Led by General Manager Rory du Plessis, with years of experience in the bush, Bushmans Kloof is proud to be a part of the family-owned and run Red Carnation Hotel Collection and we are a family of passionate individuals, deeply committed to giving the very best in everything we do. Staffed by loyal, long-serving locals who are proud to share their heritage with our guests, our warm, inclusive ethos embraces every facet of our services, creating a truly unique Cederberg experience. Just three hours’ drive from Cape Town, we offer a remarkable gateway to an extraordinary world. Nestled in the remote Cederberg Mountains, this otherworldly landscape covers 7,000 hectares of jagged peaks, deep valleys, mystical sandstone formations and some of the world’s most priceless Bushman rock art. To experience it with us is to explore in true style: we are a member of Beyond Green.

We are honoured to be the custodians of a South African National Heritage Site, with over 130 beautifully preserved examples of ancient rock art, many dating back 10,000 years. Guests can discover these rare sites with our resident archaeologist, and delve into the rich spiritual culture of the Bushmen, who roamed this area for millennia. Our Heritage Centre showcases the important Rudner collection, providing crucial insight into their way of life. Our warm and generous service is renowned, and our staff are empowered to make a real difference to every guest’s stay. From discovering fragrant flowers picked from the reserve in your room, and handmade soap infused with rooibos grown in the area, to finding a turndown note on African folklore to read while enjoying a homemade treat from the executive chef – our considerate, caring approach surpasses expectations.

Bushmans Kloof is the home of authentic Cape cuisine. Our organic garden provides the kitchens with fresh, robust produce, while indigenous fynbos add a distinctly ‘Cape’ dimension to a fusion of innovative and traditional fare. From the incredible breakfast served in the cosy Homestead, to showstopper, star-lit dinners in the natural splendour of Embers, sculpted into a rock amphitheatre, our Executive Chef Charles Hayward concocts unforgettable dining experiences. Sourced from the organic gardens, guests can indulge in refined South African dining, traditional braais (BBQs) and our founder Beatrice Tollman’s delicious signature dishes. This is a place to step outside and breathe deep, to inhale the freshest air and feel your pulse slow to the rhythm of the bush. The landscape is richly biodiverse and malaria-free, offering everything from hiking and biking through a carpet of wildflowers, to swimming and canoeing on clear rock pools. Wilderness experiences, led by intuitive guides that live and breathe the bush, are gentle and unique, allowing glimpses of rare gemsbok, black wildebeest, Cape zebra and leopards – some of the Cape’s most rare species that we pride ourselves on protecting. Sundowners and picnics are ever-popular, served at scenic spots throughout the drive.

The magnificent surroundings inspire each elegantly designed room and suite, showcasing fine South African and local Bushman art from the Tollman family’s private collection. A warm and natural palette perfectly complements the landscape, while the exposed wooden beams and hand-woven fabrics provide a tactile, inspiring environment that always keeps our guests’ comfort in mind. Even the grounds act as a gallery, home to striking life-size eland sculptures by famed artist Donald Greig. Throw open your doors to the vast skies and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Cederberg in one of two private villas. At Koro Lodge or Cederberg House, soak in the pristine views of nature surrounded by stunning South African design and relax in your own private pool. Explore by day with your private guide, and at night, dine beneath a velvet blanket of stars.

We are deeply committed to safeguarding our fragile ecosystems, implementing energy-saving initiatives and phasing out single-use plastics. From assisting conservation efforts such as our annual cedar-tree planting ceremony with the local community to supporting the Cape Leopard Trust and working with Cheetah Outreach to introduce Anatolian sheepdogs to the region, to help protect livestock. We also work closely with Elizabethfontein Primary School, from sponsoring their youth camps to donating resources.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Bushmans Kloof offers 14 spacious rooms, two suites and two villas set amid lush indigenous gardens. Each is individually decorated with a beautiful collection of handpicked art, décor, antiques and heritage furniture pieces that together celebrate the history and culture of the region. Private terraces deliver panoramic wilderness views, while our dedication to generous hospitality ensures your stay will be filled with delightful surprises and thoughtful touches.

Luxury Room – Enjoy a serene garden setting, wilderness views and luxury accommodation.

Deluxe Room – With unique décor and charm, our Deluxe Rooms offer additional space, luxury and privacy.

Niven Family Deluxe Room – With a large private terrace and two bedrooms, the perfect choice for families and small groups.

Paterson Suite – Within the Manor House, this suite offers a four-poster bed, antique furniture and two private terraces.

River Side Supreme Suite – Overlooking the Boontjies River, this suite has three separate terraces, a lounge and a private heated pool.

VILLAS

The silence and serenity of the rugged Cederberg wilderness make it the perfect place to reconnect with friends and family. The two luxurious private villas at Bushmans Kloof offer the ideal space for you to spend time with loved ones amid the natural beauty of this ancient mountain range. Each of our private villas is available on a fully inclusive basis, with a wilderness guide allowing you the freedom to create your own perfect stay.

Koro Lodge – Located in a quiet corner of the reserve with panoramic views, making it ideal for family escapes.

Cederberg House – This opulent private villa offers an idyllic escape for friends and couples looking for a luxurious escape.

DINING

While guests discover the natural wonders of the Cederberg mountains or travel back in time through the ancient rock art sites of Bushmans Kloof, our talented chefs lay on a culinary adventure of their own each day. Much of the fresh produce served at Bushmans Kloof comes from our extensive on-site kitchen gardens, and the menus evolve daily with the waxing and waning of the seasons. Alongside working with what’s fresh from the gardens, the indigenous fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom provides equal inspiration, from the world-famous rooibos endemic to the Cederberg to the wild herbs that grow here in abundance. Whether you’re dining at a candlelit table laid in white linen napery, or enjoying an alfresco barbecue beneath the southern stars, on every plate at Bushmans Kloof you’ll enjoy a journey of discovery into the culinary traditions of South Africa’s Western Cape.

