Western Cape

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat

Rialto Score 9.5+

A Red Carnation hotel. Rialto is a Red Carnation agency: book this hotel direct at the VIP rate for benefits that can include priority room upgrades, hotel credits, and more.

Inhale the tranquility of this award-winning lodge, only 168 miles from Cape Town. Surrounded by timeless beauty that exudes a mystical energy, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat offers healing and well-being. Delicious organic cuisine created from the freshest produce is served in breathtaking dining locations, while the holistic spa offers pampering treatments. A sanctuary to more than 130 ancient San rock art sites, the retreat allows guests to interact freely with nature and participate in outdoor adventures amid open plains, clear waterfalls, and the majestic rock formations of the Cederberg Mountains.

Near Clanwilliam, 8135 Western Cape, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat

About Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat

Insider tip

You can go for a hike through the stunning scenery to see historical rock art and explore nature. –Rob Clabbers Chicago, Illinois

In the hotel’s own words

‘Escape to an enchanting wilderness wellness retreat...’

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Cradled by the rugged Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof offers an utterly unique wilderness escape in South Africa. This family-owned lodge and ecological oasis is set within a 7500-hectare private reserve. Offering five-star luxury accommodation and inspired South African cuisine, memorable days at Bushmans Kloof are spent discovering the wide-open plains, awe-inspiring wildlife and pristine mountain landscapes. Discover our special world, with unique access to more than 130 ancient rock art sites, some dating back as far as 10,000 years, and the opportunity to discover the region’s ancient San culture in the company of our experienced local guides.

Recognised as a South African National Heritage Site, the reserve is nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Cederberg Mountains, 270km from Cape Town. It is a malaria and predator free sanctuary for abundant flora and fauna.

Invigorating outdoor activities include exploring the reserve during nature drives, walking and hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing, archery, canoeing and swimming in clear rock pools.

Inhale the pure warm air, meditate alongside the rock pools, embrace the stillness and enjoy a wilderness journey to wellness with pampering and healing treatments inspired by ancient remedies and nature.

Indulge in delectable gourmet cuisine served at breathtaking locations, or simply unwind on your own private terrace.

Koro Lodge is a private, fully catered for villa, offering an exclusive wilderness experience for families and groups of friends.

Cederberg House is an opulent private villa, offering an idyllic escae for friends and couples looking for a luxurious escape.

Location:

The road to Bushmans Kloof passes through some of South Africa's most beautiful, yet least explored countryside. Rolling wheatfields and wide vistas sweep over the rich, black soil of the Swartland. Lush green citrus groves line the route past Citrusdal. The climb over the Pakhuis Pass winds through gargantuan clusters of mottled orange boulders - a giants playground of weird shapes and forms that lead to the entrance to Bushmans Kloof.

VIP Hotel Program · Invitation-only

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Red Carnation is Red Carnation's invitation-only VIP program, open to a small group of luxury travel agencies. VIP rates generally meet or beat the hotel's website rates and include the amenities below.

  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Hotel credit per stay
  • Room upgrade on arrival, based on availability
  • Welcome amenity

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Rooms and suites

6 room types, as described by the hotel.
Rooms
1Luxury Room
Double or twin with a private patio overlooking the landscaped indigenous gardens, and one of the three nearby swimming pools.
2Deluxe Room
All have lounge areas, large private terraces with stunning views of the gardens, river and reserve.
3Cederberg House
Overlooking the tranquil banks of the Boontjies River, Cederberg House is inspired by the timeless design of Cape Dutch architecture and offers an exclusive window to the wilderness beyond.
Suites
4Suite
In the original Manor House with its own lounge, fireplace and spectacular terrace views.
5Supreme Suite
The ultimate, private and exquisitely decorated Suite that is secluded beside the Boontjies River. A seperate lounge and fireplace, large terrace, outdoor shower and its own heated swimming pool.
Villas
6Koro Lodge
A traditional farmhouse transformed into a spectacular secluded villa that offers your own private wilderness for families and friends travelling together. Situated in glorious isolation a few minutes from the Main Lodge with never ending views of the surrounding natural beauty.

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  2. 2Ask for Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat on your dates. The assistant returns live VIP, corporate and public rates with the benefits named per rate.
  3. 3Finish on a secure Rialto page. The booking is instant and direct with the hotel; card details never pass through the chat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does booking through Rialto cost more than booking with the hotel?

No - VIP rates under Red Carnation always meet or beat hotel's public, flexible rate, and provide valuable amenities and possible upgrades. Rialto also provides the hotel's non-VIP and corporate rates, so you can compare with full transparency.

Can my AI assistant book this hotel?

Yes. Connect Rialto to Claude or ChatGPT with our AI hotel booking MCP server and ask for rates. You finish the booking instantly on a secure Rialto page, direct with the hotel. Card details are not sent through the AI chat, so either you would approve the final checkout step and reconfirm all the information, or if you authorize your agent with Computer-Use permissions, it can fill out the checkout form as well.

What is the value of the VIP benefits?

Daily breakfast for two plus the hotel credit come with every stay at this hotel - adding $100-200/day in value. A room upgrade could also be worth a substantial amount, in addition to early check-in / late check-out benefits when available.

What room types does Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat offer?

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat lists Luxury Room, Deluxe Room, Cederberg House, Suite, Supreme Suite, Koro Lodge. Sizes and bed options for each are in the rooms table above.

How does this compare to other programs, like through AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts, or Chase Edit?

Using a hotel's own VIP program may provide higher upgrade priority, additional VIP benefits and promotional rate offers, and a direct relationship with the hotel for special requests. Rialto offers more VIP hotels than any credit card program. In addition, Chase Edit rates can be substantially more expensive as they rarely run promotions whereas AMEX rates are often comparable but do not offer programs such as Upgrade at Booking.

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