Bushmans Kloof offers the comforts and service you would expect from a Relais & Chateaux hotel; it is faultless but, more importantly, warm and friendly. It is also a handpicked member of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, selected for its exceptional guest experience and solid commitment to sustainable practices. Spending time at this incredibly beautiful Wilderness and Wellness Rerserve not only sustains your soul it helps restore the landscape into the future.
Located in the stunning Cederberg Mountains of South Africa's Western Cape, Bushmans Kloof stands out as an oasis of comfort and beauty in an environment typically thought of as harsh and inhospitable.
Only 3 hours from Cape Town and its a gorgeous drive. Excitement mounts as we arrive at the reserve gate, and once though, it's breathtaking. After driving through this incredible landscape for about 30 minutes, we see what appears to be a mirage! An oasis of greenery rises in front of us. Just wow! Smiles all around, we arrive at the Manor House, where a wonderfully warm greeting awaits. You can feel how special Bushmans Kloof is immediately. Eyes wide open, we meet the team. A welcome drink awaits, followed by a tour of the grounds. A nature drive is set for 4 pm, leaving us time to explore and settle in.
As we set off on our nature drive, we experience just how stunning and diverse the landscape is. It's absolutely mind-boggling and humbling to hear how the unique rock formations formed over 500 million years ago. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the wilderness landscape of rolling hills and vast open plains, as well as the pristine fynbos, which is a vegetation unique to South Africa's Western Cape and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which has exceptional floral richness, biodiversity, endemism, and crucial conservation importance. Unsurprisingly, UNESCO designated the region a World Heritage Site in 2004 due to its extraordinary biodiversity.
Cape Mountain Zebra
In the springtime (August - September), the region is world-famous for its dazzling display of wildflowers.
As if this was not enough, our guide tells us about the 200 species of animals living and thriving on the reserve, something you would imagine is impossible, seeing how rocky and arid it is here—one of the world's largest private herds of Cape Mountain zebra- all due to Bushman Kloofs, committed conservation and land regeneration, which enabled a wildlife reintroduction programme which has saved the Cape Mountain Zebra from extinction and seen the return of the magnificent Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok and Ostrich, as well as the Bat-Eared Fox, African Wildcat, Cape Fox, Caracal and Cape Clawless Otter.
This family-owned lodge is an ecological sanctuary, embodying a narrative of preserving an ancient landscape for future generations—a landscape that has been revitalised and is now free from predators and malaria.
Bushmans Kloof offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty where quiet luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability, cultural heritage, and wilderness, making it an exceptional and awe-inspiring destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Chilling at the lodge
WILDLIFE NATURE DRIVES
Catching sight of and spending time with the reserve's animals is satisfying. They see them in their natural habitat, happily roaming, free from predators, as they head to the water holes for water early in the morning and evening and as the sun goes down, washing everything in a golden glow. The landscape is stunning, and the African skies and light are unreal. The drives end with sundowners in one of the many gorgeous spots, including a circular seating area, overlooking a gigantic valley below. It feels like you are at the edge of the world, with staggering views.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Wildlife Sightings
After dinner, a night drive shows the reserve in an entirely different light! Under cover of darkness, the rare nocturnal inhabitants of the Cederberg, including aardwolf, African wildcat, bat-eared fox and porcupine, may make an appearance.
You can also enjoy a 'nightcap' after dinner with your guide on an hour-long astronomical journey of the constellations, sky lore, cultural traditions, and spirituality around nature on a mesmerising stargazing experience.
The Riverside Boma, one of the many sundowner sots at Bushmans Kloof
THE ROOMS SUTES AND VILLA‘S
Each of the 14 bedrooms reflects the owner's passion for tradition, with a nod to the history and culture of the region, with antiques, heritage furniture and collectables. Two suites, one with a private pool, offer complete seclusion surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens sweeping down the Boontjies River's banks. Two luxurious private villas offer the ideal space for you to spend time with friends and loved ones amid the natural beauty of this ancient mountain range.
All have private terraces nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens.
A nice touch at night — safety candles are flickering, welcoming your return from dinner.
Cederberg House Villa Morning View
DINING AT BUSHMANS KLOOF
An on-site organic kitchen garden provides fresh organic produce for the hotel's two dining rooms, and a medicinal herb garden grows traditional botanical remedies used by generations of the San and Khoikhoi people.
THE HOMESTEAD
The Homestead is the heart of Bushmans Kloof and a perfect gathering place—a lovely bar with an excellent bartender. Our martinis were divine, with locally grown olives from the barman's friend.
