In another step of a series of enhancements to the property and the journey to its rebirth, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat is proud to announce the appointment of Fred and Josie Stow as the new Lodge management couple.

 
In addition, renowned hotelier Clive Bennett has assumed responsibility as Managing Director of Bushmans Kloof. He is also the General Manager of the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town, an associated hotel to Bushmans Kloof. Clive has managed many other exceptional hotels such as the Royal in Durban as well as exotic properties in locations like Cyprus. He comes to this role at Bushmans Kloof with a wealth of experience in all aspects of the business and operations.

 
Fred and Josie Stow bring invaluable experience gained at some of South Africa’s top Big 5 Game Lodges. With both a National Diploma and a B.Tech. Degree in Nature Conservation from the Cape Technikon, Fred’s previous work experience included Reserve Manager at Garonga Lodge in Limpopo Province, and the past six years as Reserve Manager at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, another proud member of Relais & Chateaux, making this transition an easy one as they are already familiar with the 5 C’s philosophy – character, calm, charm, courtesy and cuisine.

Josie holds a Diploma in Hotel & Institutional Operations Management from Suffolk College in the UK. She will be responsible for the Guest Liaison and Administration at Bushmans Kloof. She has held several positions as chef at top establishments and was Executive Head Chef at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve for three years before she was promoted to Lodge Operations Manager in 2001.

The couple will be instrumental in moving the property forward in line with its 5 core fundamentals – delivering consistent 5-star world class service; conserving, protecting and enhancing the land, environment, wildlife and flora; preserving and safeguarding the heritage of the Bushmen; caring for the Team; and aiming continued financial success – which in turn mirrors their unique management style.

 
Says Lodge manager Fred Stow: “With my over 12 years experience in wildlife management and Josie’s skill in providing great five star hospitality, we are thrilled by the opportunity of being able to apply our knowledge and understanding to the incredible foundation and success of Bushmans Kloof. We are particularly excited about the forward-looking projects that have been undertaken in terms of the restoration of the land, and its flora and fauna to its natural state, learning more about the San people, and working with a great proven team. We are confident that together with the infrastructure and the people, we will expand its already established five star status, for Bushmans Kloof to become a beacon of excellence, recognized as an example in not only South Africa, but the World.”

 
Other new and exciting developments have been introduced to enhance the guests’ stay, with a variety of diverse, exotic dining venues in breathtaking locations. The flexible choices range from fine dining at Makana and the Homestead, to romantic dinners-for-two and picnics, or a traditional South African braai (barbeque) at Embers - so no meal is quite alike!

 
Underlining their philosophy that Bushmans Kloof will never rest on its laurels, the owners, the Tollman family, have recruited the talented new ‘dream team’, reflecting their commitment to take Bushmans Kloof to another level of excellence. It is their mission for Bushmans Kloof to be one of the best 5-star retreats in the world, complete with world-class service, and striving for guest fullfilment and complete satisfaction.

 
Bushmans Kloof is a SA Natural Heritage site and was nominated as one of the Top 500 best hotel and resorts in the world (USA Travel + Leisure – January 2005); voted the 5th Top Hotel in the World (USA Travel + Leisure 2004); as well as Grand Award Winner 2004 (USA Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report). The reserve lies within the Cederberg wilderness area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region - a World Heritage site.