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BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE

Approximately 165 miles north of Cape Town, on the edge of the vast Cedarberg Wilderness Area, lies Bushmans Kloof. This 17,000 acre private reserve is an oasis situated between the rugged foothills of the Cedarberg Mountains and the ancient plains of the Great Karoo.

The area, which has a unique surface and subterranean river system, is characterised by immense open plains, ravines, waterfalls, and towering rock formations, and is home to a large variety of botanical communities.

One of the most special features of Bushmans Kloof is that it offers so many great highlights on one reserve.

It is home to the world's largest open-air art gallery - over 125 rock art sites in pristine condition have been discovered on the property, some dating back as far as 10,000 years. The abundance of water and natural caves, and the wealth of plant and animal life in the craggy Cedarberg Mountains made this area absolutely perfect for the San Bushmen - hunter-gatherers who dwelt in peaceful co-existence with the Southern African wilderness for 118,000 years before the arrival of Bantu and later European peoples.

While the San have all but gone, they have left us with one of the most priceless cultural treasures on earth, in the form of their hauntingly beautiful rock art. There are few places where better examples of this rock art are to be found than on Bushmans Kloof.

The reserve is also home to a broad variety of interesting and often endemic species of African game animals. Some of the rare and unique species found at Bushmans Kloof include Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Black Wildebeest, Eland, Gemsbok, Cape Mountain Leopard, Springbuck, and Cape Clawless Otter. There are also more than 140 species of birds resident in the reserve.

For travellers with an interest in flowers and botany, Bushmans Kloof is a dream come true! The reserve lies between two biomes - dry mountain Fynbos and succulent Karoo, providing for an amazing floral diversity, with over 755 different species of plants having been identified to date. In Spring (September to November), the reserve explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour as the Northern Cape's famous desert flowers come into bloom. Wild flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a spectacle that must be seen to be believed. Bushmans Kloof is one of the South Africa's best destinations for viewing the miraculous spectacle of the 'Spring Flowers'.

To experience the essence of this magical wilderness reserve, guests are invited to participate in a variety of activities. Sunset game drives in open landrovers, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, are a highlight of the day. Guests can view, at close range, a variety of game, both large and small, and enjoy the ever-changing vistas and vegetation. When the sun sets, sundowners are served at one of the many dramatic vantage points that the reserve has to offer.

Early morning rock art tours provide visitors with an insight into the ancient and mysterious culture of the San Bushmen. Botanical walks, mountain hikes, bird watching, and river and bush trails are other ways of experiencing the magic of Bushmans Kloof. For the more adventurous, there is mountain biking and abseiling (optional extra). Swimming in one of the reserve's crystal clear rock pools will provide a sharp infusion of the spirit of this ancient and beautiful place. Take time out to relax on the rolling green lawns alongside the river, or delve into the lodge's extensive library, or watch wildlife videos.

Bushmans Kloof Lodge is situated in the heart of the reserve, on the banks of a babbling river. It offers only seven luxury twin-bedded bungalows, all with en-suite bathrooms. Each room is spacious, luxurious, and tastefully decorated with wicker chairs and blanket chests. The cosy beds are made with white cotton sheets beneath artistic, silk-screened coverlets displaying images copied from the cave paintings. French doors lead to a private patio with heavy cast iron furniture padded with thick cotton twill cushions.

For an even more luxurious and exclusive experience, there is one Director's Cottage comprising two luxury twin bedrooms with inter-leading lounge, one very romantic Honeymoon Cottage with a luxury double bedroom and lounge, and an exclusive Manor House comprised of four suites, decorated with appropriate and authentic Northern Cape farmhouse antiques.

Dinner is a gourmet affair at Bushman's Kloof. The menu is creative and complementary. Beautifully prepared venison is a real highlight, accented with fresh herbs from the kitchen garden and baby vegetables grown on-site. After a good night's rest, wake up to steaming coffee and freshly baked muffins before setting out on your morning activity. Mid-morning, return for a memorable buffet brunch that will satisfy every palate. Tea time is very special, and guests are invited to feast on 'Rooibos' tea grown in the reserve, coffee, a plethora of tea sandwiches, delicate turnovers, tasty grilled chicken on skewers and delectable cakes and other tempting sweets.

Bushman's Kloof is a wonderful oasis in the remote and harsh wilderness of South Africa's vast Northern Cape Province. It offers a feast of activities and highlights, along with the beauty and tranquillity that can only be found in an ancient and undisturbed hideaway, stuck out in an unknown corner of the world. A visit to Bushman's Kloof is a spiritual and invigorating experience, and one that we would highly recommend to any visitor interested in really exploring South Africa's treasures.

Eco-tourism angle

Following nearly 150 years of indiscriminate hunting and wasteful farming methods, an ambitious project was initiated in the Cedarberg Mountains in 1992 to recreate the scenic and bountiful wilderness that had existed during the time of the San Bushmen. The outcome is Bushman's Kloof - far more than a tourist destination, Bushman's Kloof is the realisation of a dream for the passionately conservation-oriented McAdam family, who set out with the purpose of "recreating a thriving wilderness area which nurtures priceless wildlife, protects the history and culture of the San, and secures the future of the unique botanical diversity of the region." Over a period of 8 years, the McAdam's poured money, time, and effort into scientifically re-establishing the degraded environment and re-introducing species of animals that had previously occurred in the area. The result is one of Southern Africa's greatest success stories in private conservation. In recognition of its immense cultural, historical, and environmental achievements and significance, Bushman's Kloof has been declared a South African National Heritage Site.

To find out more about Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, or make a reservation, call on 27-11-463-7889 or email us.

LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Cedarberg Wilderness Area