Bushmans Kloof

At the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains only 270 km from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is an ecological oasis within a roughly hewn and magical land. This multi-award-winning lodge is a proud Relais & Châteaux member and is a haven of staggering beauty and timeless tranquillity, where abundant wildlife roam free.  Offering a distinctive wilderness experience among wide open plains, ancient sandstone formations and crystal clear waterfalls, it is a place to feel the pulse of an extraordinary and ancient landscape and reconnect with nature and the essence of life.

Guests may indulge in an infinite range of exhilarating activities, or do absolutely nothing but inhale the beauty and tranquillity of nature. A South African Natural Heritage site, it boasts an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna, including many endangered species and is home to over 150 kinds of birds, 750 plant species and over 35 species of mammals, including the rare Cape mountain zebra.

A host of enriching, relaxing and invigorating experiences on offer include educational talks at the Heritage Centre and guided walks to some of 130 ancient Bushman rock art sites that are found in the reserve. This provides an extraordinary opportunity to gain deeper insight into the fascinating history of the Bushman in the Cederberg wilderness area. Guests may also participate in an assortment of exhilarating outdoor activities such as nature drives, botanical walks, mountain biking, archery and fly fishing.

Bushmans Kloof offers an extraordinary dining experience with a taste profusion of healthy, home-style comfort food served at spectacular dining venues. These include cosy fireside dining in the Homestead or Makana, picnics in the fynbos amidst soaring rock formations and cascading waterfalls, and barbeques at Embers under magical starry skies.

Sixteen luxurious and indulgently comfortable guest rooms and suites are each individually designed with natural materials and elegant finishes, offering breathtaking views across the indigenous gardens.

Koro Lodge, the private villa, is located in a secluded corner of the reserve (4 km away from the Main Lodge). Welcoming children of all ages, this independently catered for villa is ideally suited to families and friends travelling together, and includes the services of a personal chef and guide.

Rates Include

All meals (breakfast, buffet brunch, afternoon high tea, a la carte dinner menu); early morning guided rock art excursion; evening nature drive with sundowner drinks and snacks; and all other lodge activities are included.

Rate excludes all other beverages, telephone, laundry and valet (included in Suite Rate, however) room service, specialised dining options, Trading Post purchases, gratuities, transfers to and from the lodge and Spa treatments.

Children Policy

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

Directions For Drivers

From Cape Town: Depart Cape Town via the N1. Before Century City/Ratanga Junction, take the N7 off-ramp towards Malmesbury. Continue past Malmesbury, towards Moorreesburg, Piketberg and Citrusdal to enter the Olifants River Valley (route takes approximately 2.5 hours).

Pass the Clanwilliam dam (located on the right-hand side of the road) and take the left off-ramp onto the R364 to Lamberts Bay/Clanwilliam. At the T-junction, turn right to Clanwilliam. When entering the town, a petrol station is located on the left-hand side of the road (NB: fill up if petrol is required and reduce tyre pressure. Please ensure that you re-inflate your tyres on the way back).

PLEASE CALL THE LODGE AT THIS POINT on +27 (0) 27 482 2627 as there is no mobile reception after this point. This will enable the lodge to anticipate your time of arrival.

Continue straight on the R364 towards Wupperthal and Calvinia and cross a bridge to reach a gravel road. Continue on the gravel road for about 36 km, past 'Louis Leipoldt's grave' and over the Pakhuis Pass. Cross a low bridge over the Brandewyns River just after over the Brandewyns River just after Traveller's Rest on your right-hand side.

After approximately 800m, the Bushmans Kloof gate will be on your right hand side. Turn right at the Bushmans Kloof gate and press the intercom button to announce your arrival (recommended speed in the reserve is 40 km per hour). Koro Lodge (Private Villa) is situated 5 km from the main gate. The Main Lodge is situated 8 km from the main gate. Continue towards the Main Lodge, and on arrival, please park next to the big Blue Gum trees and the building marked 'Reception'.

From Stellenbosch: Leave Stellenbosh on the R304 heading north. Continue on the R304 and R302  to Malmesbury, where you join the N7 and continue north past Moorreesburg, Piketberg and Citrusdal. Pass the Clanwilliam dam, and the follow the directions as above.

General Information For Guests

Bushmans Kloof is located in a wilderness area. The terrain is rocky and uneven and has steps in and around the lodge. It is therefore more suitable to active, fully-mobile guests.

All rooms have air conditioning, a mini bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a safe, tea/coffee making facilities, and satellite/cable TV. Complimentary valet parking is offered.

The Sanctuary Spa at Bushmans Kloof offers guests a wide variety of exhilarating, restoring and rejuvenating treatments to heal and sooth mind, body and soul.

There are 4 swimming pools (one is heated) and a fitness centre. Other activities include walking trails, mountain biking, canoeing, fly fishing, archery, rock art excursions, nature drives and wine tasting.

Please note there is no mobile/cell phone reception available.

The reserve is malaria and predator free.