Cape, West Coast & Whale Coast Self-Drive

Here at Bushmans Kloof, we know that a deep and ancient pulse of life connects the earth and the plants and animals that thrive here. Our spectacular location and exceptional conservation efforts ensure a nature and wildlife getaway unlike any other

Rock Art Excursions

Guides are available to take you on walking tours or drives of our spectacular nature reserve. Explore the wilderness in all its diversity. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and some of the Cape’s most rare species that we pride ourselves in protecting. Sundowners and picnics are ever-popular, served at scenic spots throughout the drive.

In this extraordinary environment, there is much to be seen (and heard) after sunset. You may want to explore this dark world on an after-dinner drive under a canopy of stars. Enjoy unparalleled stargazing and spot elusive, nocturnal wildlife highlights such as the Aardwolf, African Wildcat, Bat Eared Fox, Cape Fox and Porcupine.

Flora at Bushmans Kloof - The World of Fynbos

The Cape Floral Kingdom (of which fynbos makes up over 80%) is the smallest of all plant kingdoms and yet has the highest concentration of species in the world.

The area sees 1,300 plant species per 10,000 km². To put that into perspective, the Amazon rainforest (fynbos’ closest rival) has a concentration of only 400 species per 10,000 km².

Nature Drives & Walks

Guides are available to take you on walking tours or drives of our spectacular nature reserve. Explore the wilderness in all its diversity. Enjoy ever-changing landscapes and some of the Cape’s most rare species that we pride ourselves in protecting. Sundowners and picnics are ever-popular, served at scenic spots throughout the drive.

In this extraordinary environment, there is much to be seen (and heard) after sunset. You may want to explore this dark world on an after-dinner drive under a canopy of stars. Enjoy unparalleled stargazing and spot elusive, nocturnal wildlife highlights such as the Aardwolf, African Wildcat, Bat Eared Fox, Cape Fox and Porcupine

Organic Garden Tours

For gardeners, gastronomes and plant lovers, take a tour of our marvellous organic gardens. Abundant fruit trees, herbs and vegetables are grown seasonally and under scrupulous sustainable farming practices.

Our kitchen gardens are augmented by our Bushman gardens of indigenous species. Learn about the culinary and medicinal uses for these rare and unique treasures.

Botanical Highlights

The natural botanical richness of Bushmans Kloof includes more than 755 indigenous plant species.

These plant species are representative of three major vegetation types namely: Fynbos, Forest and Karoo biomes.

Bird life & Bird Watching

Avid birdwatchers will find themselves in a paradise of twittering, feathered creatures. Novice birders will enjoy the easy gratification of spotting many wonderful bird species on nature drives or from the comfort of the lodge or your own patio.

A huge diversity of birdlife is thriving once more, with 150 species from the great African Fish eagle to the jewel-like Sunbird. Keen birders may even spot a Black Harrier. A number of dams have been established around the lodge, and have been successful in attracting resident waterfowl.

Wildlife on the Reserve

Bushmans Kloof is a malaria and predator free area, ensuring guests are safe to experience our wildlife and herds. Only the rare and secretive Cape Leopard roams the most remote of our mountains.

Bushmans Kloof today protects one of the largest private herds of Cape Mountain Zebra in the world, an animal saved from the brink of extinction. The Cape Mountain Zebra is identified by its bold black and white stripes, as opposed to its savannah-dwelling cousin, the Burchell's Zebra, which has brown 'shadow' stripes, and a creamy undercoat.

The wildlife reintroduction programme has also seen the return of the magnificent Bontebok, Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok and the Ostrich.

Smaller creatures such as the Bat-Eared Fox, African Wildcat, Cape Fox, Caracal (African Lynx), Cape Clawless Otter, Baboon, Rock Hyrax (Dassie), Klipspringer, Aardwolf and Aardvark also roam the plains and rocky outcrops of the reserve.

Bushmans Kloof provides a host of activities in the predator and malaria-free reserve; guests are free to explore the breath taking landscape on their own. It is a place to reconnect with yourself, and to reconnect with the earth. Roam over wide-open spaces, explore the sculpted rocks, crystalline waterfalls and abundant flora and fauna. Fill your lungs with the purest air, feel the pulse of the natural world and go wild!

