A rock art and wellness retreat in the Cederberg wilderness
Hidden in the heart of the ancient Cederberg mountain range, an arid and rocky wilderness, this award-winning oasis promises to restore and rejuvenate.
Bushmanskloof is a wilderness reserve with original 1 000-year-old San rock art that you walk to see underneath the most amazing twisted rock formations. A Relais & Chateaux accredited property, meals are taken really seriously, with contemporary Cape cuisine breakfasts served before you go on a guided walk to see some of the 130 rock art and World Heritage sites, followed by delicious lunches featuring the freshest of veggies and herbs from their own organic kitchen garden. Mid-afternoon features high tea and a chance to taste the locally grown rooibos tea, before heading out for the evening game drive and sundowners at an extraordinary lookout spot with an awesome view… then it is back to the lodge for a gourmet dinner!
We just love the fact that you can have a fantastical, delicious organic dinners in an extraordinary variety of spots – among the trees with fairy lights; outside at Embers, a natural sandstone amphitheatre lit up with hundreds of candles and lanterns; at a secret dining spot where you can dangle your feet in the river on sultry nights; at Kadoro, a restored shepherd’s hut that has no electricity but is lit by over 100 candles for dinner; or you can head back for cocktails, dinner and drinks by the fireplace in the Homestead on star-spangled nights.
Bushmanskloof has gorgeous, sumptuous and spacious bedroom suites with luxury en-suite bathrooms and wonderful views. It really is a treat: the staff’s attention to detail is extraordinary, down to a special little bedtime story on your pillow when they dim the lights. There is lots to do or as little as you want – charge off on an energetic hike through the mountains or amble through the veld nearby for a little stroll, swim and canoe in the pools, and dive into the most fabulous spa to completely revitalize.
Cederberg House: a romantic hideaway
Bushmans Kloof Lodge now offers an exclusive-use manor house to add to its individual suites. If you are looking for a truly intimate escape, you can also choose to stay in Cederberg House, adjacent to the spa at the main lodge yet utterly private. Overlooking the tranquil gardens leading down to the banks of the Boontjies River, this gorgeous villa takes its design cue from South Africa’s traditional Cape Dutch architecture and sleeps four people in two large master bedrooms, one with a four-poster bed.
A stand-out for us is the magnificent collection of South African artworks showcased throughout, including works by artists Esias Bosch, Gabriel de Jongh, Walter Battiss and Tinus de Jongh. Koro Lodge, 10 minutes’ drive away, is another fantastic exclusive-use option, ideal for multigenerational family holidays and bush adventures with smaller children..
What we love!
- The rock art is mind-blowing – this is one of the best places in the world to see these ancient and well-preserved sites of historical importance to the San heritage of South Africa.
- Bushmans Kloof is a green oasis and has an organic vegetable and fruit garden surrounded by typical Cape Dutch farm walls or werfs
- The food here is superb; each meal is an occasion in its own right, especially if you have dinner at Embers, up the valley, or at Kadoro. The night drive back from Kadoro is a chance to appreciate some of the clearest star-lit skies in Africa.
- The spa is a tranquil sanctuary, especially on hot days – make sure you book a treatment to really relax.
- You can book the whole lodge exclusively, making it a perfect destination for milestone celebrations and multigenerational family get-togethers.
- Bushmanskloof is very special for families with children. The kids love all the different pools and activities, and are treated like royalty by the staff.
What you need to know…
- It is just over three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Cape Town, but you can also fly by charter and land at the nearby airstrip.
- Bushmanskloof is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group and was nominated one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
- Their iced tea is made with rooibos tea, grown only in the Cederberg region. Secret ingredient besides this powerful antioxidant? Peppercorns and star anise! Ask about incorporating the Rooibos Route into your journey back to Cape Town.