Bushmanskloof Wilderness ReserveBushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve Hotel / Lodge accommodation in Clanwilliam Western CapeLocation: South Africa » Western Cape » West Coast » ClanwilliamDescriptionUnder 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. Discover and partake in a multitude of activities in the Reserve.
A successful programme of species re-introduction has followed the continued rehabilitation of the natural vegetation. The results are a triumph for conservation, and a delightful awareness for visitors. Bushmans Kloof has been proclaimed a South African Natural Heritage Site within the Cederberg Wilderness Area, and forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a designated World Heritage Site.
The area is malaria and predator-free.   
Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |
  
AttractionsBushmans 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.
• Guided rock art excursions
• Botanical tours
• Game viewing and sunset game drives in open game viewing vehicles
• Birdwatching
• Nature trails for mountain hikes and river walks
• Canoeing and swimming in crystal clear natural rock
pools
• Abseiling
• Fly-fishing
• Health & Beauty Spa
• Two lounges with fireplaces
• Library and billiard room
• Wine cellar
• Trading Post Gift Shop | Whether you would like to explore your adventurous nature, unwind your body or soothe your soul, we offer an activity to match your requirement.
To experience the best of this magical wilderness reserve, you are invited to combine a variety of activities with relaxation. An extensive selection of quality activities and services awaits you. | | | SUNSET NATURE DRIVE Ride in a game viewing vehicle with your ranger to explore the wilderness reserve in all its diversity. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes, the wonderful plant life and get close to some of the Cape’s rarest and most endangered species. Sundowner drinks and snacks are served at a scenic spot during the drive. In spring (July-October) the world-famous Cape wildflowers carpet the reserve in spectacular displays of colour. | | | | EARLY MORNING ROCK ART EXCURSION With over 130 rock art sites, Bushmans Kloof represents one of the most densely painted rock art areas in South Africa. A glorious morning drive and a short hike through the aromatic fynbos leads you to secret caves where your ranger will provide insight into the ancient lost culture of the San and their fascinating spirit world. Enjoy a scrumptious Bush Breakfast next to a cascading waterfall and drink in the sight of a myriad wildlife together with your cup of delicious steaming hot chocolate. | | | | OTHER ACTIVITIES - Satisfy your adventurous side with a nature hike, mountain biking, canoeing, or swimming in crystal clear rock pools.
- Fly-fishing at the main dam, or opt for a day excursion to the Biedouw River to challenge the famous Clanwilliam Yellow Fish on a catch-and-release basis.
- Try your hand at archery or the genteel pastime of croquet on the lawns.
- For the less energetic, Bushmans Kloof provides a perfect retreat for painting, writing, photography, reading in the library or watching wildlife DVDs.
- In the Heritage Centre, there is a collection of San artefacts, and this is where the rangers hold specialised talks on interesting aspects of the reserve and the Cederberg Wilderness Area.
- For a truly memorable break, book a culinary weekend or one of our special-interest Packages.
| | | | RELAXATION The deep calm of the silent hills provides balm for the soul, and sweeping vistas from the Cederberg to the Great Karoo provide a space for the spirit to just ‘be’. The sounds of birdsong and trickling water are relaxing as you lounge on the rolling green lawns alongside the river and swimming pools, or wander among indigenous gardens and fascinating rock formations, gouged out over eons. After dark, the River Boma offers incomparable stargazing. | | | | WELLNESS We offer the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, so why not book yourself an indulgent treatment at The Spa? Our professional therapists offer a selection of signature massage, body and skin treatments. | | | | CUISINE The award-winning menus and wine cellar are in keeping with the Lodge’s status as a Relais & Chateaux establishment. Just-picked fresh fruit and vegetables from the Lodge’s organic garden are a healthy enhancement to every meal. The day starts early with a light Continental breakfast – served in your room, or a bush breakfast next to a cascading waterfall before you set off on your guided rock art walk. After working up an appetite, you’ll return to the Lodge for the legendary mid-morning Bushmans Kloof Brunch – a dazzling buffet of fruit, yoghurt, cereals, cold meats, cheeses, and a choice of hot light meals. Sensibly, the next meal is a sumptuous High Tea in the finest country manor style, with the addition of scrumptious Dutch-style pastries adding a South African touch. High Tea is a tradition passed down from the original Scottish owners. On the evening nature drive, sundowners and snacks are served at one of the scenic spots or lookout points. And then it’s back to the Lodge to freshen up for dinner. Dinner is a true gourmet affair and can be enjoyed in a variety of fine dining and al fresco venues, depending on the weather or your personal preference. | | | | EXCURSIONS IN THE AREA For guests who are indulging in a longer stay, there is plenty to see and do outside the Lodge gates. As optional extras, half and full day excursions can be organised to interesting places in the Cederberg area: - Wupperthal - craft village & historic Moravian mission station
- Clanwilliam Museum - Anglo-Boer war memorabilia
- Cederberg Wilderness Area
- Biedouw River - fly-fishing
- Lambert's Bay - fishing village, surfing beach and seabird colonies
- Goue Vallei Wine Cellars tour and tasting, Citrusdal
- Cederberg Private Cellars - the Cape’s highest altitude vineyards
- Rooibos Tea Factory - Visit the factory shop in Clanwilliam
- Cederberg Heritage Route:
The Cederberg Heritage Route has three multi-night "slackpacking" trails where all you carry is a small daypack. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable guest cottages. All meals and transport are provided.