Hike & Bike:
The best possible way to get up-close-and-personal with the fynbos, animals, flowers and rock formations is to enter the wilderness on two feet or two wheels.

You can certainly take it easy on one of our undemanding trails, or challenge your endurance and balance on rougher terrain across the reserve; an experience of solitude and adventure.

We provide backpacks filled with delicious goodies, maps and other useful items. Guides are also available on request.

Mountain Trail - An easy 1 to 2 hour hike close to the lodge

Ravine Trail - An adventurous 2 to 3 hour hike. We do not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo as it winds over steep ravines

Crystal Pools Trail - For the seasoned walkers, and we recommend you take an experienced guide with you. Of course you’ll want to take a swim in the exquisite waters, surrounded by towering rock formations and the spray of a cascading waterfall nearby. This magical setting is the ultimate picnic spot to relax and savour the natural beauty around you.

Canoeing & Swimming:
Tributaries of the Olifants River system flow through the Bushmans Kloof reserve, cutting through the sandstone and creating crystal-clear pools.
Canoes are available at the dam, where you can experience the calm waters and ancient rock formations under the high, wide, African sky.

Fly-Fishing:
Enjoy the art of fly-fishing at Bushmans Kloof’s beautiful dams.
Outwit the endemic Clanwilliam Yellowfish, though strictly on a catch-and-release basis.
All fishing equipment is provided.
Guests may also opt to journey out on a day excursion to the Biedouw River for fishing and fun.

Archery & Croquet:
Practice your skills as a bowman with archery equipment available from the lodge.
An ancient art and a hugely enjoyable recreational activity.
Alternatively, put your hand to the genteel pastime of croquet on immaculate lawns near the lodge.
Perfect for a group of friends and family on a long afternoon at Bushmans Kloof.

Some guests may prefer alternative activities to expand the mind and feed the soul.

Enrich your mind

Guests may wish to spend some time learning about the environment, the rich cultural history of the ancient Bushman, or about the starry night sky.

The area offers many crystal clear nights perfect for stargazing. The inky sky is dusted with planets and shining constellations to be discovered. Hear talks on the subject and let one of our expert guides take you on a journey through our galaxy.

Learn about the Bushman and the ancient rock paintings they left as their legacy. Guided tours of rock art sites, talks, discussions and books are all available for you to make the most of this fantastic opportunity to gain insight into these cultural treasures.

If you have an interest in kitchen gardens, you’ll enjoy a tour of our organic vegetable gardens, walled orchard and unique San medicinal and herb garden.

Learning about wildlife and flora has never been so enjoyable. Listen to special interest talks on a wide and fascinating range of subjects, including birding, entomology and rare and protected species.

Private guides and tours are available on request for an extra fee. Please enquire as to availability. Note, some activities are seasonal and weather dependent.

Creative Pursuits

Bushmans Kloof offers a range of pursuits for the creative mind and soul. Opulent luxury contrasting with a rough and wild panorama beyond makes for an ideal writing or painting retreat; water colour sets are available in all rooms. Photographers will find themselves in a world of opportunity, with shadow and light creeping through rock formations and fynbos grasses.

You might wish to choose a book from our well-stocked library and read either in the lodge or in the tranquillity of our landscaped botanical gardens. Feel free to choose a wildlife DVD, and watch from a lavish sofa on the large screen TV in the lounge area.

Meditation & Healing

Experience the healing waters of these 500 million year old mountains, take in a restorative crystal healing session at the spa, or enjoy a yoga session on mats provided.

The opportunity for meditation and quietude is yours for the taking. In this exquisite and remote landscape you’ll find space to be still and to reconnect with the timeless natural world. Walk the ley lines, or simply meditate to birdsong and the gentle rustling of fynbos grass

Wine Tasting

Cross the threshold of our award-winning wine cellar. Our beverage manager will help you to pick out a selection of the special wines featured on our Diner’s Club Diamond Rated wine list.

