Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has won Gold in the ‘Best Contribution to Cultural Heritage Conservation’ category at the 2016 African Responsible Tourism Awards, in recognition of its preservation of the 130 ancient San Rock Art sites in the reserve, and its role in the revival of the Rieldans tradition. The results were announced in Cape Town on 7 April 2016, at a ceremony hosted as part of Africa Travel Week.
Bushmans is located in the Cederberg Mountains, 270km from Cape Town. Driven by the owners of this five-star Red Carnation Hotels lodge, the Tollman family, its entire business ethos is based on engaging guests with local heritage and culture and interaction with the local community, many of whom are San and Khoi descendants. A recognised South African Natural Heritage site, Bushmans Kloof is the proud custodian of the cultural heritage and rock art of the Bushman people who traversed this area thousands of years ago, protecting over 130 unique, ancient rock art sites in the reserve – some dating back 10 000 years.
Bushmans Kloof has also been at the forefront of the revival of the ‘Rieldans’, a traditional ceremonial dance of the ancient Khoi and San civilisation that until recently was in danger of becoming extinct. Having founded an award-winning local Riel Dance troupe, called Die NuweGraskoue Trappers, trained and managed by ex-Executive Chef Floris Smith, Bushmans Kloof has played an important part in the Riel renaissance and has put the spotlight on this remote rural area. The troupe went on to win gold at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in July 2015. The international success of these young local dancers will have a lasting effect on their communities, and the exposure to the rest of the world along with the new opportunities that it brings.
Bushmans Kloof General Manager James Basson is delighted with the prestigious award: ‘On behalf of the Tollman family and all our staff I’d like to say that we could not be prouder of Bushmans Kloof winning Gold in this important category. Our whole business model is built on the historical and cultural preservation of the beautiful Cederberg region and we are extremely honoured to have been recognised for our efforts in this field.’
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BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT
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MORE ABOUT BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE & WELLNESS RETREAT
Bushmans Kloof is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18 533 acres (7500 hectare), situated at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains. Here majestic views, staggering rock formations, open plains, invigorating outdoor activities, 16 luxurious rooms and suites, award-winning Cape cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in Nature, all combine to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure. Private villa Koro Lodge provides a fully independently catered for experience for families and friends travelling together, which includes the services of a guide with game viewing vehicle, and a dedicated chef and hostess.
Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is unequivocally recognised as a conservation success story, and was awarded the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2007), in recognition of its exceptional environmental and conservation projects. In 2009, it was the Global Winner of Wildlife Conservations Programs in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards, and in 2013 Bushmans Kloof was voted one of the World’s Best Ecolodges by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Malaria and predator free, Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 Bushman rock art sites, is recognised as one of South Africa’s Natural Heritage Sites, and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It bases its entire business ethos on preserving the precious natural environment, while providing guests with the ultimate African wilderness experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region – a recognised World Heritage site.
A mere 270km from Cape Town, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge, voted Best Hotel in the World (Travel + Leisure USA 2009), is renowned for its warm, caring service and exceptional hospitality. Recent accolades include being voted Number 1 in the Top 25 Resorts and Safari Camps in Africa (Condé Nast Traveler USA Gold List 2014), and being named one of the Top 3 Hotels & Resorts in the World (Condé Nast Traveler USA Readers’ Choice Awards 2015).
Bushmans Kloof is a proud member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers to make a lasting impact in the communities at their travel destination. By saving just a few kilos of space in their suitcase to bring much needed supplies for the hotel’s chosen project, they can make a big difference in the lives of local children and families.