A Rock Art Trail and a Donkey Cart Trail are included.
| | Rock Art "One of the world’s largest open-air art galleries."
Bushmans Kloof guards and conserves over 130 unique rock art sites, which can be viewed only by resident guests, archaeologists or researchers.
The mountains are millions of years old. The people whose culture and spiritual legacy is painted on the rocks were here as long as one hundred and twenty thousand years ago - the Bushman tribes, whose ancestral home was in these mountains.
“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… Many countries have beaches and wildlife, but we also have the cradle of mankind.” – Minister Valli Moosa, Former Minister of Tourism and Environmental affairs (May 2000).
In July 2005 Bushmans Kloof appointed Siyakha Mguni, a dedicated and knowledgeable Rock Art Archaeologist, to the position of Resident Archaeologist and Curator. Mguni is tasked with recording, documenting and researching all of the known rock art sites as well as any potential new sites on the reserve, in order to create a workable model for rock art management on the African continent. This will ensure the integrity of Bushmans Kloof’s sites for generations to come. Mguni also assists the University of Cape Town's Clanwilliam-based Living Landscape Project, a community based heritage and education project, directed by Prof. John Parkington of UCT's department of Archaeology, aimed at returning the archaeological archive to the Clanwilliam area as material for curriculum development and job creation. This is significant of Bushmans Kloofs' ground-breaking vision for the protection and preservation of this cultural patrimony. FacilitiesDining In keeping with the high standards and tradition of Relais & Chateaux, the gourmet dining at Bushmans Kloof is crafted from the finest and freshest local ingredients, making it an art in taste, aromas and textures. Every meal at Bushmans Kloof is a special occasion and a feast for the senses, with the executive chef’s contemporary cuisine offering a fusion of healthy country food and sensational gourmet fare. Special dietary requirements are catered for on request. Services - Fax
- internet and business facilities
- Valet undercover parking
- Room service
- Laundry
- Complimentary wireless internet access available throughout the main lodge
(Note: No mobile phone reception in the area) Wellness Wellbeing is a state of mind, body and spirit - at Bushmans Kloof you are invited to indulge in the renewal of all three.
Delicious, healthy gourmet fare, pure fresh air, interesting activities, comfort, peace and relaxation are integral to the hospitality. And to top it all, there's the Spa where you can surrender to some pampering with massages, body treatments and skin care by expert therapists.Accommodation 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.
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. The Riverside Honeymoon Suite comprises of a spacious sitting room with fireplace, a luxurious bedroom and a bathroom with spa-bath for two. Accommodating a maximum of 32 guests, all suites and guest rooms are elegantly appointed and furnished to create a feeling of restfulness and peace.