Sample, and learn about the viticulture of Bouchard Finlayson. A hugely enjoyable afternoon activity.

Culinary Weekends

For a truly memorable gastronomic break, book a culinary weekend or an epicure’s special-interest package. Our generous hospitality, and magnificent menu and wine cellar are in keeping with our standing as a Relais and Chateaux Property.

Your day begins with a light continental breakfast, served in the splendid luxury of your room or patio. You might prefer a bush-breakfast beside a cascading waterfall, before setting off on a guided tour of the Bushmans Kloof rock paintings.

Bushman tribes have lived in these antediluvian mountains for 120,000 years. They are mankind’s oldest nation. Here, in their ancestral home, the Bushman stained the rocks with oxide pigments, depicting a cultural and spiritual legacy that we at Bushmans Kloof are honoured to preserve and protect today.

Bushmans Kloof is the custodian of over 130 unique rock art sites, some as old as 10,000 years. The sites on the reserve may be viewed by guests, archaeologists and researchers. Since its founding, Bushmans Kloof has been dedicated to protecting this extraordinary treasure. Accordingly, we have been awarded the status of a South African Natural Heritage Site.

In 2004, the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre was opened, featuring an extraordinary collection of priceless artefacts, jewellery, dancing sticks, hunting kits, musical instruments, digging sticks and magical paraphernalia. The centre is a wonderful source of insight into the lives and culture of the ancient Bushman people.

Rock Art Excursions

We offer a range of rock art excursions to gain insight into the deep and rich spiritual culture of the Bushman who lived for millennia here in the Cederberg Mountains. These tours are available daily, the most popular of which is our early morning tour that will have you on a glorious drive and a short hike to some of the most outstanding rock art sites in existence.

The heady fragrance of fynbos is intoxicating as you follow in the footsteps of mankind’s oldest culture. A walking guide will enlighten you with insights about the images on rocky overhangs, many dating back over 10 000 years. Enjoy a delicious bush breakfast and hear the folklore of an ancient spirit world.

This is an astonishing opportunity to connect with the ancient messages in the rock, a living portrayal of stone-age culture, and of our own origins in Africa. The Bushman used natural pigments such as ochre, animal blood and plant juices to make their paintings. While some colours have been lost over time, numerous clearly discernible pictographs have survived to serve as cultural markers, revealing shamanistic visions, tribal dances, and other spiritual rites.

One of the more important sites is Bleeding Nose Shelter, where the paintings stand out in chiaroscuro against white Sandstone. This was probably a ceremonial site, and subjects include eland, small antelope, and rare paintings of birds.

A variety of human figures are depicted standing, dancing and shooting with bows. This site takes its name from a painting of a man in the shamanistic ‘trance’ state, with blood pouring from his nose, joined to his companions by mystical lines of power.

The massive slab that gives Fallen Rock Shelter its name is dramatic in its own right, but it also houses one of the largest and most well preserved collections of images known in the entire Pakhuis region. It is thought to have been a dwelling site, due to deposits of ash, sand and grass left behind by Bushman occupants. It shelters the largest painting of a Bushman cave-dwelling group known in the Western Cape.

Sonya’s Cave holds series of ledges filled with tall, elongated, male figures painted red. Nearby, figures in black depict giraffes and antelope.

Research

The rock art of South Africa is an enduring textbook to the most ancient of human nations. Images on rocky overhangs and in hidden caves are slowly being translated, thanks to renewed research on the subject. They are a roadmap to the knowledge and the soul of ancient man, his botanical and medicinal expertise, spiritual beliefs and language.

Here in the Cederberg Mountains, amongst mystical ley lines and rock paintings, we know that it is imperative to learn more about these lost messages, and are actively involved with many research projects in the area.

The Living Landscape Project is a permanent research facility affiliated with the University of Cape Town (UCT), based in Clanwilliam. It is a community-centred heritage and education project, aimed at returning the archaeological archive to the Clanwilliam area. A set of teaching curricula has been established for local and visiting school groups. A job creation programme was also designed, built around the local archaeological record.

