Cape Explorations | Cape Town | Cedarberg | Franschhoek

Surrender Your Senses
Our award-winning family-run hotel is nestled between the majestic mountains and the azure Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by a tranquil National Park, yet close to Cape Town’s best beaches. Guests feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine. We offer the ideal escape where harmony and tranquillity gently restore body, mind and soul. We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.

Hydrotherapy Pools:
WARM, COOL & FLOTATION
Incorporating water jets at the optimal temperature for rebalancing your body’s metabolism, use of our warm and cold plunge pools is available to all spa guests inclusive of your treatment. In addition you may also like to try a complimentary session in our unique Salt Water Flotation Pool. Offering a liquid, reduced gravity experience, floating in the salty water eases jetlag and results in maximum relaxation - research has shown that just 20 minutes is equivalent to a full two hours of sleep.

Indoor Treatment Rooms:
7 DUAL AND SINGLE TREATMENT ROOMS
Our extensive spa facilities include seven superbly equipped indoor treatment rooms with rain showers, for dual and single treatments. The rooms have been designed to offer a serene, calming ambiance, with heated treatment beds, fluffy towels, scented candles and relaxing music. They are the perfect retreat for both hotel guests and day spa visitors wishing to enjoy a selection of personalised individual treatments or exclusive Spa Journeys.

Outdoor Mountain Gazebos:
2 GAZEBOS WITH ATLANTIC SEA VIEWS
While the interior of The Spa is exceptional, The Twelve Apostles’ unique position on the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean means that a sunset massage in one of two outdoor gazebos is an absolutely unforgettable experience. It is the perfect place for couples to escape and have a side-by-side massage surrounded by nature, with the Atlantic stretching into the horizon in front of you for as far as the eye can see. Please note that the gazebos cater for massage treatments only.

Rasul Chamber and Rain Shower:
TRADITIONAL ARABIC CLEANSING RITUAL CHAMBER
Our Rasul Chamber offers a traditional Arabic cleansing ritual through the use of gentle steam and mud. This relaxing skin-smoothing self-treatment blends mineral-rich mud, steam and heat to provide an experience that cleanses, releases toxins and rejuvenates. The self-applied mud hardens in dry heat, allowing the skin to draw out impurities from the body. As the mud softens again, its beneficial ingredients and natural minerals are further absorbed by the body. A gentle rain shower signals the end of the programme, leaving you with glowing skin. The ritual is recommended for enjoyment with a partner.

Health Bar Buffet & Menu:
Homemade healthy snacks
Spa guests may take advantage of our complimentary Health Bar buffet during their time at The Spa, with a selection of healthy homemade snacks, fresh fruit juices and still mineral water. For something more substantial we also offer an exclusive Spa Menu at an additional cost, featuring delicious, wholesome meals conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

Tranquility Lounge:
RELAX BETWEEN & AFTER TREATMENTS
To make the most of your time at The Spa, recline and relax on a comfortable lounge chair in our Tranquility Lounge, in-between and after spa treatments. Sip herbal tea, browse a selection of magazines, read a book or simply close your eyes and meditate. It’s the perfect way to complete your spa journey.

Venture into the mountains for the perfect picnic
Hotel guests are able to stroll straight from their rooms onto the mountainside to take in some fresh air and spectacular sea and mountain views. The Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers uninterrupted views and the hotel has created several packages for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Have a delicious picnic on a specially laid out picnic site, toast romance while the sun sets into the Atlantic Ocean or simply let the kids run wild in the open space. And while you feast your tastebuds on the food and your eyes on the stunning natural environment, know that you’re giving back to society, as all picnic baskets have been purchased from the Cape Town Society for the Blind.

Hotel guests are free to explore the various mountain trails – from 10 minutes to 45 minutes in duration - ask for a copy of the map below, from our Concierge desk. Or enquire about our complimentary Sports Buddies programme which allows for a staff member to join you as you hike through the Fynbos.

Classic favourites in our private cinema
The Twelve Apostles operates an intimate, 16-seater cinema/screening room available to both guests and non-guests, and also available for exclusive private hire. Each month a new schedule of movies is set, running five times a day and may be accompanied with breakfast (10h00), lunch (15h00) and dinner (17h30/20h30/22h30).

Our unique Dinner and a Movie package allows motion picture lovers to enjoy an evening of wining and dining in the award-winning Azure Restaurant with a specially-created movie menu, followed by a screening of a film in the private cinema. For those who would like to choose their own movie, we have a varied selection of classics, comedy, adventure, drama and foreign films. Sink into plush leather seats with state-of-the-art flat screen Dolby surround sound, and a lavish assortment of goodies, including popcorn, hot chocolate, milkshakes and candy.

