Bespoke Tours & Transfers, Western Cape, South Africa

 

 
Welcome!

This extraordinary haven,  nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains, is just 270km from Cape Town, and the ideal wilderness getaway to escape, restore and relax. Malaria and predator free, the reserve is a natural playground for those who want to reconnect with themselves and the essence of life, with wide open plains, mystical rock formations, crystal clear water falls, and an abundance of flora and fauna. The spa is a  sanctuary  to wellness, well-being and holistic healing, where one’s spirit, mind and body can truly let go, and soothing pampering and restorative treatments are complemented with unique products made from indigenous rooibos, flowers and plants.

Accommodation

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.

LUXURY ROOMS

All are double (or twin) rooms with private patio, en-suite bathroom and shower.

Karoo Plains 1, 2 & 3
River Reeds 1 & 2
Waters Edge 1 & 2

DELUXE ROOMS

All are double (or twin) rooms with large private patio, bathroom and shower en-suite, heated towel rails, lounge area within bedroom, some with fireplaces.

Rock Pools 1 & 2
Cedar Falls 1 & 2
Manor House - Gordon
Manor House - Masson
Manor House - Niven

SUITE

Paterson Suite
Spacious double rooms in the Manor House, with large private patio, en-suite designer bath and shower, heated towel rails and separate lounge area with fireplace.

SUPREME RIVERSIDE SUITE

A private luxury cottage near the water with a lounge area and fireplace, flatscreen satellite televisions in lounge and bedroom, infinity swimming pool, spacious patio, en-suite bathroom with designer bath and shower; heated towel rails and outdoor shower.

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

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

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)

THE HOMESTEAD

The hospitable heart of Bushmans Kloof

RIVER BOMA

For sundowners, pre-dinner drinks and conferences

MANOR HOUSE

The original farmhouse, transformed into luxury suites

HERITAGE CENTRE

Genuine Bushman artefacts and interpretive centre

THE SPA

Signature body and skin treatments

CONFERENCE ROOM

Caters for up to 32 delegates in a peaceful setting

TRADING POST

Offers an exclusive collection of gifts from Africa

POOLS AND GARDENS

Relax amongst exquisite indigenous flora

Dinning
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.

Activities

Whether you would like to explore your adventurous nature, unwind your body or soothe your soul, we offer an activity to match your requirement.

SUNSET NATURE DRIVE

Ride in a game viewing vehicle with your guide 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 guide 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

Challenge your fitness level and enjoy one of our 3 hiking trails:

The Mountain Trail is an easy 1 – 2 hour hike, close to the lodge.
The Ravine Trail is an adventurous 2 – 3 hour hike and not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo. This hike takes you past Maidens pool where you will discover Clanwilliam Yellowfish.
The Crystal Pools Hiking Trail is a slightly more challenging workout for seasoned walkers and we recommend that you be accompanied by an experienced guide. Here guests may refresh and swim in crystal clear mountain water, encircled by towering rock formations, with the spray of a waterfall just a few feet away. This magical setting is perfect for savoring a light private picnic, before heading back to the lodge.
The reserve is completely safe from predators so guests are free to explore on their own.

  • 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 guides 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.

ELAXATION

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.