Activities in our mountain wilderness

To experience the essence of this magical wilderness reserve, guests are invited to participate in a variety of activities to invigorate the body and feed the soul. 

One of the highlights of the day at Bushmans Kloof is the sunset game drive in open game viewing vehicles, with drinks and snacks served at one of the many vantage points in the reserve. Knowledgeable rangers lead the game drives where guests can view at close range a variety of game, both large and small, and enjoy the ever-changing vistas and vegetation.

Early morning rock art tours provide the visitor with an insight into an ancient culture that has been lost forever. Botanical walks, mountain hikes and bird watching are also available.  

Mountain biking down one of the many rocky slopes offers a challenge to the very adventurous. Fly-fishing enthusiasts may opt for a day excursion to the Biedouw river to challenge the famous Clanwilliam yellowfish on a catch-and-release basis. 

Swimming in one of the river's crystal clear natural rock pools or in the Lodge's swimming pools offers welcome relief on a hot summer day. Guests may also picnic in the reserve or simply relax on the rolling green lawns alongside the river.  

Additional activities on offer include canoeing, walking trails and stargazing with a state-of-the-art telescope.

Those who prefer more leisurely pursuits can amble through the Homestead and admire the original Bushmans Kloof art collection painted by artist Stephen Townley Bassett, or relax in the comfort of the extensive library.

Guests can select safari gear and mementoes from the Trading Post gift shop, watch wildlife videos, play billiards, sip cocktails at Spanners, unwind in the sauna or enjoy the extensive Spa facilities.

Bushmans Kloof invites guests to explore the indigenous gardens or to simply marvel at the fascinating rock formations, gouged out over eons.  The sweeping vistas from the Cederberg to the Great Karoo provide food for thought, and the tranquillity rejuvenates weary travellers from around the globe.

A typical itinerary:

Note: The itinerary is merely a guideline with suggestions, and activities do change according to the weather conditions.

Day 1:

14:00 Arrive at Bushmans Kloof for a late afternoon check-in.  Relax and freshen up in room. Enjoy a swim in the rock pools in front of the Lodge.  Contact the Spa, or Reception to book any of a range of Spa- and Wellness Therapies to be enjoyed during your stay (if it was not pre-booked): choose from skincare Treatments, Beauty Salon Services and Spa Body Treatments.

16:30 Afternoon Tea is served (Coffee, Tea, Cakes and Confectionery). Followed by an evening game drive in game viewing vehicles to view some of the plains game - the rare and endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and Bontebok, Gemsbok, Eland, Black Wildebeest and others. 

Includes complimentary sundowner drinks and snacks at one of the lookout points in the Reserve. Remember a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a jersey or jacket. (Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is home to 35 species of mammals, 150 bird species and 755 plant species which have been identified in the Reserve). 

19:30 Arrive back at the lodge and freshen up. All rooms are equipped with mini-bar fridges, en-suite bathrooms with beautiful baths and separate showers, private patios, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and under floor heating.

20:00 Meet for pre-dinner drinks followed by dinner, which may be either an informal braai/barbeque at Embers or at the Spanners Boma, or enjoy Contemporary Country Cuisine in the Homestead Dining Room.

Day 2:

07:00 Meet at Spanners for a Light Continental Breakfast. Depart on a guided walk along the Boontjies River and into the veld, to view a number of Bushman Rock Art sites some of which date back 10,000 years.

10:30 Return to the Lodge for Bushmans Kloof's Legendary Brunch - fruit, yoghurt, cereals, cold meats, cheeses, eggs and bacon, quiches, pasta, breads and pastries.

13:00 Afternoon at leisure: mountain biking, walks in the reserve, bird watching, relaxing or making use of the facilities that are available - sauna, swimming pools, private library and billiard room.

16:30 Afternoon tea is followed by an evening game drive with complimentary sundowners and snacks at a different spot in the reserve.

19:30 Arrive back at the Lodge, freshen up, meet for drinks and dinner.

Day 3:

07:00 Meet at Spanners for a Light Continental Breakfast. Depart on a guided walk along the Boontjies River and into the veld, to view a number of Bushman Rock Art sites some of which date back 10,000 years.

7:30 Depart on another guided Rock Art walk to see some more of the 130 magnificent Bushman painting sites on the reserve, or sleep in, relax and enjoy the facilities on hand.

10:30 Brunch is served