Please note that selecting your own movie is subject to existing reservations and requests from other guests sharing the screening room. Note that screenings are not exclusive unless a group booking is made for the entire cinema.

The diversity of world-class wine routes right on Cape Town’s doorstep is staggering. Offering an irresistible combination of delectable wine tastings, informative winemaking tours, mouth-watering cuisine and magnificent scenery, they attract international and local travellers alike.

Most Cape wine farms are characterised by classic Cape Dutch-style buildings and expansive vineyards, with picturesque mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. Following the arrival of the French Huguenot, Dutch and German settlers during the 18th Century, many of them also show a distinctive European influence.

Our concierge and sommelier have selected some of their favourite wine farms in each region for you to explore!

Silvermist Organic Vineyards - 15 min (12.4 km) without traffic
Beau Constantia - 17 min (12.9 km) without traffic
Constantia Glen - 15 min (12.9 km) without traffic
Eagles' Nest Wines - 16 min (14.1 km) without traffic
Groot Contantia - 19 min (16 km) without traffic
Constantia Uitsig - 24 min (19.4 km) without traffic
Buitenverwachting - 25 min (19.1 km) without traffic
Klein Constantia - 26 min (19.3 km)without traffic
Steenberg Vineyards- 29 min (23.1 km) without traffic

Kids will feel right at home at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, thanks to a range of in-house amenities and activities aimed specifically at little ones. Our concierge has recommendations for explorers of all ages, from mountain climbs, museum visits and park fun, to excursions to various destinations that include butterflies, cheetahs, birds, crocodiles…and not to forget, penguins! Children are sure to have the time of their life while staying in Cape Town.

Pools & Gardens:
Set in nature’s paradise, between the Atlantic Ocean and The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, the hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Table Mountain National Park and a protected marine park, where kids can spot whales and dolphins playing in the azure waters.

Children can have fun splashing in our infinity or mountain pools, with pool toys provided during the summer holidays. Both pools have a special menu which is serviced by The Café Grill and includes delectable dishes for little ones; in addition, they can help themselves to water and fruit from our refreshment stations.

As another example of our passionate service and thoughtful attention to detail, we have introduced a new complimentary Sports Buddy programme, where staff at the hotel has their gym kit and shoes on standby, ready to train with guests who might be looking for a partner to play a round of golf, game of squash, attend a yoga class or take a hike in the pristine nature reserve behind the hotel.

Complimentary Activities
Biking - Take a scenic cycle from the hotel to Chapmans Peak along one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of road. Admire endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and pass through the fishing village of Hout Bay.

Hiking - The Hotel offers hiking on the property in the Twelve Apostles mountain range. For more experienced hikers, a staff member can accompany you on mountain trails further afoot in the World Heritage Site.

Jogging - You have the choice of running to Camps Bay or Hout Bay, both along Victoria Road, with world-class views to inspire you. A staff member will keep pace with you and point out the sights such as Sentinel Peak and Hout Bay Harbour.

Yoga - Yoga mats are available at the hotel. There are superb locations in and around the hotel where you can become one with nature while practicing the ancient discipline, and energising your body and mind.

Chargeable Activities
Squash - A staff member will challenge you to a game of squash at the squash club. Pre booking is requested at least 7 days in advance.

Golf - The Hotel is centrally located to world class golf courses including the Metropolitan Golf Club, located next to the V&A Waterfront. Pre booking is requested at least 7 days in advance.

Terms and Conditions
The “Sports Buddy” service is offered on a complimentary basis excluding squash and golf. Third Party costs for equipment hire is chargeable at cost.

Bookings should please be made at least 7 days in advance, especially for sports that require booking a court or green.

In Cape Town and surrounding areas

The Western Cape is one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse golfing destinations. Many of these lush, beautifully maintained Golf Courses are in close proximity (20 – 40 minutes) from the hotel. These Golf Courses have captivated the global golfing community and boast both local and international awards for exceedingly high standards, quality, design and professionalism. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is the perfect base for your seaside relaxation combined with your golfing needs.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers an impressive collection of air-conditioned function spaces and meeting rooms, set in an inspiring location offering both ocean and mountain views.

Larger function rooms can accommodate up to 90 guests, and feature state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. Additional specialised presentation or entertainment equipment can be sourced from our technology partners on request.

