Botanical Breaks At Bushmans Kloof – South Africa

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat, in South Africa’s Western Cape, is a place of ancient and untamed beauty unlike any other.

In August of this year Dr Penny Mustart will share her knowledge and love of this unique landscape during four special botanical events to be held at Bushmans Kloof. Here guests will discover the plant richness of this magical reserve situated at the very heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Her stimulating presentations and memorable veld excursions will bring to life some 755 indigenous plant species occurring in the reserve, representing three major biomes (Fynbos, Forest and Succulent Karoo). Guests are invited to explore and experience the diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, and learn how each species has a fascinating story to tell.

Highlights include searching for colourful lichens, small succulents and other dwarf shrubs on the rocky platforms unique to the area; experiencing the diversity of bulbous-type plants characteristic of Renosterveld sections on the reserve; and admiring the splendid, orange flowerheads of the Rocket Pincusion Leucospermum reflexum next to the river. Depending on weather conditions guests could see displays of brilliant white, yellow and orange daisies that carpet the landscape in late winter. The botanical events are aimed at anyone who is interested in learning about the unique flora within this 7500-hectare reserve, and no prior botanical knowledge is needed. Themes touched on are the use of plants; conservation issues (such as conservation of the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar Widdringtonia cedarbergensis after which the Cederberg mountains are named); and how plants have many different ways of surviving in the harsh environment of summer droughts and veld fires.

The two-night Bushmans Kloof Botanical Breaks package includes:

Five-star luxury accommodation

Four gourmet meals a day

Evening nature drives with sundowners

Early morning guided rock art excursions

Lodge activities

All botanical excursions and presentations

This beautifully styled Relais and Chateaux lodge is an oasis of beauty, luxury and comfort, with rolling lawns, exquisite gardens, and refreshing swimming pools. Luxury accommodation, warm, personal service, delicious contemporary Cape cuisine and pampering spa treatments make this an indulgent wilderness escape.

The two-night Bushmans Kloof Botanical Breaks are offered on Wednesday 5 to Friday 7 August 2009; Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 August 2009; Sunday 23 to Tuesday 25 August 2009; and Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 August 2009. They are from R1300 per person sharing per night, and are subject to availability.

To make your reservation or for more information, please call (021) 481 1860; or fax : (021) 481 1870.

Visit www.bushmanskloof.co.za

PROUD MEMBER OF RELAIS & CHATEAUX

Forbes Traveler 400 Best Hotels (2008/9). Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Best Hotels in the Middle East & Indian Ocean (2009), UK Tatler Top 101 Best Hotels in the World (2008), Winner Relais & Chateaux Environment Trophy (2007)

Bushmans Kloof is a South African Natural Heritage Site, located within the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site.

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