BUSHMANS KLOOF NEWS UPDATE JANUARY 2006

 
Something you've never experienced before…

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat has completed the latest in a series of enhancements to the property, providing guests with a unique enriching wilderness experience – one filled with exciting outdoor adventures, education, supreme luxury, remarkable comfort and relaxation.
 
This is a luxury Reserve and Retreat unlike any other. It offers a multitude of experiences in the heart of the wilderness … yet is located a mere 270km from Cape Town.  A diverse and exhilarating range of activities, services, innovative cuisine and an internationally recognised spa allows you to enjoy the ultimate in a Reserve and Retreat destination.  A place to appreciate the moment and reconnect with nature.
 
This newly redecorated, exclusive Lodge has clear and majestic views of the breathtaking, sun-baked Cederberg Mountains – timeless views of extraordinary beauty. Built in the grand style of the finest wilderness lodges, with native and South African-colonial finishes, everything has been created with comfort, beauty and luxury in mind.
 
Ranked as the top hotel in Africa and the Middle East in the ‘Worth the Splurge’ category by USA Travel + Leisure readers in 2005, Bushmans Kloof opens the door to wellness and discovery. This is a Retreat that promotes health, relaxation and enrichment – benefits certain to last well beyond the guest’s stay.
 
On arrival at the Lodge, guests are greeted by the friendly staff who take great pride in providing unparalleled service in this wilderness setting. Every member delights in the challenge of bringing fun and discovery to each guest experience. Off-site excursions enhance an already value-packed, all-inclusive experience. The guides are eager to assist guests in selecting activities appropriate to their needs and desires, providing an opportunity to bring life more fully into balance.
 
Mornings are filled with movement of high intensity from nature drives to guided walks between rock art sites; from mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing and archery; to pampering massages or beauty treatments.  Activities resume after lunch, ranging from painting or yoga and meditation, to specialised classes in archaeology, the eco-system and the animal kingdom.
 
Evenings are for simple pleasures. Delicious drinks in the River Boma before and after dinner provide an opportunity to make new friends and relive the day. Award-winning cuisine is served in a variety of exquisite dining venues, followed by a night game drive, or perhaps a movie. Then guests retire to their rooms to relax, ensuring that they are well rested for the pleasures and discoveries that await tomorrow…
 
Flora and Fauna
 
The team at Bushmans Kloof is committed to conserving the land, wildlife and flora, but also to restoring it to the splendour of centuries ago. Today this malaria-free property serves as a safe haven for many unique, and some highly endangered species of indigenous plants and animals.
 
The fauna is diverse, featuring over 35 species of mammals including the Eland and Bontebok, as well as nocturnal animals such as the rare Aardwolf and Smiths Red Rock Rabbit. Bushmans Kloof is furthermore the proud owner of 29 Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra), one of the largest privately owned herds of this endangered species (current recorded numbers total only 1200 worldwide). October 2004 saw the reintroduction of the first pair of Brown Hyena (Hyena borunea) – a small, shy, timid nocturnal scavenger that lives mainly on insects and plants, presenting no threat to humans.  All thrive on the property, roaming freely.  The absence of any large predators means that guests are completely safe to interact closely with nature when walking or mountain biking through the property, and participating in traditional game drives.
 
Sharing the mammals’ home are over 150 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher and Black Harrier, as well as many species of water birds. Seven species of indigenous ducks, including Cape Teal and Cape Shovler were reintroduced to the area, and dams have been built around the Lodge in an effort to lure more wild birds to the area, turning the Reserve into a delight for bird watchers.  Bushmans Kloof is also working with a bird rehabilitation centre to assist with the release of injured and rescued Barn Owls and Spotted Eagle Owls.  Hacking cages and nesting boxes have been positioned and the first owls will soon be released into the Reserve.  It is hoped that breeding will thus be encouraged, leading to sightings of the owls around the property.
 
The natural botanical richness of Bushmans Kloof includes more than 755 indigenous plant species, representative of three major vegetation types: Fynbos, Forest and Karoo biomes. Each of these exists and thrives within this protected wilderness.  Bushmans Kloof has identified its own “Cederberg Seven” – a plant species unique to the area that is being established on the property, including four highly endangered species: Clanwilliam Ceder Tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis), Clanwilliam Aloe (Aloe comosa), Rocket Pincushion (Leucospernum reflexum reflexum), and Snow Protea (Protea cryophila), as well as three other types of more common plants that are also unique to the area: the Cederberg vygie, Rooibos tea bush and Clanwilliam sugar bush.
  
Additionally, a reserve management programme is in place to remove alien vegetation. In the past year, over six hectares of land have been cleared of Port Jackson trees along the river systems, amounting to thousands of trees that will provide the Lodge with sufficient firewood for the whole of 2005. The programme also entails the reclamation and restoration of old farmland and the re-vegetation of the area with indigenous grasses and shrubs for grazing purposes, as well as erosion control.
 
All of these undertakings have been enhanced by the recent addition of five dams on the property, enabling more animals and plants to flourish and providing additional locations for guests to unwind.
  