Each event booking is meticulously managed by a dedicated member of our multi-skilled team of function organisers, who are on hand from the point of enquiry until the conclusion of the event. Working together with our team of talented chefs, look forward to an unforgettable menu of delicious dining options to transform your event into a truly memorable occasion.

The latest addition to the menu of culinary experiences on offer at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is The Apostles Braai. Set amid lush indigenous gardens at the rear of the hotel, this beautiful light-filled events venue offers sea and sunset views, as well as vistas up to the rugged peaks in the Table Mountain National Park for which our hotel is named.

It’s a striking space of mirrored walls and picture windows letting natural light and panoramic views wash in. A handcrafted Murano glass chandelier hangs above and handblown Biot glassware from Provence graces the tables.

The Apostles Grill can host up to 32 guests, and caters for private functions, themed events and unique culinary occasions, from a wine pairing dinner with our sister-vineyard Bouchard Finlayson to an intimate wedding or family gathering at the foot of Table Mountain.

Inspired by South Africa’s love affair with barbecue-style cooking – a braai, as the locals call it – the menu at The Apostles Grill evolves with each unique event, but is built on a foundation of flame-grilled fare cooked al fresco on the terrace, celebrating seasonal produce and the Cape’s bountiful seafood.

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.

The Great Heart Wines Boutique recalibrates the notion of an ‘intimate’ and ‘personalized’ wine tasting with availability for a table that sits four guests at a time for Le Quartier Français and Leeu House guests only. Non-resident guests are welcome to enjoy the tasting option by making a booking at Protégé (right across from the Boutique). These wines can also be purchased at the Boutique.

Great Heart is the staff empowerment project of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, known for their multi-award winning Leeu Passant and Mullineux wineries. Aimed at improving the livelihoods of those who work for the company as well as their families, the Great Heart wine brand is collectively owned by the winery staff, and a portion of all sales under this label go directly to them.

Set among the vineyards, Leeu Spa by Healing Earth is an immersive wellness sanctuary that offers holistic treatments and experiences by expert therapists. The tailor-made offerings are inspired by Africa’s rich natural resources, with a unique focus on the myriad therapeutic benefits of South Africa’s unique Pinotage grape. Pure and premium natural products from leading holistic wellness brand Healing Earth are used in the memorable treatments.

A range of treatments for children (aged six to 12) is also on offer.

Leeu Spa is situated at Leeu Estates, a 3km drive from Le Quartier Français. Scheduled transfers between our properties is available.

Leeu Collection guests are invited to take advantage of fine Franschhoek weather and the beautiful surroundings at Leeu Estates to indulge in a picnic basket filled with delicious treats. Enjoy the sweeping views of valley and mountains with a glass of fine wine in hand, and a perfect al fresco repast. Think local cheeses and charcuterie with house-made Estates preserves, fresh fruit and crackers etc.. All this and more will create lasting memories to take home.

Terms and conditions apply.

Offered to in-house guests only.

Picnic orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Weather dependent.
Only available at allocated picnic spots on Leeu Estates.
Scheduled transfers between our properties are available.

The Wine Studio offers a truly immersive wine experience. Housed on Leeu Estates, it is run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff will guide guests in the finer nuances of these handcrafted wines.

A complimentary Signature Tasting is offered to Leeu Estates guests only. Guests at Leeu House and Le Quartier Français are welcome to book a wine tasting experience at the Wine Studio during their stay. Scheduled transfers between our properties is available.

Indaba – The Meeting Place at Leeu Estates is a state-of-the-art multipurpose event and meeting venue for inhouse Leeu Collection guests. Inspiring artworks enhance this multipurpose venue and private terrace, designed for a variety of functions: Press briefings, seminars, business meetings, exhibitions and launches.

Indaba, which is 140 square metres (1 510 square feet) in size and has its own lift, boasts wireless audio and video conferencing equipment, a 203-centimetre (80-inch) television screen and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The different types of set up Indaba can accommodate for:
Boardroom – 22 guests
Schoolroom – 28 guests
Cinema – 60 guests
Cocktail - 60 guests

Catering for Indaba is done by The Dining Room culinary team.
Scheduled transfers between our properties is available.

Other activities within Franschhoek that can be arranged via our Concierge includes:

- Franschhoek Wine Tram (www.winetram.co.za)
- Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (www.montrochellehiking.co.za)
- Franschhoek Motor Museum (www.fmm.co.za)
- Various full day and half day wine tours
- Franschhoek Huguenot Monument (www.museum.co.za)