It is a long and winding road to Bushman's Kloof, but this is just part of the adventure. With every bump in the road, the idea of a massage upon arriving at this unusual destination appealed more and more.

I had visited twice before, once before the present owners, the Tollman family had purchased, and I was eager to see how things had evolved. I had heard wonderful things about BK and I knew that I would not be disappointed.

Upon arriving, I was greeted by the new Manager Graham and his wife Ronel, who had only been in situ for a few weeks. I was escorted to my suite, called Rock Pools II and it was quite divine. Everything for a dream stay…. a wonderful sitting room with a fireplace, laid ready to light, and behind a huge bed and sumptuous bathroom with the essential bidet and a freestanding rolltop cast iron bath and a huge separate glass-fronted shower. I just could not wait to dive into a hot bath, which I did, with a glass of my favourite pink champagne in my hand, served from the complimentary bottle left deep in the icebucket on the sidetable. Bliss!

Could life get any better?! Well, yes…. I was collected by my therapist and escorted across the lawn to the new lanai where massages are given in a glass-walled thatched pavilion bordering the river, which, due to the heavy rains some days' before, was flowing high and fast. The accompanying soft roar of the water combined with the expert hands of my masseuse, lulled me into a deep relaxed state and I felt completely at one with my surroundings. I could have stayed on that massage couch for hours, but soon my ninety minute bliss trip was finished, and I reluctantly climbed off the couch, to pad up the lawn back to my suite.

Dinner that evening was sublime. The chef-in-residence, Chris Smith, who has now returned to the refurbished Oyster Box near Durban, was in full throttle, and produced five courses with a chocolate theme, and, being particularly partisan to this seductive flavour, I was in heaven. Graham and Ronel hosted me, together with a group of five other people, and we all had a wonderful evening.

I spent the next morning following my guide through rock-strewn scrubland, which was quite demanding, but well worth the effort, because he showed me some amazing rock art, which was exquisite in its simplicity and wondrous in its conservation. An amazing morning, in beautiful surroundings, with hot coffee and warm muffins, and in the company of my guide, who was astounding knowledgeable. I cannot wait to do this again, and visit other sites, of which there are myriad.

Another lunch, another dinner, both excellent. Another wonderfully restful silent night, with just the rush of the cascades to lull me to sleep, then, the morning of departure…

I was waved off by Graham and Ronel, and several of the excellent staff members, who had done their utmost to ensure I had a memorable time. I could not have been better looked after, especially by the superb housekeeper, who had herself run my baths for me, and sprinked fresh sweet-smelling rose petals both in the water and on the floor of the bathroom. How lucky was I!

Bushmans Kloof ticks all the boxes. Nowhere in the world could one find such beauty in the surroundings, combined with such exquisite accommodation, excellent food and unusual things to do and see. I cannot wait to return myself, and everyone who has the good fortune to visit must feel the same. A truly great experience.

Jane Wilde – British

We loved everything, a wonderful and very special experience. We would definitely come back recommend it to all our friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Durrans - South Africa

I can not pin point a few highlights as everything fitted together the way it should – creating a magical holistic experience. Beautiful surroundings, house keeping was efficient and non invasive.

Ms Bell - South African

On behalf of Greg & I, we wanted to thank each & very one of you for making our Honeymoon so incredibly special & memorable.

Once again, we were pampered, made to feel special and wanted for nothing. From the extraordinary picnic in the cave and private dinner at Kadoro to the wonderful game drives, the spa treatments or just relaxing in the blissful surroundings. Bushmans Kloof is truly a special place and thank you all for being a part of that.

We hope to be back soon!

Amanda & Greg Commins – South Africa

The entire stay and lights, this was an amazing experience, everything was just perfect. We wish could stay here for ever and we hope we can be back some day. Thank you all

Back Family - South African

Thank you for a memorable party at Bushmanskloof. Every single person who was there on Saturday and Sunday has been completely blown away. The standard of service that you provide is unequaled anywhere in the world. A very special thank you for the extra trouble that you took to ferry the children to and from Koro so that they could participate fully in the birthday celebrations. I cannot think of a single thing that was not perfect.

A huge thank you to all!

Cecile Le Roux – South African

I have never been to heaven but this how I imagine it to be, complete with your staff of ‘angels’. Thank you for sharing this extraordinary place with us. Can it be only a mere 3 hours from Cape Town? WOW, can’t wait for an encore! Many thanks!

John & Val Howsley – South African

We loved Jacques, he was informative, interesting, caring and so funny! He nurtured and inspired us to get ourselves out of bed very early in the morning as we waited with bated breath for our next adventure!

