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Bushman's Kloof (From Good, Better, Best)
Bushman’s Kloof is a scant three hours away from Cape Town but a lifetime towards connecting with empirical man. Like the Cradle of Mankind near the Magaliesberg, Bushman’s Kloof, enveloped by the Cederberg Mountains, is the place to search for new beginnings. There are over 130 Rock Art sites on the seven hectare private reserve and the appointment of a full time archaeologist, Mr Siyakha Mguni to continue the already valuable work in preserving, displaying and explaining San and KhoiSan rock art, confirms the owners’ commitment.
The Tollman Family purchased Bushman’s Kloof from another passionate family.
The McAdams were the first to commit time and money to the project and under their watch the property was accepted as part of the Relais & Chateaux marketing family.
Bushman’s Kloof is the kind of place that is so special - so rare in its harsh natural beauty, and in the rock art that is under its owner’s stewardship, that the usual things that make a hospitality property special, pale.
The rooms for example, are not of the décor that’s expected of five-star properties but at BK it is entirely forgivable. Forgivable is obviously not something the Tollman’s tolerate and in July BK begins a massive interiors overhaul. I saw some of the newly completed rooms and they are nothing short of exceptional.
They’ve managed to keep leopard print to the minimum and instead have created interiors that speak to more maturely to their African locale. Rooms are decorated in the way a great explorer might decorate his - little flurry or flounce but everything is there for a reason and to provide a texture to either deepen relaxation or understanding.
Koro Lodge is a private villa at Bushman’s Kloof and on the opposite side of the reserve from the main lodge. This guarantees absolute privacy. With dedicated kitchen staff and exclusive ranger, life at Koro can exist without interacting with other guests. Even spa treatments are available on site.
The best part of Koro (aside from its location and exclusivity) is that it can sleep two families with children sharing and at the price, from R13000 per night, is outstanding value. A comparable experience at private lodges in Kruger could cost more than four times the price.
Bushman’s Kloof is also available for those without corporate expense accounts. Although only open to residential guests, getaways are available from around R1800 per person sharing.
Despite the slow pace if you want it, days seem punctuated by meals -brunch, afternoon tea and dinner (all included in the rate) and morning rock art excursions and afternoon game drives to view mainly Antelope. Although I didn’t visit the spa, our chums, American high-powered travel agents, said the massage rated amongst the best in the world.
Some of the food was sublime - a Malay chicken curry was perfect in everyway, but all the food demonstrated passion and commitment - a hallmark of every staff member.
As invited guests, it is not uncommon to have superlative experiences, so we temper ours by talking to other guests of theirs. I have no qualms in
recommending Bushman’s Kloof as a must visit. Although it is possible to fly in from Cape Town in less than 45 minutes, the drive to Bushman’s Kloof is preferred as a meditative preparation.
There are places in the world that exert a power on those who visit. Whatever the reason, Bushman’s Kloof is one such place and worthy of pilgrimage. For those who cannot afford to enter their gates, other rock art sites are in close proximity and many and varied accommodations is offered in and around the Cederberg.
www.Bushmanskloof.com
021 685 2598.
[30-May-08]
Brian Berkman
As a seemingly intelligent human being, i just don't understand how you can condone the production and consumption of foie gras. I know you probably feel you eat meat so what's the difference, but any small change in a single persons habits makes a difference - and even if the only change you make is to stop eating foie gras, you will have made a difference.
Please take a firm stand against foie gras, make a pledge to never eat it again, and make restaurants aware of the fact that you will report on the cruelty involved in the production of these livers.
This product has been banned in so many countries because the cruelty has been recognised as inhumane and so unnecessary!! Who wants to eat diseased meat anyway? Because that is just what it is!!
Cruelty abounds when good men do nothing - please be one good man who takes a stand.
You are in a unique position to educate people - it is a responsibility you should take very seriously if you are a compassionate human being.
Regards
Sharon
CARE ANIMAL RESCUE and
Animal Rights Activist
[30-Jun-08]
Sharzi
As a seemingly intelligent human being, i just don't understand how you can condone the production and consumption of foie gras. I know you probably feel you eat meat so what's the difference, but any small change in a single persons habits makes a difference - and even if the only change you make is to stop eating foie gras, you will have made a difference.
Please take a firm stand against foie gras, make a pledge to never eat it again, and make restaurants aware of the fact that you will report on the cruelty involved in the production of these livers.
This product has been banned in so many countries because the cruelty has been recognised as inhumane and so unnecessary!! Who wants to eat diseased meat anyway? Because that is just what it is!!
Cruelty abounds when good men do nothing - please be one good man who takes a stand.
You are in a unique position to educate people - it is a responsibility you should take very seriously if you are a compassionate human being.
[30-Jun-08]
Sharzi
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