CERES, SOUTH AFRICA

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat - Cedarberg Mountains

Bushmans Kloof lies nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains, approximately 170 miles by road from Cape Town. This beautiful reserve is a Natural Heritage Site due in large part to the many exceptional San rock art sites found on the reserve.

The mountains and unusual rock formations here are five hundred million years old. They were here when the first life forms began on earth. The slow growing, primeval African conifers gave the mountains their current name. In the beginning, the rich vegetation supported birds, fish, reptiles and mammals including elephant, black rhino and lion. The quagga (an extinct species of zebra) roamed the vast spaces along with thousands of antelope, from tiny steenbok to majestic eland. Small, nomadic people (known today as the San) shared this paradise too, leaving their legacy of fascinating, mystical paintings. As newcomers, both black and white, arrived to lay claim to the ancestral lands of the Bushman tribes, the San culture was lost and along with it much of the original cedar forestation and large wildlife.

Today, malaria and predator free, the reserve is a natural haven for those who want to reconnect with themselves and the essence of life, offering 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.

The caring service and hospitality, delicious organic cuisine, breathtaking outdoor dining venues and superb accommodation have repeatedly won Bushmans Kloof international recognition and awards. Exclusive and totally private, Bushmans Kloof is a Relais & Chateaux property, with only 16 rooms and suites. In spring (July-October) the world-famous Cape wildflowers carpet the reserve in spectacular displays of color.

Three outdoor infinity-edge swimming pools grace the gardens, so that guests are never more than a few paces from a refreshing swim. There is also a heated jet-pool at the Homestead to enjoy on cooler days or simply for deep relaxation.

A medicinal herb garden is situated near the Heritage Centre, containing plants and herbs that the San people used as traditional remedies for all sorts of ailments and illnesses. The Trading Post stocks numerous artworks and craft created by local artists and craftsmen. This generates much-needed revenue for the local community and exposes them to an international market.

Bushmans Kloof today protects one of the largest private herds of Cape Mountain Zebra in the world - an animal saved from the brink of extinction in the wild. The Cape Mountain Zebra is identified by its bold black-on-white stripes - as opposed to its savanna-dwelling cousin (Burchell's Zebra), which has extra brown 'shadow' stripes, and a cream undercoat.

The wildlife reintroduction programme has also seen the return of the magnificent Bontebok, Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok and Ostrich. Smaller creatures such as the Bat-Eared Fox, African Wildcat, Cape Fox, Caracal (African Lynx), Cape Clawless Otter, Baboon, Rock hyrax (Dassie), Klipspringer, Aardwolf and Aardvark also roam the plains and rocky outcrop of the reserve. There are no major predators at Bushmans Kloof - only the rare and secretive Cape Leopard roams among the remote mountains of the reserve.

A huge diversity of birdlife thrives here, with 150 species including the African Fish eagle.

The magnificent Spa at Bushmans Kloof includes 5 superbly equipped treatment rooms located to embrace the natural beauty of the reserve. There are 2 dual treatment rooms and 2 single treatment rooms with rain showers. The Crystal Steam Room is maintained at a temperature of 42 - 45 ºC. The main feature, a Rock Quartz Crystal, is known for its healing properties.

There is a fitness Centre, with full range of cardio and resistance equipment. The heated outdoor jet pool is set against a spectacular rocky backdrop.

The Riverside Gazebo is a unique dual treatment room with exceptional panoramic views and tranquil waters, the ideal tranquil setting for any of the Touch Therapy treatments to be enjoyed with your partner. An additional surcharge is applicable for the reservation of the gazebo.

Activities at Bushmans Kloof:

- 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
- Swimming in natural pools and waterfalls
- Yoga and guided meditation

Excursions in the area:

- Wupperthal – craft village and historic Moravian mission station
- Clanwilliam Museum – Anglo Boer War memorabilia
- Lamberts Bay – fishing village, surfing beach and seabird colonies
- Goue Vallei Wine cellars, Citrusdal – tasting and cellar tour
- Rooibos (Redbush) Tea Factory – Clanwilliam