Upon arrival at Cape Town, after completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be collected and transferred to Bushman’s Kloof (3 hours) where you will stay for three nights. A Relais & Châteaux property, this extraordinary haven, nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, is just 270km from Cape Town, and the ideal wilderness getaway to escape, restore and relax. Malaria and predator-free, the reserve is a natural playground for those who want to reconnect with themselves and the essence of life, with wide open plains, mystical rock formations, crystal clear waterfalls, and an abundance of flora and fauna.

Wellbeing is a state of mind, body and spirit – at Bushmans Kloof you are invited to indulge in the renewal of all three. Whether you would like to explore your adventurous nature, unwind your body or soothe your soul, we offer an activity to match your requirement. To experience the best of this magical wilderness reserve and wellness retreat, you are invited to combine a variety of activities with relaxation. An extensive selection of quality activities and wellness services await you.

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Bushmans Kloof is a malaria and predator free area, ensuring guests are safe to experience our wildlife and herds. Only the rare and secretive Cape Leopard roams the most remote of our mountains. 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. The Cape Mountain Zebra is identified by its bold black and white stripes, as opposed to its savanna-dwelling cousin, the Burchell’s Zebra, which has brown ‘shadow’ stripes, and a creamy undercoat.

The wildlife reintroduction program has also seen the return of the magnificent Bontebok, Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok and the 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 outcrops of the reserve.

Guides are available to take you on walking tours or drives of our spectacular nature reserve. Explore the wilderness in all its diversity. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and some of the Cape’s most rare species that we pride ourselves in protecting. Sundowners and picnics are ever-popular, served at scenic spots throughout the drive. In this extraordinary environment, there is much to be seen (and heard) after sunset. You may want to explore this dark world on an after-dinner drive under a canopy of stars. Enjoy unparalleled stargazing and spot elusive, nocturnal wildlife highlights such as the Aardwolf, African Wildcat, Bat Eared Fox, Cape Fox and Porcupine.

ROCK ART & HERITAGE

Bushman tribes have lived in these antediluvian mountains for 120,000 years. They are mankind’s oldest nation. Here, in their ancestral home, the Bushman stained the rocks with oxide pigments, depicting a cultural and spiritual legacy.

Bushmans Kloof is the custodian of over 130 unique rock art sites, some as old as 10,000 years. The sites on the reserve may be viewed by guests, archaeologists and researchers. Since its founding, Bushmans Kloof has been dedicated to protecting this extraordinary treasure. Accordingly, we have been awarded the status of a South African National Heritage Site. In 2004, the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre was opened, featuring an extraordinary collection of priceless artifacts, jewelery, dancing sticks, hunting kits, musical instruments, digging sticks and magical paraphernalia. The center is a wonderful source of insight into the lives and culture of the ancient Bushman people.

ACTION & ADVENTURE

Bushmans Kloof provides a host of activities in the predator and malaria-free reserve; guests are free to explore the breath taking landscape on their own. It is a place to reconnect with yourself, and to reconnect with the earth. Roam over wide-open spaces, explore the sculpted rocks, crystalline waterfalls and abundant flora and fauna. Fill your lungs with the purest air, feel the pulse of the natural world and go wild!

HIKE & BIKE

The best possible way to get up-close-and-personal with the fynbos, animals, flowers and rock formations is to enter the wilderness on two feet or two wheels. You can certainly take it easy on one of our undemanding trails, or challenge your endurance and balance on rougher terrain across the reserve; an experience of solitude and adventure. We provide backpacks filled with delicious goodies, maps and other useful items. Guides are also available on request.

Mountain Trail – An easy 1 to 2 hour hike clo se to the lodge

Ravine Trail – An adventurous 2 to 3 hour hike. We do not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo as it winds over steep ravines

Crystal Pools Trail – For the seasoned walkers, and we recommend you take an experienced guide with you. Of course you’ll want to take a swim in the exquisite waters, surrounded by towering rock formations and the spray of a cascading waterfall nearby. This magical setting is the ultimate picnic spot to relax and savour the natural beauty around you.

CANOEING & SWIMMING

Tributaries of the Olifants River system flow through the Bushmans Kloof reserve, cutting through the sandstone and creating crystal-clear pools. Canoes are available at the dam, where you can experience the calm waters and ancient rock formations under the high, wide, African sky.

FLY-FISHING

Enjoy the art of fly-fishing at Bushmans Kloof’s beautiful dams. Outwit the endemic Clanwilliam Yellowfish, though strictly on a catch-and-release basis.

All fishing equipment is provided. Guests may also opt to journey out on a day excursion to the Biedouw River for fishing and fun.

ARCHERY & CROQUET

Practice your skills as a bowman with archery equipment available from the lodge. An ancient art and a hugely enjoyable recreational activity. Alternatively, put your hand to the genteel pastime of croquet on immaculate lawns near the lodge. Perfect for a group of friends and family on a long afternoon at Bushmans Kloof.

If you have an interest in kitchen gardens, you’ll enjoy a tour of our organic vegetable gardens, walled orchard and unique San medicinal and herb garden. Learning about wildlife and flora has never been so enjoyable. Listen to special interest talks on a wide and fascinating range of subjects, including birding, entomology and rare and protected species.

Today, at a time to be advised, you will be transferred by road to Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, where you will stay for four nights.

Enjoy three days at leisure. Consider adding a scenic tour of the Cape Winelands or to the Cape of Good Hope.

Today, at a time to be advised, you will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight to Richards Bay via Johannesburg. Here you will stay at Phinda Forest Lodge for three nights. 

Enjoy two full days at Phinda.

At Phinda, the days are designed to thrill you with intimate wildlife encounters and the nights to delight you with the indulgence and romance of Africa. As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Phinda is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino. There is also a number of resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide guests with a glimpse of all of these animals.

Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options. If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area, before returning in time for lunch.

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool, indulge in an afternoon siesta or simply watch the wildlife from your private veranda. After a late afternoon tea, you depart on another game drive which lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Listen to lions roar in the dark or admire the small nocturnal animals. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. If you prefer, you may be able to go on a boat cruise or canoe down the Mzinene River, watching the wildlife as they come down to drink. A mouthwatering dinner is waiting for you at your lodge’s boma or in a surprising bush location.

At a time to be advised, you will be transferred to The Oyster Box, where you will stay for three nights.

Enjoy two full days relaxing at The Oyster Box.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Durban Airport – connect here with your departure flight.

Return home, taking with you the sights, sounds, and memories of an incredible honeymoon!