The renewed Klipfonteinrand Excavations in 2011 saw a group from the Australian National University set up camp on the northeastern edge of Bushmans Kloof. This thrilling dig unearthed occupational debris such as hearths, bones, stone tools and beads, as well as human remains.

The reason for the renewed interest in the site, originally excavated in the 60s, is largely due to modern improvements in chronometric technology and dating methods.

Samples collected during the first phase of 2011 excavations will be analysed over the coming 12 months, with results expected in 2012. These dates will provide an important context for understanding technological advancement throughout the Stone Age.

Recovered artefacts suggest the presence of an industry known as the ‘Howiesons Poort’, which in other sites has been dated to between 65,000 and 60,000 years ago. It is quite possible, and very exciting, that the oldest parts of the site exceed 100,000 years in age.

The Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre at Bushmans Kloof provides an opportunity to gain wonderful insight into the distinctive and fascinating history of the Bushman in the Cederberg wilderness area. South Africa’s rich heritage is a great source of pleasure for our guests, who may enjoy the permanent exhibits, photographs, specialist talks and nearby medicinal herb garden.

The centre houses a collection of artefacts established by the late anthropologist, Jalmar Rudner, and includes jewellery, hunting equipment, dancing sticks, musical instruments and magical paraphernalia. Photographic portraits depicting Bushman culture and customs are accompanied by informative texts. Guests are welcome to participate in enlightening discussions about rock art, bushman histories, the ley lines of the reserve and social commitment projects.

Adjacent to the centre is a superb medicinal herb garden, where guests can learn about a host of botanical remedies used by Bushman and Khoi people in the area.

The Heritage Centre brings a deep appreciation of many fascinating aspects of the reserve, the Cederberg area and its history.

The Rudner Collection

This extraordinary collection encompasses a range of cultural artefacts of the Bushman. In 2003 the collection was acquired by the Tollman family for Bushmans Kloof, and is exhibited in the Heritage Centre.

Jalmar Rudner and his wife, Ione, were passionate recorders and collectors of San rock art and history, undertaking some fifty field trips in the 1950s and 60s. These expeditions took them across Southern Africa, as far north as Angola and Zimbabwe, where they would trace ancient images on rocky overhangs at hundreds of sites, and work them into life-size watercolours on their return.

Though born in Sweden, Rudner was passionate about South African heritage, and was appointed honorary archaeologist at the South African Museum in 1956. He was instrumental in establishing the Rock Art Recording Centre at the museum to coordinate the preservation of these national treasures.

The Rudners’ life’s work culminated in the publication of their book "The Hunter and His Art; a Survey of Rock Art in Southern Africa". Published in 1970 this seminal volume was one of the first comprehensive studies on the subject.

The Rudners sourced artefacts during their pioneering fieldwork, as well as by acquiring smaller collections from various Christian missions in Cape Town during the 1950s.

Now, deep in the heart of the Cederberg wilderness area, this beloved treasury has finally found a fitting home at Bushmans Kloof.

Guests may like to go further afield, and enjoy a day trip to nearby towns and attractions.

Wine Routes of the Cederberg

The region is fortunate to have three excellent wine routes available for tourists.

The Darling Wine Route boasts world-famous cellars like Cloof, Grootte Post and Darling Cellars.

The West Coast Wine Route in the Olifants River Valley incorporates the whole river area, the splendour of the Cederberg and the unspoilt West Coast. One of the giants on the route is Namaqua Wines in Vredendal, producing in excess of 35 million litres of wine annually.

Bushmans Kloof in the Cederberg
Enjoy a complete wining and dining experience in fantastic restaurants with expansive views of vineyards and the Maskam Mountains. Look out for South Africa’s most uniquely situated wine farm, the Cederberg Private Cellar. Here, among the fynbos and spectacular rock formations, you’ll find the highest altitude vineyards in the Western Cape.

The Swartland Wine Route covers a large area stretching from Paardeberg in the South to the Bergrivier in the North. The large geographical diversity makes for wines with a distinctive character, carefully handcrafted by local vintners, showcasing the best of the area’s cultivars.