The adjoining courtyard has a heated pool, a gym, and a shaded terrace for alfresco dining.
MAKANA
Makana is an all-day dining venue. Makana is a San word meaning 'to feast'. Makana echoes the natural caves and simple dwellings used by the indigenous inhabitants of this ancient landscape. Clad in local sandstone and roofed with traditional thatch, it overlooks a vast lawn and the Boontjies River. Don't miss the indulgent high tea!
Afternoon Delights at Makana
DINING UNDER THE STARS AT EMBERS
Away from the lodge, you can dine under the Milky Way on a terrace built into the rock face perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the spectacular valley below, a fire roaring and dozens of candles and lanterns.
PRIVATE DINING
In additon to the gorgoeus dining options at the loge there are a number of private dining options including Kadoro.
KADORO
Kadoro, which translates as 'a tinderbox of stories,' is a gloriously restored shepherd's house reserved for special intimate dinners. Filled with dozens of flickering candles and, on cooler nights, a crackling fire, it is utterly gorgeous and very romantic.
Kadoro Private Dining
Romantic Private Dining
Alfresco Private Dining in the Wild
A Table for Two in the Walled Garden
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
The Boontjies River is a vital feature of Bushman's Kloof Wellness Reserve, providing water and biodiversity and enhancing the natural beauty and tranquillity of the reserve.The river attracts animals day long; a herd of hartebeest walks the entire length of the river bed each morning and evening, with a daily visit from the playful baboons and a constant cacophony of bird calls. Dassies [a medium-sized terrestrial mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. It is the African elephant's closest living relative, in spite of the size difference. This close evolutionary relationship is deduced from similarities in the structure of the feet and teeth} clamber over the mountains behind the river. Complete with an over-the-edge swimming pool and sun loungers; it is a perfect place to chill while observing nature in its natural habitat. Or a bit of fly fishing [fish are released back into nature unharmed], canoeing, swimming in the rock pools and near waterfalls, hiking and walking trails. Archery, painting and croquet
Mountain biking and bird watching are also available.
The Boontjies River runs though the lodge bringing the wildlife up close
NATURES BOUNTY
The therapeutic benefits of connecting to nature are well-known, and the hotel's breathtaking, tranquil setting and abundant nature envelop you in its healing magic. It compels you to breathe the fresh air deeply, lift your face to the sunshine on your face, and revel in the joy of connecting with the world around you. Your stress evaporates, and you feel lighter, happier, and unrestricted. Your mind feels clearer, and your soul feels soothed. Nature is the ultimate therapist. There are marked walks to explore the reserve on foot.
Explore the incredible landscape by foot
THE SPA
The spa is discreetly nestled in a serene location, making the most of the charming scenery through its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens.
The Riverside Gazebo for restorative alfresco spa treatments
THE RIVERSIDE GAZEBO
This lovely outdoor spot is perfect for alfresco spa treatments with amazing panoramic views over the tranquil waters of the Boontjies River.
THE HERITAGE
The hotel's Heritage Centre offers a fascinating visual journey through the staggering history of the San, who roamed this region between two and ten thousand years ago. The museum is home to a staggering collection of cultural artefacts, some of which are over 2,000 years old and include quiver bags, traditional pouches or containers used by indigenous peoples to hold and carry their [quivers] arrows] as well as jewellery and musical instruments.
The Heritage Centre tells the story of the San who have lived in the area for thousands of years
A LITTLE LIGHT READING
The Library had a fascinating collection of African reference works, a few novels for a little light reading, and a comprehensive collection of wildlife films.
ROCK ART
Bushmans Kloof protects 130 distinct rock art sites, some dating back over 10,000 years, offering insight into the San people's lives. Rock art curator Londi Ndzima advocates for education and engaging local communities in preserving their cultural heritage. Educational programs invite exploration of the rich history and culture of the reserve's rock art sites.
Staying at Bushmans Kloof offers a transformative experience, immersing oneself in a sanctuary where nature's beauty envelops every moment. Here, amidst the majestic mountains and rugged landscape, one is reminded of our profound connection with the Earth. The vibrant colours, the vast sky overhead, and the play of light create a sense of harmony that soothes the soul. In this oasis, one instantly feels a sense of wellness, happiness, and freedom as though rediscovering a forgotten part of oneself. It is a place where being surrounded by nature's magnificence effortlessly rekindles a deep-seated bond with the natural world, leaving a lasting sense of peace and rejuvenation.
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