onto dramatic rock formations. There
is no television in any rooms except for Niven Suite.
The Riverside Honeymoon Suite has a master bedroom, separate living room with fireplace, and deluxe bathroom, a private infinity pool, outdoor shower, large private patio, air conditioning and underfloor heating, 2 flatscreen TVs with satellite, a collection of DVDs, wireless internet access and ipod docking station and ipod.
The Manor House offers 2 Suites
(Paterson and Niven) and 2 Deluxe rooms (Masson and Gordon),
a lounge with fireplace, satellite television, bar and dining room,
a veranda with panoramic views as well as a wooden deck in the cool
shade of ancient ficus trees. All the beds in the Manor House
are King-size beds; therefore, they cannot be made into twin. These
are the only 4 rooms which cannot be split.
The luxury and comfort of the bedrooms
are enhanced by hand-made bed linen and custom made fabrics which blend
into a feeling of restfulness
and peace. All rooms have direct-dial telephones, under floor heating,
ceiling fans, mini-bar fridges and temperature control units.
Summary
• 7 Luxury Rooms: private patios and
bathrooms en-suite - (Waters
Edge 1 & 2, River Reeds 1 & 2, Karoo Plains 1, 2 & 3)
• 6 Deluxe Rooms: large private patios, bathrooms en-suite with heated
towel rails, lounge area within bedroom and some with fireplaces - (Cedar
Falls 1 & 2, Rock Pools 1 & 2, Gordon and Masson)
• 3 Suites: large private patios, bathrooms en-suite with heated
towel rails and separate lounge area and some with fireplaces - (Paterson,
Niven, Riverside Honeymoon Suite)
Check in at 14:00. Afternoon tea is served at 16:30 and game drive departs
at 17:00. Check out at 12:00 (After rock art excursion and buffet brunch)
Services
• Fax, satellite internet access
• Note: No Cell phone reception
• Generator on site to provide full power backup to the lodge, should there
be any power outages in the area |
Koro Lodge
Koro Lodge is an existing farmhouse, nestled in the reserve, that has been completely renovated and transformed into an spectacular intimate villa, surrounded by open vistas of wilderness and wildlife, joining ultimate luxury with nature. It is available all year round for families and friends and provides the perfect, relaxed and welcoming space to enjoy the complete wilderness adventure.
This fully independently catered for family experience, promises that together with your children, you can discover, enrich, explore and enjoy the wonders of nature, and where life long bonding memories can be made.
The private villa is comfortably and luxuriously styled with beautiful, handcrafted South African objects and furnishings, in natural vibrant earth colours and is designed and equipped to provide every need and service to satisfy. It boasts every amenity for
both adults and children, from a fully equipped kitchen and bar, flat screen TV's, independent cable channels, DVD players, music, games, air conditioning,
underfloor heating and wi-fi.
The two sun filled master bedrooms with private terraces, uninterrupted views of the reserve, have en-suite bathrooms and every luxury to touch and please the senses.
The living room offers the ideal space to relax and unwind, and for cosy dinners by the warmth of the open fireplace for those cold winter nights. The stylish interiors have captured the rich colours of Africa, creating a mood of harmony and well being.
A large terrace surrounds the house, inspiring the name "Koro," which means "open vistas" in the San language.
Inhale the magnificent views morning, noon and night, whether sipping a cocktail from
the refreshing rock pool, or feasting from delicious choices from the outdoor braai
and the homemade delicacies specially prepared for you.
A cleverly designed loft area, upstairs from the main living area, comfortably
sleeps 4 children of all ages, while allowing them to sleep, rest and play in private,
yet within close proximity to their parents.
Independent but within metres from the main villa, is a fun and practically furnished family living space, with an en suite bathroom accommodating 2 teenagers or adults.
It is fully equipped to entertain with a flat screen TV, games, DVD's, independent
cable channels, underfloor heating and air conditioning.
Located approximately 2 kilometres from the main lodge, and within easy walking distance of one of the main dams, the lodge is completely private and includes
the services of its own Chef and Guide for the duration of your family getaway.
A special fun fulfilled children's programme is offered to entertain and stimulate,
in addition to exciting outdoor family or group activities such as mountain biking,
canoeing (equipped with life jackets), hiking, star gazing, and swimming.