Clanwilliam Museum

The Clanwilliam Museum can be found at the end of the town’s Main Road in “Die Ou Tronk” (the old prison) and is a fascinating look into Clanwilliam’s Voortrekker history.

The museum also chronicles the growth of Rooibos Tea industry of the area.

The museum is open weekdays from 8am to 12pm. It contains Voortrekker wagons and a variety of artefacts from the time of the pioneers.

Biedouw Rivier Valley

The beautiful, fertile Biedouw Valley lies just 32 km from Clanwilliam. Fantastic fly-fishing is available here under the epic slopes of the TraTra Mountains.

The area becomes a canvas of colour just after the rains, when it is endowed with an astonishing array of spring flowers.

Local farmers restrict their herds from grazing in the valley during flower season to preserve the glorious scene and help with annual pollination.

Rooibos Factory & Elandsberg Farm

If you find yourself in Clanwilliam, why not visit the Rooibos Tea Factory? Though the factory itself can be visited by previous appointment only, the shop is always open for business, and stocks the tea itself, tannin-free and high in vitamin-C, as well as soaps, souvenirs and acclaimed skin-care products.

If you are keen to increase your knowledge of the Rooibos industry you can take a Tea Farm Tour at Elandsberg. Elandsberg Farm offers guided Rooibos safaris throughout the year. Enjoy the specialised eco-safari, which incorporates the Rooibos plantations, fynbos and the unique rock formations of the Cederberg.

Wupperthal Mission Village

Wupperthal is a small and picturesque Moravian Mission Village 75km from Clanwilliam, in the remote TraTra valley. Take a stroll around pretty streets with traditional thatched, whitewashed cottages.

Perhaps enjoy some lunch at Lekkerbekkie coffee shop. Activities in Wupperthal centre on the mission station, Rooibos farming and the velskoene (leather shoe) factory where you can buy a pair of traditional, hand-made walking shoes. You can easily combine your outing to Wupperthal with other nearby attractions.

Wilderness Area & Heritage Route

The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies some 200km north of Cape Town, stretching from the Middleburg Pass at Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam and encompasses some 71,000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain.

The Cederberg is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rock formations, as well as its namesake, the rare Clanwilliam Cedar.

It was proclaimed a wilderness area in 1973 and has grown into a popular destination for hardy hikers and mountaineers.

The Cederberg Heritage Route provides three multi-day ‘slackpacking’ trails where you’re only required to carry a small daypack.

Accommodation is in simple but comfortable guest cottages. All meals are provided as well as transport for your bags.

Donkey Cart excursions are an exhilarating way of enjoying a pristine part of the Cederberg Mountains whilst creating jobs for local people.

Lamberts Bay

Lamberts Bay is a fishing village, and famous the world over for its surfing beaches. Bird Island is a popular attraction here, linked to the shore by a breakwater connected to the harbour, making it easily accessible to the public.

Bird Island includes a state-of-the-art sunken hide, designed to blend in with the rocks of the area. It is an important breeding site for Cape Gannets and supports impressive flocks of many coastal bird species.

There’s something special about seeing a place on horseback. Take a slow trot as you appreciate the views or ride down the sweeping sand dunes, the fresh air filling your lungs and exhilaration pumping through your veins.

Horse riding at Grootbos is suitable for anyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a more experienced rider. Go for a relaxed ride through the fynbos or ride one of our special horses that are specifically trained for the beach. Our 22 horses at the Grootbos stables are well exercised and expertly trained, while all of our guides have years of experience in dealing with these noble animals.

The Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay each year and being witness to them in action whilst they breach and blow is a very special experience to observe.These peaceful giants of the deep come to Walker Bay to mate and calf in the sanctuary of the Bay.. The Walker Bay rocky outcrops offer close viewing points from elevated positions.The Grootbos guides know all the best spots and this guided experience is an experience of a lifetime.