San Heritage
 
Bushmans Kloof is equally dedicated to preserving the cultural history of this ancient land. In this retreat of timeless serenity and beauty – with year-round sunshine and moderate temperatures – guests can also discover the cradle of mankind. 
 
The San, South Africa’s earliest inhabitants, roamed this region during the Later Stone Age and today are recognised as one of the oldest civilisations of mankind.  Within the reserve’s boundaries are over 130 remarkable Bushmen rock art sites, and guests have the opportunity to observe and learn about some of South Africa’s greatest national treasures. These ancient sites, located under overhanging cliffs and in rocky shelters, have been meticulously preserved and recorded, making them some of the finest examples of rock painting in all of South Africa.
 
Siyakha Mguni, a dedicated and knowledgeable Rock Art archaeologist was appointed in the newly created position of Resident Archaeologist and Curator.  His primary function is to record, document and research all the rock art sites in the reserve, to create a database linked to a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. Mguni will also be lecturing and assisting the University of Cape Town’s Clanwilliam-based Living Landscape Project and further train Bushmans Kloof’s rangers in current rock art analysis and interpretation, based on new research being conducted all over the continent. 
 
In September 2004, the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre was opened. This 70m² complex was established to provide guests with further insight into the history and lives of the San people, through artefacts and images. The Heritage Centre recently acquired the famous Rudner Collection, which includes jewellery, dancing sticks, hunting kits, musical instruments, dolls, digging sticks and magic sets, as well as some important 19th century sticks and other objects made by the San.  It has also started acquiring photographs documenting San culture and displays a collection of exceptional photographs by renowned wildlife photographer Michael Poliza, depicting scenes of the daily activities of the Bushmen.
 
Guests may also explore the medicinal herb garden, adjacent to the Heritage Centre, to learn about the fascinating plants and remedies used by the San throughout the ages. These include the Kapokbos (Eriocephalus africanus), its leaves and twigs used as a diuretic and to treat stomach ache; Kruidjie-roer-my-nie (Melianthus major), which was used to treat snake bite, septic wounds, sores, bruises and backache; and the Wild Camphor Bush (Tarchononthus camphorates) - its dried leaves were smoked like tobacco or infused to treat everything from toothache to bronchitis and abdominal troubles.
 
Today, all of the rangers at Bushmans Kloof have extensive training and knowledge of the surrounding land and are able to provide interesting insight into these archaeological wonders. Captivating presentations are given in the Heritage Centre about the San people, along with talks on the wonders of nature in this sensitive and diverse eco-system that makes up Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat.
  
Lodge and Retreat
  
The Lodge sits in a majestic garden setting overlooking rock pools, towering cliffs and rock formations, with pebbled pathways leading to the 16 individually decorated rooms and suites. Five beautiful suites have recently been renovated, including the impressive Riverside Honeymoon Suite with its private sitting room, spa bath for two and private garden terrace. In the historic Manor House are four individually restyled suites, some with living rooms and fireplaces, each with its own luxurious, distinguishing décor and private terrace.  Plus there are seven standard rooms, all of which have been recently refurbished.
 
The Homestead, the heart of Bushmans Kloof Lodge, now offers a bar and two new cosy and comfortable living rooms with fireplaces - one with a flat screen television where current feature films are shown in the evenings. There is a sunny terrace with a newly heated swimming pool, Fitness Centre and tranquil outdoor massage area. The Homestead is also home to an extensive book and DVD library and a business facility with recently installed broadband wireless Internet access, as well as a conference room connected to the Heritage Centre, complete with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment.
  
Food and Beverage
  
At Bushmans Kloof it is pure pleasure that motivates the cuisine team.  Renowned executive chef Floris Smith brings a touch of magic to all the culinary aspects at the Lodge.  Using the freshest ingredients from Bushmans Kloof’s own organic garden, his award-winning cuisine is boldly flavourful yet surprisingly low in calories and fat – and a feast for the eye as well as the palate.   Furthermore, a flexible and exciting choice of dining venues means no two meals are ever quite alike.
 
Greet a new morning with delicious homemade croissants while sitting next to a cascading waterfall.  Delight in an unforgettable brunch at Makana (which means ‘to feast’ in the San language), which offers glorious views across the dam and river, with an expanse of rocky cliffs and the Reserve beyond. Embers is the exciting new outdoor setting within the Reserve, overlooking the recently completed Khabo dam (‘dream’ in the San language). Here you can enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbeque) under the star-filled African sky – a matchless and enchanting dining experience on summer evenings. Additional fine dining venues at the Lodge include the dining room or terrace of the Homestead, or the new Manor House bar and deck with its romantic riverside setting under the colossal fig tree (Ficus natalensis).   Toast the end of yet another glorious day at the new River Boma, which provides a perfect setting for sundowners or nightcaps in the moonlight, accompanied only by the nocturnal sounds of Africa.
 