Koro Lodge accommodates four adults and up to four children. Koro Lodge is about 15 minutes drive from the main lodge, and offers an exclusive use only option for families or groups of friends travelling together.
Facilities:
• 2 Master bedrooms with en-suite bathroom (one with outdoor shower)
• Loft area accommodates 4 children
• Independent Family living area, with bathroom en-suite (can also sleep 2 persons)
• Kitchen, bar and living room area with dining area and fireplace
• Mini Library
• Amenities and equipment available for babies and small children (e.g. Camp Cot,
High Chair, nappies, baby wipes etc)
• Wrap around Terraces with small private infinity pool and outdoor barbeque
(braai) area
Throughout The Villa:
• Wi-fi
• Satellite TV (dual view)
• Ceiling Fans
• Air conditioning
• Telephones (no mobile phone reception)
• Underfloor heating
Services:
• All meals and a selection of beverages included
• Hostess
• Personal Guide
• Personal Chef
• Housekeeping and laundry service included
• Pre-arranged spa treatments available at the Main Lodge (Children 10+ welcome)
• Transfers between main lodge and Koro Lodge
• Terms & Conditions apply
Activities:
•Rock Art excursions
• Nature drives with sundowner drinks & snacks
• Canoeing (equipped with life jackets)
• Mountain biking
• Hiking
• Star gazing
• Swimming
• Painting
• Children's games and activities
• Picnics
• Treasure hunts with guide
• Cooking with the Chef
Facilities
The Homestead 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.
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 also 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.
• 3 swimming pools.
• Gift shop offering
a unique variety of specially hand selected items from South African’s
finest artisans.
• Flower and herb garden offering
a magnificent and unique variety of colours and scents
• Fruit and vegetable garden whereby all produce is grown by organic
principals and used in the making of our fine cuisine.
The Spa at Bushmans Kloof
The Spa at Bushmans Kloof offers an extensive
selection of body and beauty treatments. The Spa is operated by the
independent Ginkgo Tree Spa and Management Corporation, and offers
an extensive selection of treatments that include Touch Therapies,
Skincare Treatments, Beauty Salon Services, as well as Spa Body Treatments,
utilizing natural products, and the technologically advanced Dermalogica
skincare product range to combat the effects of modern environmental
influences on human skin.
Two highly qualified and experienced
therapists are in attendance at the Spa, which is located next to the Homestead,
with its sauna and stunning
outdoor
jet pool that sports views of the lodge’s rocky backdrop.
But the therapists also use their portable equipment to make the most of the
serene environment by offering massage therapy in nature: on the private verandas
of the suites, in tranquil settings in the ancient ravines, even in some of
the cool, rocky shelters that was home to the San thousands of years ago. These
include Aromatherapy, Manual Lymphatic Massage, Reflexology and Full Body
Massage. |
The Spa offers two comprehensively equipped
therapy rooms where all the latest Skincare Treatments are available. From
a Men’s
Exclusive Skincare Treatment, to a Hydroxy Acid Exfoliation and Environmental
Desensitizing Treatment, in
addition to the standard range of treatments such as manicures, pedicures,
waxing and tints.
The Spa at Bushmans Kloof offers a complete spectrum of
treatments including the Enzymatic Sea Mud Pack for the body or the hair which
is customized with stress relieving aromatherapy oils or detoxifying algae,
and the Hydro Active Mineral Salt Scrub with mineral-rich sea salt, dried seaweed
and fruit enzymes combined to smooth and silken the entire body.
One of the Spa’s speciality treatments is the Hot Stone Body Treatment
that uses only natural Eastern ingredients for a holistic approach to a healthy
and harmonized mind, body and soul. At Bushmans Kloof, the Hot Stone Therapy
is interpreted by remembering the ochre-skinned hunter-gatherers who once
traversed this land, utilizing some of the ancient stones that formed part
of their every day lives.
Dining & Cuisine
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 our own organically cultivated 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!