Grootbos Nature Reserve has an exclusive boat trip, through Dyer Island Cruises, leaving every morning from Kleinbaai harbour. Besides seeing the amazing whales, this trip offers a complete experience of the Marine Big5, which includes the whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and surface viewing of the Great White Shark. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 guests, has a toilet, upper decks, shelter from the sun as well as snacks and drinks provided onboard. The boat also has specialized guides, who can provide all the facts about the whales as well as other interesting information about the magnificent marine life. As these gentle giants are very curious, they often swim right up to the boat to get a better view of the boat and the guests. This trip takes about 2 hours and is a marine experience not to be missed!

Boat-based whale watching is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

One of the most exciting experiences at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is the Great White Shark cage diving. Gansbaai has the reputation for being the shark capital of the world. Divers and adventurers travel from all over the world to watch this magnificent creature in the waters around Dyer Island. Every day a number of boats leave Kleinbaai harbour to spend a few hours on the water to view the Great White Sharks from the boat or to go diving in a cage with these elegant and large predators. This is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!

Cage Diving (No diving experience required!)
This is truly one of the most adventurous activities on our planet, coming face to face with the Great White Shark. No diving experience is required, and all equipment is provided on board. When the sharks are around the boat, the divers get into the cage and the shark is lured to within meters from the cage. As the shark approaches, divers duck under water and marvel in amazement as this awe inspiring creature swims past the cage.

Surface Viewing
Grootbos guests have the choice to either enter the cage on the shark boat or view these magnificent creatures from the top deck of the boat. Surface Viewing is normally suitable for people wanting to see the shark from out of water and not necessarily come face to face with it inside the water. However, it is often commented that one gets a better view of the sharks from the top deck.

Shark Cage Diving is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Keep still, listen intently and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn on a botanical safari. With the richest temperate flora in the world and six completely new species never discovered by science before, your time at Grootbos will mean that you’ll never look at plants and flowers in quite the same way again.

The 800 recorded plant species in our 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness will bring the fascinating story of fynbos and forest to life as you touch, smell and see the natural miracles that surround you. Learn how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, why the honey our bees produce is completely unique and how important ravaging fires are for bringing forth new life.

As a guest at Grootbos, there are so many different ways to enjoy the beach. You can take a long, relaxing walk on a solitary shore; laze in the sun on the luxurious white sand; or explore the unique coastal ecosystem while looking out for frolicking whales.

Our guides know exactly where to take you for the best swimming, tanning, walking, whale watching, angling and several other oceanic experiences on offer. We’ll transport you to and from the beach and provide you with a picnic lunch and all the beach accessories you need to enjoy your day in the sun.

Grootbos also offers guided beach tours where you can learn about the unique intertidal ecosystem; the abundant marine life; the coastal vegetation; and the geological forces that gave this coast its dramatic form.

A Bird's eyeview of Birding at Grootbos
Birding is akin to stargazing. On cloudless days, you see a myriad of these jewels flickering and floating in the sky, and once you know where and what to look for, you are transfixed by the ethereal pattern and order in their endless motion.
The Grootbos reserve and surrounding areas are a magnet to a wide variety of rare and endemic bird species feeding and breeding in the rich and diverse habitats. You know birding is not for the birds when you see how the Malachite Sunbird, with its bright green iridescent plumage, compete for attention with the flowering aloes and proteas. Grootbos is a birder friendly establishment endorsed by Birdlife SA. Our knowledgeable guides are geared to give bird watchers of all levels a winged overview of these magnificent creatures that enliven our skies and flora with their beauty and procreative activities.
Let's face it, the dazzling tapestry of fynbos wildflowers on Grootbos is not meant to attract tourists - the colourful displays of petals are nature's magic to lure birds and other pollinators to their nectar in exchange for spreading their pollen.

The beaks of the conspicuous endemic Orange-breasted Sunbird and the Southern Double-collared Sunbird are tailor-made for sipping the sweet stuff from the floral tubes of the various Erica species. You cannot miss the male Cape Sugarbird, with its ridiculously long tail (almost 70% of its total length), feeding on the nectar of Protea species. The impressive tail is solely a decorative testimony to manhood - the longer, the better! They whip their tails to attract females and ward off rivals.
In breeding season (September to April) Grootbos guests will encounter a magnitude of feisty and friendly fellows sticking together albeit they are not of the same feather. The diverse habitats - from fynbos, Milkwood and Afromontane forests to riverine scrub and mountain slopes - accommodate at least 120 different bird species, of which 30% are endemic or near endemic to Southern Africa. These include specials such as the Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Clapper-lark and the Southern Tchagra.