John & Val Howsley – South African

We had a wonderful stay at Bushmans Kloof and the surprise birthday dinner was something so special, I will treasure it for many years to come. The staff were excellent, especially those around the lodge and all made us feel very much at home. We came away really rested and refreshed.

The experience was such that we would definitely return and highly recommend it to our friends and family.

Peter & Ingrid Wingrove – South African

To the team at Bushmans Kloof

Thank you so much for the hospitality you showed The Grannies on Safari Team! I’ve truly enjoyed my stay. I wish to return by the Grace of God, I will! Be Blessed and Thanks again!

Joyce Campbell - USA

The Kadoro dinner and relaxing by the pool was our highlight. Brilliant wheat free alternatives, the best wheat free food I have ever tasted and delicious Mojitos. Zenobia is a great guide. She has the right balance between being friendly yet professional at all times. Her knowledge and passion for the surrounding area makes her a brilliant guide.

Mr & Mrs Puntib - British

The location, serenity, property, design and décor, ambience and service are excellent. The staff are very professional and accommodating. An enjoyable and interesting stay. Very well done.

Ms Bauer - USA

Our time in the Koro Lodge was magical and priceless. Both the place and the people made it exceptionally special to us.

Matthew & Jessica Upchurch - AMERICAN

Tranquillity and peacefulness - a haven and retreat from the busy world. Unobtrusive and attentive service - thank you!

Ian & Debra Gie - SOUTH AFRICAN

So, so, so, so fantastic!  We've both had a brilliant time; it's far exceeded our expectations. WE DON'T WANT TO GO HOME!!!

Andrew & Deborah Porteous - BRITISH

This is the second time we're here and it's as outstanding as we remembered it. Impressive attention to detail. Our special compliments to the chef and his staff and to the knowledgeable sommelier. The new restaurant under the stars was a nice surprise and the waiters and waitresses are always very attentive and pleasant. Our son was very impressed by the wine waiter who remembered his name! Many thanks as well to the staff members who sang so beautifully on Christmas day! Excellent spa too!

Filip Bley-Barua - BELGIAN

Absolutely stunning - we are overwhelmed by the mix of calmness, nature, science and hospitality. We forgot time and could relax completely.

Karlheinz Schenchinger and Daniela Herrmann - GERMAN

The beautiful scenery and the rock paintings. Excellent guide, wonderful food and overall a fabulous place to stay. Thank you.

Michael & Doris Simon - AMERICAN

Congratulations to the staff here for the exceptional service and to the  management for the attention to detail on everything. It is very much appreciated.

David & Kathleen Harvey - BRITISH

The "restoring" atmosphere and the opportunity to walk, run and cycle in nature; the combination of luxury and nature. Overall impression is that Bushmans Kloof excels in offering a relaxing experience of nature with all the luxury and comforts a guest could ask for.

Marius van Zyl and Marissa Smalberger - SOUTH AFRICAN

We have stayed in many facilities rated 5 stars - Bushmans Kloof is among the very best! I only wish you were closer to Seattle, WA, USA. The game drives and rock art were our interests before we arrived - both far exceeded our expectations.

Frank & Pam McKulka - AMERICAN

Your ability to let everyone have their own space, yet be involved.

Timothy & Elizabeth Butler - BRITISH

One of the most impressive and enjoyable experiences we have had in recent years. We hope we have a chance to return.

Hazel Ranninger and Gretel Parkin - SOUTH AFRICAN

A truly relaxing and most enjoyable stay. The staff have the perfect balance, they  are there should you need anything but not over powering. Everyone had a smile -  Wonderful! "Another jewel in South Africa's crown"

Brian & Susan Windle - BRITISH

Very difficult to pick one highlight of our entire stay! Either the drinks, watching the zebras, the sun setting or the look of delight on my father's face as he found his creepy-crawlies scrambled over the rocks. Wonderful place. Can't wait to return. Wonderful care taken of my 80 year old father - his age had no impact on the activities planned.

Mr & Mrs Frodsham - BRITISH

An exceedingly friendly and capable staff in an extraordinarily beautiful setting.  Rooms and grounds are immaculate and comfortably appointed in every way.

Ronald & Elizabeth Danz - BRITISH

A beautiful and special place. We enjoyed the variety of dining experiences and the fact that there are different locations for dinner. Menu is unique and enjoyable. All perfect!!!

Alessandro & Susan Magni - BRITISH

It was an amazing, memorable "30 birthday weekend" for me. Thank you all for  making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. You should be proud of your  Wilderness Reserve & Retreat and ALL you staff.

Deryck & Tracey Broom - BRITISH