Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
At the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is an ecological oasis within a roughly hewn and magical land. This spiritual retreat 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. Located only 270 km from Cape Town, the multi-award-winning lodge is a proud Relais & Châteaux member, and forms part of the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection. 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. Lauded for its award-winning wine list and authentic Cape cuisine, Bushmans Kloof offers an extraordinary dining experience with a taste profusion of healthy, home-style comfort food served at any of the 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. Renowned equally for its warm, caring service, exceptional hospitality, and delicious organic cuisine, no wonder Bushmans Kloof has been included on the coveted Condé Nast Traveller UK Gold List for Best Hotels for Food in Africa, Middle East and the Indian Ocean three years in a row (2010, 2011 and 2012). Bushmans Kloof is a place of natural wonder where 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 are on offer, including 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. The intimate Spa provides welcome sanctuary with an inspiring holistic healing and wellness focus deeply rooted in nature, offers solace for body, mind and spirit. Succumb to the peaceful sounds of nature at the riverside Spa Gazebo and lose yourself in a timeless world of luxury and comfort in this captivating wilderness reserve.