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 inCederberg 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…