Designated a South African National Heritage Site, Bushmans Kloof safeguards more than 130 ancient rock art sites, painted by the ancestors of the indigenous Bushmen people whose descendants still live in the region. Guided tours through the reserve’s open-air gallery with a Rock Art Curator and discussions at the on-site Heritage Centre (home to original Bushmen historical artifacts), connect guests to the history and culture of the land’s original inhabitants.

The nearly 19,000-acre reserve offers sanctuary to a myriad of indigenous fynbos – unique plants found only in this region that form part of one of the world’s globally significant biodiversity hotspots - including 755 flowers and plant species at Bushmans Kloof. Conservation programs also work to restore the rare Clanwilliam cedar tree - Bushmans Kloof grows Clanwilliam cedar tree saplings in its nursery and hosts an annual tree and seed planting ceremony to reintroduce this highly endangered tree into its natural habitat.

The reserve is home to a multitude of animal species, including a small heard of endangered Cape mountain zebras. A project currently underway is to photograph and document each zebra on the property for a ‘studbook,’ a valuable tool used to determine the reproductive success of individual zebras. The rare and elusive Cape leopard population, which was once nearly extinct has grown within the natural ecosystem. Central to Bushmans Kloof’s ability to protect these iconic African animals is staying abreast of modern wildlife conservation approaches.

To help save the region’s rare Cape leopards – and local livelihoods – Bushmans Kloof partners with The TreadRight Foundation, Cheetah Outreach, and The Cape Leopard Trust to supply local farmers with Anatolian shepherd dogs. Originally from central Turkey, the breed excels at guarding livestock and safely warding off the cats, which might otherwise be killed for their predatory behavior.

To help reduce its carbon footprint and assist with the transportation needs of employees, Bushmans Kloof provides on-site, solar-powered staff housing for every member of its team, the majority of whom come from surrounding communities and villages.

Bushmans Kloof aims to instill eco-values in local youth by funding education with an environmental emphasis at its neighboring Elizabethfontein Primary School and also invites students to learn more about conservation during an on-site “footprints for the future” day.

Indigenous herbs and vegetables are picked daily from the organic garden and incorporated into dishes on the guest menu, reducing food miles. All of the crops are organic, and no fruit or vegetables are chemically treated. Filtered water in is offered to guests, eliminating single use plastic water bottles on property (plastic is a fossil fuel product) and drought resistant native species of flora are planted. Vegetable waste is composted, minimizing waste to landfill while enriching the soil for the kitchen garden.