Bushmans Kloof is a private wilderness reserve and mountain lodge situated in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. It's a relatively small reserve (70 sq km) but contains within its boundaries a diversity of flora, fauna and, most famously, over 130 remarkably well-preserved San rock art sites, some of them estimated to be over 8,000 years old.
The lodge itself is a converted 19th-century farmhouse. Though the atmosphere is that of a rustic country retreat, the lodge is spacious and furnished to modern standards, with 16 twin/double rooms and a private villa accommodating as many as 10 guests at a time.
Bushmans Kloof is one of South Africa's most upmarket lodges and this is reflected in the price, but it's also one of the most unique, thanks in large part to its superb location. Not without reason has this area been designated a Natural Heritage site. If you have a few days to really explore the area, a visit to Bushmans Kloof is worth the time and expense.
Accommodation
There are 16 rooms and suites in the lodge, most in cottages scattered around the grounds and others (the luxury suites) in the original Manor House. The cottages are well spaced to ensure a good level of privacy. Each has its own private patio overlooking the gardens and access to one of several swimming pools. The rooms are all individually decorated and furnished. The suites are especially spacious and also have the advantage of private sitting rooms and fireplaces (some of the deluxe rooms also have fireplaces, but not all).
In addition to the suites and deluxe rooms, there is a private villa, the Koro Lodge, converted from an old farmhouse and located several kilometres away from the main lodge. Suitable for large groups and families, Koro Lodge can accommodate 10 guests at a time.
Dining
The menus at Bushmans Kloof are varied and consistently exciting, with much of the produce grown on-site. There's a choice of dinner venues, from a traditional braai (bush barbeque) to the more formal setting of the old Manor House dining room. Shared drinks around the riverside boma close the day, while private dining for two by candlelight in an old, converted shepherd's cottage is a wonderful option for honeymooners.
Facilities
- Four swimming pools
- Lounge area & billiards room
- Multiple dining venues and bars
- Well-stocked wine cellar
- Heritage Centre (explaining the history of the San rock art sites)
- Spa & fitness centre
- Botanical gardens
- Organic herb, vegetable and flower garden
Activities
- Daily guided Rock Art walks through natural fynbos
- Guided nature drives in game viewing vehicles
- Spectacular wildflower trails (spring season: July-October)
- Bird watching, nature hikes, organic garden tours, botanical tours
- Archery, mountain biking, canoeing, croquet, star-gazing, fly-fishing
- Special culinary weekends
- Swimming in natural pools and waterfalls
- Yoga and guided meditation (at an additional charge and by prior arrangement)
Local excursions:
- Wupperthal village & historic Moravian mission station
- Explore the Cederberg Mountains on foot
- Biedouw River canoeing & fly-fishing
- Lambert's Bay (fishing village and seabird colonies)
- Clanwilliam Museum (Anglo-Boer war memorabilia)
- Goue Valley wine cellars
Child Policy
Children over the age of 10 are welcome in the Main Lodge and charged as adults. Koro Lodge can accommodate children of all ages.
