BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & RETREAT
AN EXCLUSIVE WILDERNESS GETAWAY

Under watchful African skies, rugged and yet graceful, a land once the very cradle of humankind has been rediscovered and brought to life . . . Bushmans Kloof, the heartbeat of an African wilderness . . . the rebirth of a long forgotten land. 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, unique and unspoilt, this once hunting ground of the intrepid San, is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and plant species, and is a premier spring flower destination.

A South African Natural Heritage site, guests enjoy a unique wilderness experience in a malaria-free environment – filled with potential enrichment, relaxation and wellbeing from outdoor adventures, healing spa therapies, education, supreme luxury and remarkable services and facilities, only 270 km from Cape Town.

Renowned as the world’s ‘largest open air art gallery’, and custodian to over 130 Bushman rock art sites in the reserve. 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 the reserve’s boundaries are over 130 remarkable Bushmen rock art sites, and guests have the opportunity to observe and learn about some of South Africa’s greatest national treasures. These ancient sites, located under overhanging cliffs and in rocky shelters, have been meticulously preserved and recorded, making them some of the finest examples of rock painting in all of South Africa.

The Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre houses fascinating Bushman artefacts, including the highly acclaimed Rudner Collection and a series of historical photographs documenting the San culture.

Bushmans Kloof is dedicated to restoring the indigenous wildlife, flora and fauna to the splendour of centuries ago. The property is a safe haven to many unique and some highly endangered species of indigenous plants and animals. It is home to over 35 species of mammals, including the rare Cape Mountain zebra, as well as over 150 kinds of birds, including the African fish eagle and the Malachite kingfisher. Over 755 plant species have been identified in the reserve, representative of the three major vegetation types: Fynbos, Forest and Karoo biomes.  Bushmans Kloof borders the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which as part of the Cape Floral Region, was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004.
 
Outdoor activities include daily guided rock art excursions, evening nature drives, hiking and mountain biking, canoeing, archery, fishing, bird watching, croquet, stargazing and swimming in crystal clear rock pools. Guests may also take a stroll through the botanical and organic gardens, including the unique San medicinal herb garden.

Gentle, more relaxing options include soothing spa treatments, wine tasting, photography, cooking classes, reading, watercolour painting and talks by expert specialists on a variety of topics relating to reserve.

Voted the 5th Top Hotel in the World*, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux property offers luxurious and stylish accommodation, comprising of seven Luxury rooms, six Deluxe Rooms and three Suites – the Riverside Honeymoon Suite, as well as Niven and Paterson in the historic Manor House. The lodge also boasts 4 swimming pools (including one heated pool), a library and two bars.

The Spa at Bushmans Kloof 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.  Signature offerings 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 the guest’s room or suite, or in a scenic garden spot, or maybe – in the heat of summer – in the cool of an ancient cave in the Reserve.

The Executive Chef brings a touch of magic to the original a la carte menus of Bushmans Kloof. Guests can indulge and taste a profusion of gastronomic, healthy and home-style comfort foods, made from the best local fresh produce and harvested daily from our own organic gardens.

Guests can choose from a variety of breathtaking locations, with a new flexible and exciting choice of venues, which include River Boma, the perfect setting for sundowners or night-caps in the moonlight; Makana – which offers glorious views across the dam and river, as well as Embers, a matchless dining experience under the star-filled African sky and fine dining is offered in the Homestead. Full service, extraordinary dining is available as a private braai (barbeque) or a picnic in the reserve, and meals may also be enjoyed in the privacy of guest rooms, or on their own private verandas – so no meal is quite alike.

PROUD MEMBER OF RELAIS & CHATEAUX   USA Travel + Leisure Poll Voted First in Africa/Middle East ‘Worth the Splurge’ (March 2005) Voted Fourth Worldwide for ‘Value Overall’ (March 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) Selected as one of the SA Wine Magazine Top 100 Restaurants (2004 and 2005) Bushmans Kloof is a South African Natural Heritage Site, located within the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site.   Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat Reservations Tel:  (021) 685 2598 Fax:  (021) 685 5210 Email:  info@bushmanskloof.co.za Website: www.bushmanskloof.co.za