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Bushmans Kloof Location

The road to Bushmans Kloof passes through some of South Africa's most beautiful, yet least explored countryside. Rolling wheatfields and wide vistas sweep over the rich, black soil of the Swartland. Lush green citrus groves line the route past Citrusdal. At Clanwilliam, the tarred road ends and the real adventure begins. The climb over the dusty Pakhuis Pass winds through gargantuan clusters of mottled orange boulders - a giants playground of weird shapes and forms that leads to the entrance to Bushmans Kloof.

Fly-In Wildlife Game Drives Self Drive Walking Canoeing Honeymoon Rock Art Fishing Photography Birding Cuisine Spa Mountain Biking Day Tour Swimming Pool Malaria Free Price Range - Southern Africa: $200 - $400

This unique Cape reserve is an ecological oasis situated between the rugged foothills of the Cederberg Mountains and the plains of the Great Karoo. The area is characterised by immense open plains, ravines, waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations. Bushmans Kloof is home to a large variety of botanical communities, more than 755 plant species, and is a premier spring flower destination. Over 10 000 years ago Bushmans Kloof was the favourite hunting ground of the intrepid San, a tribe of ochre-skinned hunter-gatherers who traversed Southern Africa in search of food and water. The San returned again and again to Bushmans Kloof because it provided everything which they held sacred - water, shelter and a diversity of game and plant life. Since 1992, Bushmans Kloof has been managed as a private wilderness area and a 7 500 hectare reserve has been created. In recognition of its immense cultural, historical and environmental significance, Bushmans Kloof has been declared a South African Natural Heritage Site. Bushmans Kloof embodies the rebirth and development of this sanctuary. Its mission is to recreate a thriving wilderness area which nurtures indigenous wildlife, protects the history and culture of the San, and secures the future of the unique botanical diversity of the region. 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. Added to these are existing species such as: Cape Mountain Leopard, Bat-eared Fox, African Wild Cat, Cape Fox, Caracal, Cape Clawless Otter, Baboon, Klipspringer, Aardwolf and Aardvark. There are also more than 150 species of birds resident in the reserve, including numerous species of eagle and water birds. 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. "... 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 125 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. "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 " South Africa's rich tapestry of rock art predates the most visited temples and ruins around the world, and is by far the oldest record of human art forms. This interpretation of the lives of our forefathers, is a product that not many can offer. Many countries have beaches and wildlife destination, but we have the cradle of man kind " - Minister Valli Moosa - Minister of Tourism and Environmental affairs ( May 2000 )

The rooms and suites all have designer en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with magnificent views over rolling lawns, the river and onto dramatic rock formations. Riverside Cottage, the honeymoon suite, comprises a spacious sitting room with fireplace, a luxurious bedroom and a bathroom with spa-bath for two. The Manor House offers four luxurious suites, 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. 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, underfloor heating, ceiling fans, mini-bar fridges and temperature control units. Bushmans Kloof is renowned for its stylish and contemporary country cuisine. The chef specialises in seasonal dishes with a touch of Cape heritage cooking, using organically grown farm produce, and fresh ingredients from the expansive walled vegetable, fruit and herb garden. Guests are invited to the wine cellar to select their wine from an award winning wine list which features top South African wines. The rates are fully inclusive of early morning coffee and muffins, a scrumptious brunch buffet after the morning excursion, afternoon teas - around a crackling log fire in winter, or on the riverbanks in summer - and delicious three-course dinners served in the elegantly appointed dining room or on the poolside terrace with its dramatic rocky mountain backdrop. On fine evenings guests can enjoy a barbeque in the boma around a campfire, capturing the true flavour of an African night under a million stars.

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 Land Rovers, with drinks and snacks served at one of the many vantage points in the reserve. The 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. Those who prefer more leisurely pursuits can amble through the Homestead and admire the original Bushmans Kloof art collection painted by artist Stephen Townley Bassett, or relax in the comfort of the extensive library. Guests can select safari gear and mementos from the Trading Post gift shop, watch wildlife videos, play billiards, sip cocktails at Spanners boma or unwind in the sauna. Bushmans Kloof invites guests to explore the indigenous gardens or to simply marvel at the fascinating rock formations, gouged out over eons. The sweeping vistas from the Cederberg to the Great Karoo provide food for thought, and the tranquillity rejuvenates weary travellers from around the globe. In its unique setting - peaceful and tranquil, the new spa is conducive to "healing through water" and embraces the quest for wellness, in harmony with nature, mind, body and spirit. Two comprehensively equipped therapy rooms offer all the latest Skincare Treatments. From a Men's Exclusive Skincare Treatment, to a Hydroxy Acid Exfoliation and Environmental Desensitising 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 customised 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.

▼ VIEW OUR CURRENT SPECIAL ON BUSHMANS KLOOF:
SOUTH AFRICA - Cape - Cedarberg - Bushmanskloof - Natural Wellness Package 2012
SOUTH AFRICA - Cape - Cedarberg - Bushmans Kloof 3 night Winter Getaway 2012
SOUTH AFRICA - Cape - Cedarberg - Bushmanskloof - Stay 4 Pay 3 Special 2012

Bushmans Kloof Children Policy
Children 10 years and over welcome at full rate.

Nearest City: CAPE TOWN

Check In Time: 02:00:00 PM

Check Out Time: 11:00:00 AM