Flagship raptors of the area are the majestic Black Harrier, Jackal Buzzard, Forest Buzzard and African Fish-Eagle. The nearby agricultural fields are home to Blue Cranes, the Agulhas Long-billed Lark and the Denham’s Bustard.
Coastal Birding Tours
Grootbos, in partnership with Dyer Island Cruises, also takes guests on a "game viewing" cruise to Dyer Island, where endemics such as the African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub’s Gull, Crowned-, Cape- and Bank Cormorant, African Penguin as well as the Cape Gannet flourish. Pelagic species such as the Shy Albatross, Sooty Shearwater and Giant Petrels are also seen from time to time.

The Klipgat Cave outside De Kelders evokes vivid images of pre-historic times when modern man lived haply in symbiotic harmony with nature off the bounty of land and sea when the coastline was still kilometres away. This historical site in the Walker Bay was home to Middle Stone Age peoples some 70 000 to 80 000 years ago when large antelope such as black wildebeest and the extinct “blaauwbok” still abounded in the bay where dolphins, seals and whales now flourish.

Archaeological findings indicate that these primitive folks mainly lived off plants and smaller animals such as dune mole rats, tortoises and hares. They hunted steenbok and eland, while seabirds, shellfish and seals also formed an important part of their diet.

Dubbed Klipgat Cave (stone with a hole) after the remarkable window-like openings in the limestone rock formations that yield spectacular views of the bay and sea, the site is one of the most important cultural assets in the Western Cape. Innumerable stories of the perils and pleasures of yesteryear’s peoples unfold as layer upon layer of deposits reveal fascinating secrets of the tides, temperatures and living conditions of those early times. Later Stone Age pastoralists, believed to be the Khoekhoen/Khoikhoi, already kept sheep, and probably even cattle and dogs, in this area as early as 2 000 years ago.

They chiselled tools such as “needles” and “spatulas” out of bone to create ornaments, shell beads and pendants. Ostrich eggs were fashioned into water flasks, and tortoise shells served as bowls. These artefacts and bone samples are on display in the Cape Town Museum.

Unfortunately, the bulk of tell-tale everyday details of the loves and losses of man’s early ancestors is forever buried in the crags and crevices of this early home. Around 1713, a devastating smallpox epidemic claimed the lives of the entire local human population. The Klipgat Cave is of World Heritage significance and managed by Cape Nature Conservation.

For those who just want to relax we offer an array of spa treatments. It is time to tip-toe into a slower world where the mind can drift away on the vapors of luxurious scents, such as sandalwood, arnica and buchu, while the body melts under the soothing touch of our fully qualified beauty therapist. Pampering takes place in the comfort of your own suite. For the tired body, a therapeutic full body massage is a definite must, leaving you in a state of absolute calmness. For the weary feet, reflexology, including a footbath, will most certainly do the trick. Manicures, pedicures, facials and a host of other treatments are available on request in our Bloom Beauty Salon or in the privacy of the suites at Grootbos.

Spa Treatments are not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Enjoy an entrancing stroll through our Milkwood forest or a more revitalising hike up our fynbos-clad mountains, as you begin to understand what makes Grootbos quite so special. From a sunbird sipping from a flower to an ocean vista that leaves you breathless, surprises await you around every corner.

Trails are all well marked and you can choose between self-guided walks or guided walks, to learn more about these fascinating and secretive eco-systems. Gaze into the petals of a King Protea, breathe in the blackcurrant scent of buchu or simply listen to the exquisite silence that surrounds you.

Hop aboard the Lady Stanford river boat for a iconic and tranquil river cruise that winds its way gently along the picturesque Klein River, toward the Hermanus lagoon. Spend time on the open upper and lower decks of this modern eco-friendly river boat with its quiet, four-stroke boat engines, as you watch a kaleidoscope of natural colour go by.