(Prior arrangement and weather dependant)
Executive chef Floris Smith provides a tantalising
menu and each course is superbly matched with a suitable wine from
the stable of Bouchard Finlayson. Specialities include
Carrot and Ginger Cappuccino, Confit of Quail, Avocado Ice-Cream, Bokaap Kabeljou
with spiced vanilla and lime couscous and chermoula cream sauce and salsa
verde, Loin of Springbok on buttered greens, parsnip puree, chocolate
oil and rhubarb chutney, Whipped Brie Meaux en Feuillete, and Study
of Coconut (spiced ice-cream; macadamia shortcake; coconut spring roll;
toasted coconut brulee).
• The River
Boma provides a perfect setting for sundowners or nightcaps in the moonlight.
• Makana (means "to feast") 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.
• Kadoro ("Tinderbox of Stories") is a 'secret' dining location in
the reserve, especially suitable for private dinners.
• 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. Extra service charges and 24-hour
notice required.
• In Room
Dining: Enjoy a specially prepared dinner in the privacy of your room
or private veranda (service charge applicable per delivery per room)
Activities
To experience the essence of this magical wilderness reserve, guests
are invited to participate in a variety of activities to invigorate
the body and feed the soul.
One of the highlights of the day at Bushmans Kloof is the sunset game
drive in open game viewing vehicles, with drinks and snacks served at
one of the many vantage points in the reserve. Knowledgeable rangers
lead the game drives where guests can view at close range a variety of
game, both large and small, and enjoy the ever-changing vistas and vegetation.
Early morning rock art tours provide the visitor with an insight into
an ancient culture that has been lost forever. Botanical walks, mountain
hikes and bird watching are also available. Abseiling or mountain biking
down one of the many rocky slopes offers a challenge to the adventurous.
Fly-fishing enthusiasts may opt for a day excursion to the Biedouw river
to challenge the famous Clanwilliam yellowfish on a catch-and-release
basis.
Swimming in one of the river's crystal
clear natural rock pools or in the Lodge's swimming pools offers
welcome relief on a hot summer day. Guests may also picnic in the
reserve or simply relax on the rolling green lawns alongside the
river.
Additional activities on offer include canoeing, walking trails and
stargazing with a state-of-the-art telescope. |
Bushman Rock art
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 with experienced
rangers along rivers and through the veld to view a selection of the sites.
Scenic beauty of the area
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, which is located at the
foothills of the Cederberg Mountains.
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
Exciting special events are hosted throughout the year for guests
to experience, explore and discover the essence of this magical reserve,
and learn something new. These range from Archaeological and Botanical
breaks, to Chef speciality weekends, Yoga Retreats, as well as Family
Fun packages during the school holidays.
Bushmans Kloof is malaria
free
Flora
and Fauna
The rebirth programme of Bushmans Kloof has returned many species
of wildlife to the land their forebears once roamed in great
numbers. Some of the game re-introduced include: the rare Cape
Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Eland, Gemsbok, Black Wildebeest, Red
Hartebeest, Springbok, Grey Rhebok and Ostrich.
Game drives and hikes through the reserve provide the opportunity to see some
of this game, a sight to rekindle the soul and inspire one to re-discover
the wildlife that was once unique to this Cape region. Bushmans Kloof lies
between two vegetation biomes - dry mountain fynbos and succulent Karoo -
where wildlife and an immense diversity of plant life intermingle. In Spring
the reserve explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour. Wild flowers stretch
as far as the eye can see, creating a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
Bushmans Kloof is a premier spring flower destination. |
Fauna
View the expansive 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.
Flora
From July through to October the veld 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 Kloofs 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.
Bushmans Kloof is a South African Natuaral Heritage Site,
and lies within the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of
the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site.
Climate
• Summer (November – March): min 20ºC, max 40ºC
• Mid-Season
(April, May, September, October): min 10ºC max 30ºC
• Winter
(June – August): Min 0ºC, max 25ºC
Rock
Art
Bushmans Kloof
is one of the most densely painted rock art areas in South Africa,
or indeed in the world... in terms of the number of sites to
see, Bushmans Kloof is unsurpassed..." Fragile Heritage
- A rock art field guide by David Lewis-Williams and Geoffrey
Blundell.
Bushmans Kloof is home to over 130 rock art sites which date back
some 10,000 years, creating one of the world's largest open-air art
galleries.
