The details
Bushmans Kloof is a family-owned wilderness retreat situated three hours from Cape Town. It is set within 7,000 hectares of flora and fauna and is home to mystical rock formations and crystal-clear waterfalls. It is also the custodian of over 130 unique rock art sites, some as old as 10,000 years.
As such, Bushmans Kloof is ideally located to provide insight into the history of the Bushmen of the Cederberg wilderness area. Their Heritage Centre features permanent exhibits, photographs and specialist talks. It houses a collection of artefacts established by anthropologist Jalmar Rudner, and includes jewellery, hunting equipment, dancing sticks and musical instruments. The Rudner Collection was acquired by the Tollman family in 2003.
There is also a medicinal herb garden adjacent to the exhibition space, where guests can learn about botanical remedies once used by Bushmen and Khoi people in the area.
Bushmans Kloof has been awarded Grade 1 South African National Heritage Site status, which recognises that this archaeological landscape bears graphic testimony to the history of the Stone Age hunter-gatherers who inhabited the region. The Heritage Centre and rock art on the reserve may be viewed by guests of the retreat only. Tours are available daily, and include a drive and a short hike to some of the most outstanding rock art sites.