The Homestead – The Homestead is the heart of the lodge; the dining room and terrace area is a haven of old-world charm and elegance, augmented by our outstanding private art collection. This formal dining room has an air of warmth and splendid luxury. Discover specialities offered from our Executive Chef’s table a la carte menu. Dishes are a feast for all the senses, served in an atmosphere of conviviality and true South African hospitality.

Makana – Enjoy a High Tea overlooking the Boontjies River.

Kadoro – A rustic secluded cottage in the heart of the reserve.

Embers – An extraordinary and breathtaking dining experience under the stars.

SPA & WELLNESS

Embracing wellness is a pillar of the Bushmans Kloof experience. Within the serene surrounds of our intimate spa, discover bespoke treatments, nurturing therapists and a truly tranquil escape. Our spa treatment menu offers an extensive variety of health and beauty enhancing treatments to ensure that our guests are nurtured, purified, pampered and relaxed. Treatments are inspired by ancient African traditions alongside signature B|Africa and Tata Harper products, drawing on native African plant extracts, such as baobab tree oil, mafura butter, cape aloe and rooibos. The secluded Riverside Gazebo is ideal for couples seeking an al fresco, side-by-side treatment while taking in panoramic views from the outdoor spa gazebo, alongside the tranquil waters of the Boontjies River. Guests also have access to the crystal steam room, heated outdoor pool, health bar, fitness centre and tranquillity lounge.

Spa facilities – With its soothing whitewashed walls, vernacular architecture and reflexology-inspired pebbled floor, The Spa at Bushmans Kloof is dedicated to restoring balance and wellness in a wilderness setting, with a range of bespoke spa experiences that cater for guests needing to detox, de-stress or simply enjoy a little pampering.

Treatment rooms – Immersed in the timeless wilderness of the Cederberg, the four treatment rooms at The Spa draw inspiration from the restorative powers of nature. With picture windows flooding the space with natural light and fynbos views, these contemporary treatment rooms all feature heated beds, luxurious towels and robes, aromatherapy candles and relaxing music. Our experienced therapists are on hand to discuss the varied treatment menu and wellness journeys on offer, including the signature experiences inspired by the endemic flora and healing energy of the ancient Cederberg landscape.

Crystal steam room – Feel your pent-up stress and tension melt away amid the restorative properties of steam and ancient energies. The centrepiece of the steam room is the block of pure rock quartz crystal – renowned for its healing, cleansing and restorative properties – which is heated to between 42°-45°C with steam infused with essential oils. Whether it’s in preparation for a treatment, or to simply enjoy a quiet moment of rejuvenation, let the relaxing steam and healing properties of crystal rejuvenate both body and soul.

Riverside Gazebo – Set on the banks of the seasonal Boontjies River, the secluded spa gazebo is ideal for couples seeking to enjoy quality time together surrounded by natural beauty. With stacking doors that open onto idyllic views of the river and rugged Cederberg wilderness, the Riverside Gazebo offers a pair of treatment beds to accommodate couples’ wellness therapies. After enjoying their treatment, couples can relax on the gazebo’s private deck, or make use of the facilities at The Spa.

Tranquillity lounge – After your spa treatment, spend a while relaxing in the serene Tranquillity Lounge. A selection of magazines is available for your enjoyment, or use these quiet moments to meditate and restore mental balance in a space of perfect serenity. The lounge leads onto lush lawns of a manicured private garden, enticing you to soak up the views of the wilderness beyond. The Health Bar in the Tranquillity Lounge is filled with complimentary water, herbal infusions and healthy snacks for Spa guests, helping you to replenish energy levels before and after treatments.

Heated outdoor pool – Bushmans Kloof offers four swimming pools for the use of guests, including a heated outdoor pool situated just a few steps from The Spa. Set alongside the shaded terrace of The Homestead, the heated pool is particularly popular in winter and offers an ideal way to ease tension and release tired muscles before a treatment, or to relax and rejuvenate afterwards. When your spa journey is complete, relax on the sun loungers with a glass of rehydrating rooibos iced tea, a herbal infusion renowned for its antioxidant properties.

Fitness centre – As much as Bushmans Kloof offers an indulgent escape, we know that some guests like to keep fit and active while on holiday. Our well-equipped fitness centre is open daily for guests to up their heart rate, or work on their weights. This compact gymnasium is equipped with a spinning cycle, bar and weights, yoga mats, Pilates ball, mirrors, bottled water and towels. The Fitness Centre overlooks the outdoor heated pool and is situated alongside the dual massage room. Please note that there is no fitness instructor available.

WEDDING & EVENTS

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is the perfect choice for a destination wedding in South Africa. Combining five-star luxury lodge accommodation with a remarkable setting in the Cederberg Mountains north of Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is able to cater for everything from intimate ceremonies with just the bridal couple, to glamorous gatherings hosting up to 48 friends, family and loved ones. Our experienced wedding planners and hospitality team are available to guide couples through the entire wedding planning process, from menus to marriage licences, ensuring each and every detail is taken care of before your big day.

Bushmans Kloof offers an inspirational, romantic and spiritual setting in a spectacular part of the world. Framed by beautiful scenery, an array of exquisite settings and breathtaking venues and locations provide the ultimate backdrop for any celebration or corporate event, enhanced by distinctive personal and romantic touches. We will customise your special occasion to create a delightfully different and exclusive experience – from family reunions, executive functions and team-building weekends, engagements, weddings and honeymoons, to a special birthday celebration or a luxury sojourn in the wilderness with a handful of close friends.