Complementing the award winning cuisine (Bushmans Kloof is a 2005 WINE magazine Top 100 Restaurant) is an acclaimed wine cellar with a wide choice of superb South African wines, French champagnes and cognacs, as well as a refreshing choice of beverages including herbal-infused, home-brewed Rooibos and Honeybush tea, organically grown in nearby Wupperthal. The proprietors of the Reserve also own the award-winning South African wine estate Bouchard Finlayson in Hermanus, whose sought-after wines may now be purchased at Bushmans Kloof at cellar prices. Bushmans Kloof was one of only 21 properties all over South Africa, to receive an Award of Excellence in the prestigious 2005 Diners Club International Winelist of the Year Awards.
  
Activities
  
The wide variety of activities available at Bushmans Kloof allows guests to explore as well as renew, heal and enrich their inner selves through a combination of sensory experiences. An invigorating blend of simple pleasures and extraordinary experiences range from sheer relaxation to fortifying the adventurous spirit with guests taking part in pastimes they might never have experienced before: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, swimming in rock-pools, fishing, archery, yoga and meditation, absorbing the magnetic energy fields of the ancient rocks.
  
The Spa
  
The Spa at Bushmans Kloof is the perfect sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. Here, in a beautiful environment that is completely unique, health and well-being have been elevated to an art form. Bringing life back into balance is the primary goal, and the highly qualified therapists make sure that your every need is met to invigorate the body, and restore the spirit.

The Spa has two newly designed treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy spa bath, as well as a new Fitness Centre and an outdoor rest, relaxation and dual massage area – a tranquil corner with views of the Lodge’s rocky backdrop.  Signature offerings include Spa Body Treatments and Touch Therapies such as the Hot Stone Body Treatment, as well as various massages. These may also be taken in the privacy of the guest’s room or suite, or in a scenic garden spot, or maybe – in the heat of summer – in the cool of an ancient cave in the Reserve.
 
Come to Bushmans Kloof to experience, discover, share and treasure special moments with loved ones ... or for corporate team building in this perfect, private environment to work, rest and play.

Bushmans Kloof.

The perfect haven to rest, heal and pamper

the mind, body and spirit.

PROUD MEMBER OF RELAIS & CHATEAUX 
 
USA Travel + Leisure Poll
Voted First in Africa/Middle East ‘Worth the Splurge’ (March 2005) 
Voted Fourth Worldwide for ‘Value Overall’ (March 2005)
One of the Top 500 Hotels and Resorts in the World (January 2005)
Voted Fifth Top Hotel in the World (2004)
 
Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report
Grand Award Winner (2004)
 
Selected as one of the SA Wine Magazine Top 100 Restaurants (2004 and 2005)
 
Diners Club International Winelist of the Year ‘Award of Excellence’ (2005)
 
Bushmans Kloof is a South African Natural Heritage Site, located within the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site.  
 

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat

 
Contact
 
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat Reservations
 
Tel: +27 (0) 21 685 2598
 
Fax: +27 (0) 21 685 5210
 
Email: info@bushmanskloof.co.za
 
Website: www.bushmanskloof.co.za
 
 
Managing Director
 
Clive Bennett
 
Tel:  +27 (0) 21 437 9000
 
Fax: +27 (0) 21 437 9055
 
Email: cbennett@rchmail.co.za
 
 
Sales & Marketing Manager
 
Jill Wagner
 
Tel: +27 (0) 21 685 2598
 
Fax: +27 (0) 21 685 5210
 
Email: jill@bushmanskloof.co.za
 
 
Media enquiries and photographic material, please contact the PR Consultants for Bushmans Kloof:

Public Relations South Africa

Janie van der Spuy

FIVESTAR PR

Tel: +27 (0) 21 - 462-1677

Fax: +27 (0) 21 - 462-1676
 
Email: Janie@fivestarpr.co.za

 
PO Box 50148, Waterfront, 8002

Cape Town

South Africa

Arnelle Kendall Public Relations

USA
Tel: +15 61 659 2174
Fax: +1561 835 1636
Cell: +1561 789 8286
Email: arnellek@aol.com
c/o 363 Cocoanut Row
Palm Beach FL  33480
USA
 
 

Bushmans Kloof Representation

Johannesburg Representation             

Anke Paterson, African Synergy

Tel: +27 (0) 11 678 1682 or 478 3153/4
Fax: +27 (0) 11 678 1682
Email: ankep@mweb.co.za

Corporate Sales

Nikki Wiedeman

Cell: +27 (0) 83 302 4728

Fax: +27 (0) 11 442 0750
Email: nikkiw@mweb.co.za

USA Representative                     

Tim Farrell, Tim Farrell & Associates

Tel: +203 762 8050

Fax: +203 762 7323

Email: safariTim@aol.com

Germany Representative                   

Ingo Jacob, Travel Consultants Africa

Tel: +49 5971 80749 50

Fax: +49 5971 80749 51

Email: ingo@tcafrica.de

UK & Ireland Representative

Suzanne Bayly-Coupe, Classic Representation 

Tel: +44 131 661 6000

Cell: +44 07971 525 483 

Email: suzanne@classicretreats.com  

Relais & Chateaux, South Africa

Annie Claude Bergonzoli

Tel: + 27 (0) 21 794 2137

Fax: + 27 (0) 21 794 2149

Email:  eurotek@icon.co.za

www.relaischateaux.com