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Dear Friends of Bushmans Kloof,
Welcome to our ‘green’ issue of the Bushmans Kloof newsletter - chock-a-block with news about the
wonders of nature, and all things botanical.
Our guests often ask if winter here at Bushmans Kloof is really as cold as it is rumoured to be. Well, most
of us agree that it can get extremely frosty! However, those who brave the crisp mornings for a guided
rock art walk, or late afternoon for a sunset nature drive, will be richly rewarded with the undulating vistas
that are Bushmans Kloof - the Rebirth of a Forgotten Land. Here at the foothills of the Cederberg the cold
weather is a small price to pay for the outstanding natural beauty that winter brings with her. |
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This afternoon one of the ‘locals’ discovered just how cosy our lodge is
equipped to be - even in winter. Seen here (left) enjoying a siesta in my
office wicker paper basket, is a very cute little Lesser Spotted Genet. This
unusual sight awaited me when I returned to my office after lunch today.
I don’t even need to leave my office to see wild animals. How awesome
is that? |
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Talking about cats, we have also had fantastic sightings of many other animals, including the elusive
Cape Mountain Leopard. Well, in the case of the leopard - at least our cameras saw them! In the last
few months two important photos were taken in the reserve, capturing an un-collared sub-adult, possibly
a female leopard. Together with Quinton Martins who heads the Cape Leopard Trust, we’re looking
forward to some exciting times ahead - hopefully we’ll soon be able to capture, and fit a GPS collar to the
newcomer before the animal is released back into the wilderness.
On the home front our lodge refurbishment is in full swing with the Deluxe Rooms along the banks of
the Boontjies River being beautifully re-decorated in the unique style that has become synonymous with
Bushmans Kloof. Providing supreme comfort, privacy and effortless relaxation, here our guests may
enjoy the luxury of their accommodation, or relax on a lounger, either on their private terrace or next to
the sparkling pool.
Our New Spa Gazebo will be completed within the next few weeks. This marvellous outdoor spa will soon
be the best way to be pampered after a long day of enjoying Mother Nature. Here guests may succumb
to supreme relaxation in this dual massage area, perhaps indulging in our signature treatment Cederberg
“SOUL”ution. More about this in our next newsletter.
Finally, getting back to green issues, the flower season is upon us and we have already been delighted
with the first blossoms of winter flowers which will give way to the carpets of flowers expected from mid-
August. It’s going to be a great flower season - don’t miss it!
Warm regards,
Nelson Rodrigues
Lodge Manager |
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The onset of spring heralds a special time at Bushmans Kloof, as the winter landscape is transformed
into a spectacular carpet of wild flowers, stretching as far as the eye can see. Good rains during the
winter months hold the promise of an exceptional spring flower season this year, and the chance to
experience Nature’s intoxicating fragrance in full bloom.
Spring time at Bushmans Kloof brings with it an intoxicating wild flower fever, and magical new awakenings
- a multitude of flowers blossoming, the extraordinary gift of new calves birthing and the beginning of
long, lazy days filled with sunshine and the discovery of hidden gems within this ancient wilderness
reserve. Walking among the flora that traverse the length and breadth of Bushmans Kloof, you’ll be
amazed at the exceptional floral diversity that thrives within this 7500 hectare reserve – more than 755
indigenous plant species.
Celebrate the magnificent, bumper flower season and enjoy an enriching wilderness experience with a special offer, available from R1 250 per person sharing, per night including luxury accommodation, all meals, daily rock art excursions, nature drives and all lodge activities. Terms and conditions apply. |
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Categorized as endangered on the Red Data List, the endemic
Clanwilliam cedar tree occurs only in the Cederberg mountains
and represents one of only 1000 surviving conifer species in the
world. The species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild,
and Bushmans Kloof is proud to be involved in this important
endeavour, now in its eighth year, that aims to ensure the survival
of this rare species. As a result of this project 800 cedar trees have
already been planted in the Cederberg Wilderness area, including
56 trees that will be grown for seed collection in a grove on site at
Bushmans Kloof.
Caption:
Seen right are pupils from Elizabethfontein School who were
delighted to be part of this exciting conservation event where they
had the opportunity to plant their very own cedar tree seedlings.
The highlight of the day’s events was the planting of mature
seedlings in the grove and the surrounding wilderness area. Over
the next few months, the newly planted seeds will be transported
to Bushmans Kloof where they will be nurtured and housed in the
nursery, until they have reached a stage in their growth where they
can safely be transplanted back into the wilderness. |
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Wandering the impeccable grounds and gardens of the lodge is an
integral part of the guest experience at Bushmans Kloof. Head Gardener
Neelsie Veloen has the daunting task of ensuring that the lush lawns and
impeccable flower beds defy the harshness of this wilderness countryside
and are kept in tip-top condition. More a pleasure than a task to Neelsie,
who, being a true ‘son of the Cederberg’, professes to love nothing more
than regaling guests with tales of the wondrous flora that thrive in this part
of the world. An hour spent in his company is an enriching experience for
the enthusiastic botanist and layperson alike. |
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For the ultimate comfort and ease of our guests, we now provide a new Chauffeur Drive Road Transfer
vehicle. It’s a comfortable Toyota Fortuner that can accommodate up to 5 adult passengers, plus their
luggage. In addition, when required by guests staying at Koro Lodge, two children can ride on flip-down
seats with seatbelts in the rear of the vehicle - luggage will then be transported in a trailer. A baby car seat
will also be available on request.
Guests will be driven by our licensed chauffeur, Searle Johannes, whose impressive career history
includes successfully completing Advanced Driving courses presented by the City of Cape Town as well
as the SA Police Services, and extensive experience in vehicle escorting and body guarding of VIP’s.
Introductory Offer
R2500 return per vehicle (Cape Town/Bushmans Kloof/Cape Town) for 1 to 5 adult passengers (plus 2
children if applicable).
Special Value Offer
Complimentary Chauffeur Drive Road Transfers (from Cape Town) are offered to guests booking a Suite
for 3 nights or more.
Bookings subject to availability, on a first come, first serve basis.
Terms and Conditions apply. |
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