A subtle fusion of African and European design enhances your personal space at Bushmans Kloof, while small surprises and thoughtful details offer you a special welcome. All rooms offer the following: - Luxury bed linen
- Custom designed soft furnishings
- Soothing and pampering private-label toiletries
- Bathrobes
- Air conditioning
- Underfloor heating
- Ceiling fans
- In-room safe
- Well stocked mini-bar
- Tea and coffee unit
- Direct-dial telephone
- Discreet housekeeping three times daily
- Complimentary wireless internet access available throughout the main lodge
Guest rooms are either in cottages set among landscaped gardens and pools, or form part of the original Manor House (circa 1843), where the suites were named after early Scottish pioneers and explorers. Lodge Escape to a perfect hideaway where peace prevails and beauty surrounds you. Here, your comfort and delight is most important, and every refined facility combines to provide a sophisticated oasis in the heart of the wilderness.
Exquisite botanical gardens, crystal pools and rolling lawns provide a gentle transition between your elegant suite and the dramatic rocky landscape beyond.
| Facilities Overview - Luxury accommodation for a maximum of 32 guests in 16 rooms Private 7500-hectare Wildlife and Fynbos Reserve
- Botanical gardens, waterfowl pond and rolling lawns
- Organic herb, vegetable and flower garden
- Private airstrip (20 minutes transfer from airstrip to lodge)
- The Homestead with gourmet restaurant and dining terrace, book & DVD Library, lounge, TV lounge, bar and wine cellar
- Manor House reception, bar and wooden deck under ancient Ficus Trees
- Trading Post gift shop
- Heritage Centre & Rudner Collection (Bushman artefacts)
- Conference venue, fully equipped for up to 32 delegates
- The Spa
- Outdoor dual massage area
- Fitness Centre
- 4 Outdoor swimming pools, including one heated pool
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Exquisite dining venues: - Homestead: restaurant and dining terrace
- Makana: sheltered alfresco dining
- River Boma: fireside pre-dinner drinks and night caps under starry skies on the water’s edge
- Manor House Deck: private dining under the Ficus trees
- Embers: barbeque and campfire dining in the reserve
- Kadoro: secluded private dining
Weddings Look no further than the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat to exchange your marriage vows and celebrate your love. We offer the ideal location for a wonderful wilderness wedding. Allow us to customize your wedding for you, from an intimate ceremony for 2 to a grand family affair. Our range of exquisite settings and breathtaking venues offer the most idyllic wedding and honeymoon settings.
Our personal wedding planner will advise and guide you through every request, requirements and need, from reserving your dates, planning the schedule of the event, coordinating all entertainment, photography, flowers, food and beverage menus, table décor and spa and beauty treatments. We will help plan activities and excursions for your wedding party and any other aspects of your wedding experience at the lodge. Our stunning and varied venues, whether indoors or outdoors, are perfect for making your dreams come true. We can accommodate your guests in our 16 luxury double rooms and suites with designer en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with magnificent views. The newlyweds can ‘begin the beguine’ in our opulent Riverside Honeymoon Suite, complete with private lounge and patio, and luxury bathroom with a candlelit spa bath for two. Toast the future with a bottle of our finest Champagne, and start your forever in the heart of nature.
Our expert team will support and assist you in every possible way as well as direct you to excellent local wedding planners for all the finer details. Conference Bushmans Kloof is the ideal location to escape the corporate world, to focus on board meetings, strategy and planning sessions, workshops, team building seminars or incentive groups.
Focus on important tasks in peace and quiet: Avoid the tyranny of the cellphone and get your agenda completed while enjoying the very best of everything! Special activities can be organised, from a themed banquet to team-testing games and sports, as well as a programme of interesting activities and entertainment for non-delegate spouses or partners.
From abseiling to yoga, special ‘murder-mystery’ weekends, bushcraft lessons or stargazing - the choice is yours. Our role is to provide an enjoyable, memorable event.
Conference Facilities include: - One meeting room with state of the art conference equipment, conference note pads, pens, water, sweets and cordials
- Equipment: Screen, flip chart and pens, overhead projector, 35mm carousel projector, data projector, speakers and amplifier with DVD/VCR player
- Break-away rooms: Variety of locations can be used for break-away sessions around the lodge
- Seating Plans
Seating Plan | Number of Delegates | U Shape | 20 | Hollow Square | 24 | Schoolroom Style | 18 | Boardroom Style | 20 | Herringbone Style | 20 | Cinema Style | 32 |
 
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