No expense has been spared when it comes to comfort and luxury on board this vessel that most definitely stands out from the rest. A qualified skipper and experienced interactive guide, who intimately knows the river and all it has to offer, will ensure this journey is a memorable one. The Klein River features more than a hundred bird species which include majestic fish eagles, a flamboyance of pink flamingos and the ever spectacular, blue crane. Keep an eye out for otters, bontebok and horses grazing on the fertile river banks, as you make your way toward the lagoon. Lady Stanford runs daily trips for individual passengers as well as being available exclusively for private functions. The boat can comfortably accommodate 26 passengers.

The River Cruise is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Take a tour with heart as you discover how the entire Grootbos experience has been designed around benefitting the community and environment around you. Learn and connect as you witness how our various projects are changing lives and conserving this protected wilderness.

What is progressive tourism? It’s a term we coined to explain a new way of living that is at the heart of the entire Grootbos experience. It’s about every action we take benefitting someone else or having a positive impact on the environment.
From the freshly grown tomatoes you eat at lunch, to the recycled candles in your room, to the earrings you buy at the gift shop – we’re constantly seeking out new ways to create sustainable livelihoods for the people who call this unique area home.

This is the ultimate ride from Grootbos Nature Reserve down the mountain to the top of the Sand Dunes. The trail to the dunes is special, running on a narrow sandy horse trail through the Fynbos.
When reaching the dunes we will make our way up and across to reach a fantastic downhill section where we will pick up speed before reaching the top of our first vertical dune face. After a briefing on how to ride down the dune we down the face but for those just wanting an easy ride you can go around the side where it is an easy slope. The dune face may feel impossible and dangerous to do but the ride is in fact very controlled and the sand will slow the bike down.

What your mind tells you is impossible will in fact be very enjoyable and easy. I will be at the bottom of the dunes videoing your challenges so remember to smile. I will also teach you how to do slalom like a skiier on a snow ski slope. This is excellent fun on a bike and not too difficult to achieve. After the dunes we will pick up a 4x4 trail down to the beach. From there we will head back up to the car park but for those who are already tired I can bring the 4x4 down to the rocks so you do not have to ride up.

Fat Biking is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Visit the home of the recently launched Grootbos Florilegium. The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery built on Grootbos Nature Reserve is an innovative space dedicated to the Florilegium’s fine botanical artworks and is a celebration of the hard work of all involved over the last five years.

The Grootbos Florilegium is the first contemporary African florilegium. Its intention is to celebrate and honor the Cape fynbos and the Cape Floral Kingdom in the southern Overberg, as a valuable botanical heritage of South Africa and as a record of the many rare, endemic and endangered plants of the region. The Florilegium is a global collaboration, featuring carefully selected botanical artists. 35 celebrated artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Reunion and the United Kingdom have lent their talent and expertise to the collaboration. A further 9 come from countries including the Netherlands, Brazil, the USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea and Italy.

The Grootbos Florilegium is representing nothing less than the best of the international botanical arts community.

Grootbos Foundation

• Conserving, rehabilitating and protecting the natural environment of the Cape Floral Kingdom particularly the flora and fauna on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and in the Walker Bay region.
• The provision of education relating to indigenous horticulture, agriculture, conservation, ecotourism and life skills education.
•  Training and skills development for disadvantaged persons to enable them to obtain employment or become self-employed, particularly in the green economy.
• Using sports and sports facilities as a tool for social development and integration, promoting healthy lifestyles for youth, and increasing environmental awareness and life skills amongst communities.
• Research, including ecological, educational, social and scientific research on topics related to our core programmes.
• Developing sustainable and innovative solutions to tackle the issue of food insecurity. •The Green Futures College provides vocational training in eco-tourism, biodiversity stewardship training and other conservation-related programmes.
• Our Siyakhula programmes address food security and social enterprise development. The programmes include careers, employability and entrepreneurship, local farming and supporting initiatives that facilitate sustainable livelihoods.