indwe magazine – June 2005

BUSHMANS KLOOF
WILDERNESS RESERVE AND RETREAT
Text: Deidre Theron-Loots
Images: © Bushmans Kloof
Unlike the gods in Greek mythology, the gods in African mythology are generous gods. They have blessed the continent and its people beyond measure, making Africa the object of envy of all the other continents. And when the African gods came to Bushmans Kloof, they bestowed upon it a profound blessing – one of beauty in simplicity.
Nestled between the stark emptiness of the Great Karoo and the contrasting greatness of the Cederberg Mountains, lies Bushmans Kloof, one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. Thousands of years ago, before humans started to spoil the earth with concrete and steel, the Khoisan people freely roamed the Karoo, hunting abundant wildlife and expressing themselves on rock formations. Bushmans Kloof has succeeded in capturing a part of the great legacy of the Khoisan, now sharing it with the curious city-dweller. Because of its rich preservation of culture and history, Bushmans Kloof has been declared a South African Natural Heritage site.
Bushmans Kloof is somewhat of an African village, albeit a fabulously luxurious village. It runs by its own rituals and traditions, with its people living a life far removed from the ordinary. Only three hours’ drive from Cape Town, it is a jewel that is sparkling on the top of the African crown. The service, the staff, the food, the facilities, and the surroundings – everything works together to form a village of which the African gods would be very proud.
Bushmans Kloof is a wilderness reserve unlike any reserve I have ever seen. The luxury accommodation, the dining room, the boma, the crystal clear swimming pools and the immaculate lawns, all converge with the surrounding environment in a way that seems natural and unforced. The reserve blends into the environment as if it was always meant to be there.
With the birth of Bushmans Kloof came the return of many animal species. With an abundance of food and water, all within a protected ecosystem, the wildlife is flourishing within the reserve, and a great variety of species can be viewed in their tranquil environment on the daily game drives. Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Eland, Black Wildebeest, African Wild Cats, Aardvark, Baboons and even the Cape Mountain Leopard can all be found within the reserve. Observing these creatures graze the land at a soft pace, just as the last rays of the African sun start to play hide and seek on the Karoo plains, is the essence of Africa, and the stuff of which great romantic novels are written.
With its very own herb, fruit, flower and vegetable garden, Bushmans Kloof offers truly South African cuisine, and lately even with a twist of Fynbos. To make the visitor feel at home, the dishes comprise of contemporary country meals, served by resident chef Floris Smith, and in a way that will make Jamie Oliver twist his head. Prepare yourself for succulent meat, dew fresh vegetables and impressive presentations of colour on your plate. From plate to palate, I savoured every moment with the crackling fire the only background music. Dinner can be enjoyed either at the Spanners Boma under the African sky, weather permitting, or in the Homestead Dining Room. A wide variety of top South African wines are available to complete and complement every dish.
After a hearty dinner with good wine and great company, there is nothing like a sinking into the soft pillows, a warm duvet, and the soft crackling from the fireplace to lull you to sleep. Bushmans Kloof has seven Luxury Rooms, six Deluxe Rooms, The Manor House, which has four suites, and The Riverside Honeymoon Suite. The rooms and suites all have two separate en suite designer bathrooms with both a shower and a bath. En suite indulgences include a fireplace, under floor heating, bar, and private terrace with a magnificent view over the estate and the reserve.
As the morning sun breaks secretively through the African sky, the birds provide a natural wakeup call with their cheerful chatter. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is home to 150 bird and 755 plant species, and you may have the pleasure of meeting some of these on a guided walk along the Boontjies River. This is well worth waking up for, as this walk will take you to the historical Bushman Rock Art sites, where the majestic rock formations bare works of art that was created some 10 000 years ago.
Upon returning to the lodge from the early morning walk, breakfast comes in the form of Bushmans Kloof’s Legendary Brunch. It includes fruit, yoghurt, cereals, cold meat, cheeses, eggs and bacon, quiche, pasta, bread and pastries. And if you prefer to skip the early morning outing for some more shuteye, you can have your breakfast served on your private terrace.
Bushmans Kloof offers a wide range of activities to be enjoyed, including bird watching, nature trails, mountain hikes, canoeing, archery, rock climbing, mountain biking, croquet, fly-fishing and swimming in the natural rock pools. Were it not for the winter chill in the Karoo air, I would have opted for a dive in one of the rock pools, but instead I opted for the Spa.
The Spa at Bushmans Kloof adds a whole new dimension to the reserve. For the stressed and strained there awaits treatment normally reserved only for royalty. Treatments include Touch therapies, Skincare treatments, Beauty Salon Services and Spa body treatments, including my favourite Hot Stone Body Treatment.
Bushmans Kloof is more than a private reserve. Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary that invites the individual to feel a part of nature in an environment of serenity, splendour, and warmth. You will not be disappointed!
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