An escape to the Cederberg wilderness
Secluded Koro Lodge, the private farmhouse-style retreat on Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the Cederberg is set apart from the lodge – just the ticket for an amazing family holiday.
Set on a hill, with vast views overlooking the 7 500ha reserve, the creature comforts and heritage charm of Koro Lodge provide a striking contrast to the harsh natural beauty of the majestic Cederberg terrain. Loved by families, Koro Lodge provides a complete break with loads of educational-but-fun activities on the go from dawn to dusk, giving active kids the best adventure holiday ever, not to mention the joy of discovering their own cosy loft with four beds under the eaves.
Koro Lodge’s incredible team makes sure that guests are immersed in this ancient landscape, with excursions to see rock art, learn about San culture, and go on nature drives or enjoy hikes, mountain biking and canoeing. The littlies, especially, enjoy guided treasure hunts and splashing in the glorious sparkling infinity pool. Spa treatments at the main lodge are hedonistic highlights for parents, although mouth-watering meals concocted by the personal chef come a close second, not to mention spectacular sundowners with homemade snacks from the wraparound terrace with its expansive views…
The decor oozes laid-back luxury, with natural fibres and South African elements and artefacts giving a wonderful sense of place. Welcoming and homely, it’s not long before a digital detox gradually settles everyone and board games get fiercely competitive in front of the fire in the evenings! The heat of the day is best spent cooling off in the inviting pool before retreating to the luxury of air-conditioning in the living area to read and rest before high tea and the afternoon game drive…
Why the Cederberg?
The bewitching drama of Cederberg light and its spectacular rock formations, not to mention 130 rock art sites, is what makes Bushmans Kloof such a unique escape. Koro Lodge gives families the privacy they need, with the main lodge just a few minutes’ drive away for spa treatments and even archery lessons.
What we love!
- Koro Lodge is fully inclusive and independent, with its own chef, butler, guide and private vehicle, which frees you up to make the most of the incredible outdoor activities.
- The loft for the kids is wonderful – so much like home-away-from-home.
- We loved the fact that the energetic among us could cycle, canoe and hike, while those who felt lazy could slip on their flip-flops and relax poolside while soaking up the incredible views.
- The huge range of activities for children of all ages, including archery and croquet.
- That you can enjoy a malaria-free, bush experience just four hours’ drive out of Cape Town.
- Guests have privileged access to more than 130 ancient rock art sites (within the private reserve), some dating back as far as 10,000 years.
- Food is highlight at this Relais & Chateaux accredited property.
What you need to know…
- Please note Koro can only be booked for sole-use by you and your loved ones, and not on a room-by-room basis.
- Koro is set apart from the main lodge, which is about 10 minutes’ drive away so you don’t have to worry about noise with other guests around.The absolutely beautiful Kadoro restaurant in an old shepherd’s hut has no electricity and is lit by over 100 candles for dinner. If you want to book a special dinner here, let us know ahead of time.
- The entire villa is non-smoking.
- Bushmans Kloof has a tree-planting programme – ask if you can plant a cedar tree with the children.
- Crystal Pools trail is for seasoned walkers – swim in beautiful rock pools and visit the waterfall nearby.
- No need to pack the kitchen sink if you’re travelling with babies: a camp cot, high chair and baby accessories are available.
- Koro Lodge sleeps maximum 4-6 adults and 4 children together in an upstairs loft. There are two master suites with en-suite bathrooms and one additional en-suite room that may sleep two adults.
Edited by Michelle Snaddon