In these rocky shelters, the enchanted visitor may contemplate the
daily detail of a now extinct existence and be humbled by its beauty
and simplicity. Providing a rich cultural history, this pristine
collection communicates the very spiritual reality of these true
conservationists and will inspire and invigorate the observer.
Trained guides conduct daily rock-art
walks with interpretations that provide insight and a deeper understanding
of these rare archeological
sites. |
At Bleeding Nose Shelter, rock paintings
stand out richly in the small alcove site formed in white sandstone.
Subjects include eland, small
antelope, rare paintings of birds and a whole variety of humans standing,
dancing and shooting with bows. This site takes its name from a painting
of a man with blood pouring from his nose, who is joined to his companions
by mystical lines of power.
The fallen painted slab that
gives Fallen Rock Shelter its name is the least of this site's
attractions. It also houses one of the largest
collections of well-preserved and diverse images known in the Pakhuis
region and has a deposit of ash, sand and grass left behind by the
San occupants over thousands of years. It houses the largest painting
of a San cave dwelling group known in the Western Cape. The
site was excavated several years ago by the Archeology department
of the University of Cape Town.
"The priceless natural and
cultural historical heritage on Bushmans Kloof is in the form of
numerous pristine rock
paintings. It is not
difficult to understand why the San chose this specific spot for its
shelter, water, game and vegetarian to live for many generations." -
Dr John Hanks, Peace Parks Foundation, South Africa.
In 1996, artist Stephen Townley Bassett
completed a series of life-size, full colour recordings of rock art
at Bushmans
Kloof, accurately documenting both the paintings, and the rock background
on which they were depicted. This collection is on view at Bushmans
Kloof Wilderness Reserve, and lithographic prints of these works are
available at Bushmans Kloof or from the artist’s studio in Cape
Town.
Accolades
USA Travel & Leisure Poll
Voted First in Africa/Middle East "Worth the
Splurge" (March 2005)
Voted Fourth Worldwide for "Value Overall" (March
2005)
Voted Seventh in Africa/Middle East World's Best Service
(June 2005)
One of the Top 500 Hotels and Resorts in the World
(January 2005)
Voted Fifth Top Hotel in the World (2004)
Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report
Grand Award Winner (2004)
Wine Magazine Top 100 Restuarants (2004 and 2005)
Owners
and History
Bushmans Koof was established In1991 when the
previous owners, Bill and Mark McAdam, purchased 7,500 hectares of
overgrazed and severely neglected land in the foothills of the Cederberg
(later adding another 800 hectares to increase the size of the property
to the current 8,300 hectares). They restored Bushmans Kloof into a
thriving wilderness area, which today nurtures priceless wildlife,
protects the history, heritage and culture of the San, and secures
the future of the unique botanical diversity of the region.
In 1996,
Bushmans Kloof was opened to the public and in 2000 was accredited
by membership to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association.
On
31 January 2004, the Private Tollman Family Trust acquired the property. The
Tollman family is renowned hoteliers who operate several Red Carnation
boutique hotels in London, Europe and the US. In 2002 they acquired
the Oudekraal Hotel and have substantially upgraded and renamed it
The Twelve Apostles Hotel. They have also in recent years acquired
and developed the wine farm Bouchard Finlayson in Hermanus.
Bushmans Kloof is an oasis – a haven surrounded
by water, shade, rolling lawns and indigenous gardens that provides a
unique wilderness experience in an awesome setting.
Terms and
Conditions
• Rates Include: Luxury accommodation
and all meals (Early morning light continental breakfast, late
morning buffet brunch, afternoon high tea, A La Carte Dinner Menu),
laundry & valet, early morning guided rock art excursion, evening
nature drive with sundowner drinks & snacks and all other lodge
activities.
• Rates Exclude: All beverages,
telephone, facsimile, e-mail, room service, specialised Dining options,
Trading Post purchases, gratuities, transfers to and from the lodge & Spa
treatments.
• Minimum 2 night stay on weekends – Friday
and Saturday
• Minimum 4 night stay during New Year festivities
• Fly-in Safaris daily shuttle: departing
from Cape Town International Airport, operated during day-light
hours only, flying time one hour
• Children 10+ welcome at full rate
• No pets allowed.
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