Set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery and exquisite indigenous gardens, Bushmans Kloof offers a unique wilderness experience about 270km from Cape Town.

Located on the edge of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, Bushmans Kloof is situated between the eastern foothills of the Cederberg Mountains and the plains of the Great Karoo. It is a privately owned reserve with more than 140 species of birds, 755 species of plants and more than 34 species of mammals.

The exclusive five-star lodge is a member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux Association. It offers nine suites and seven standard rooms, including the Manor house with four suites, two lounges, dining room, bar and covered veranda. Besides rock art, there are also other activities on offer including swimming pools, abseiling, birding, mountain biking, canoeing, stargazing and fishing. Rates are fully inclusive of luxury accommodation, stylish country cuisine, daily guided rock art walks and evening game drives in open Land Rovers.

The rock paintings are very well preserved and include shamanic figures bleeding from the nose, elephant, eland and processions of dancing figures.

]]> 19.02890014648437500,-32.02000045776367188 Jansu and Maureen Huisamen have accommodation for up to 30 people in well equipped self-catering cottages. There is a swimming pool and large communal braai (barbecue) area.

The farm is on top of the Gifberg (Poison Mountain) which gets its name from the gifboom (poison tree) that is endemic to the area. San hunter-gatherers used to use the seeds to poison their arrows. The only way up the mountain is along a steep and narrow pass that branches off the N7 highway approximately 15km south of Van Rhynsdorp. From the N7 it takes about half an hour to the farm on a well signposted dirt road.

There are several hiking trails on the property. Two sites with exceptionally well preserved rock paintings can be seen on the trail that follows the river downstream from the farm house. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the first rock shelter, and the second one is only a few minutes further on. Be prepared to wade or hop across the river if it is flowing strongly. The paintings include an unusual healing scene with a group of seated people covered in yellow and red cloaks. Close inspection will show that some are bleeding from the nose and others are laying hands on their companions to draw out the arrows of sickness. There is a row of medicine bags above them. If you wish to walk a further hour or more, the trail leads eventually down to the confluence with the Doring River. Some less well-preserved paintings can be seen close to the farmhouse.

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]]> 18.48559951782226562,-32.49440002441406250 Alan and Hazel Hall are owners of The Baths, a hot springs resort situated approximately 20km south of Citrusdal. There are self-catering flats, cottages and camping sites and the facilities include a restaurant, indoor/outdoor spas, and open-air hot and cold swimming pools.

The rock paintings may only be visited with a guide. There are two sites open to the public and both can be reached on foot within 5-10 minutes. The one has paintings of elephant and human figures in trance postures. The other has mostly human figures, including a shaman with a 'ghost-like' head.

As part of the Bath’s resort, Hazel’s House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis:

Contact Person: Hazel Hall
Tel: +27 22 921 8012
Fax: +27 22 921 8008
Postal Address: PO Box 133, Citrusdal, Western Cape, South Africa
Physical Address: The Baths Road, Citrusdal, Western Cape, South Africa
E-mail: hazel@thebaths.co.za
Website: www.thebaths.co.za

Hazel’s House is situated at the Bath’s resort, and visitors have free access to all the facilities at the Baths. There are two en-suite rooms with private entrances, with a spa bath and shower in the garden. Hazel’s house has beautiful views of the orchards, the Olifants Valley and Koue Bokkeveld.

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]]> 19.03280067443847656,-32.44969940185546875 There are several rock painting sites in the vicinity of Wupperthal and at the information centre in the village a guide is available for visitors on request. Turn off at Clanwilliam on the N7 and drive over the Pakhuis Pass. About 40km from Clanwilliam and beyond Travellers’ Rest on the eastern side of the pass, turn right to Wupperthal and follow the winding road for another 40 minutes. You will need a 4x4 vehicle to drive within reach of some of the sites, but it is also possible to visit others with an ordinary car. There are paintings of elephant, human figures in trance postures and a unique zebra-headed therianthrope – a human body with a zebra head.

Apart from the charming villages, the scenery around Wupperthal is spectacular. There is a fully equipped self-catering guesthouse available in the village at Wupperthal.

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