A Heavenly Wilderness Reserve, Retreat and Spa

Web Ref #: 479
Price: From R 2900 pppn, Fully Inclusive
Location: Cederberg

Discover the continued rebirth of a long forgotten land and the wonders of its abundant indigenous flora, wildlife and priceless San rock art. The reserve is Malaria and Predator Free.

 

This refuge for body and soul, with its tranquil setting, breathtaking views and soothing energy, is therapy unto itself, inspiring a new focus on wellness and wellbeing.

 

Surrounded by thousands of acres of majestic, savage beauty and wind-sculpted landscape of reddish sandstone rock formations at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains the Western Cape, the reserve is a conservation success story. It has been named Global Winner of Wildlife Conservation Programs (2009) in the prestigious third annual Conde’ Naste Traveler World Savers Awards, in recognition of its exceptional wildlife conservation projects and the replenishment of wildlife in the Cederberg area.

 

Custodian to over 130 San rock art sites, it is a South African Natural Heritage site and forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

 

The Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat has been voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 in the 14th annual Travel + Leisure Best Awards readers’ survey as well as Number 1 Lodge / Resort in Africa and the Middle East.

 

Accommodation:

 

16 Rooms can accommodate 32 guests, all featuring:

 

  • Air conditioning and ceiling fans
  • Under-floor heating
  • Satellite Flat Screen Televisions, DVD player, CD player and iPod docking stations in Suites and Deluxe rooms
  • In Room Safe
  • Direct Dial Telephone
  • Complimentary Wireless Internet Access
  • Complimentary Laundry Service in Suites

 

7 Luxury Rooms – all with private patio and bathroom en-suite

6 Deluxe Rooms – all with large private patio, bathroom en-suite and lounge area within the bedroom, and some with fireplaces

2 Suites – both with large private patio, bathroom en-suite and separate lounge area. One suite with a fireplace

1 Supreme Suite – a private, luxury cottage near the water with a separate lounge area with fireplace, flat screen satellite television in both the lounge and bedroom, and en-suite bathroom with designer bath and shower. It boasts a spacious, secluded private patio with outdoor shower and private infinity swimming pool

 

Facilities:

 

The Homestead comprises 2 lounge areas with fireplaces: one with a satellite flat screen TV, an extensive book and DVD library, complimentary wireless and computer station with internet access, a bar, walk-in wine cellar, heated swimming pool and fitness centre.

 

The Heritage Centre where guests may view ancient Bushman artefacts such as jewellery, bags, dolls and dancing sticks as well as photographs that depict their nomadic existence and day-to-day life experiences. The guides and resident archaeologist also hold specialist talks and discussions in the Heritage Centre, with topics including all aspects of the reserve, as well as insight into the Cederberg Wilderness Area in general.

 

The Fitness Centre for guests who enjoy a daily workout, equipped with a spinning cycle, bar and weights, yoga mats, pilates balls, mirrors, bottled water and towels.

 

A Medicinal Herb Garden, situated near the Heritage Centre, grows plants and herbs that the San people used as remedies to cure all sorts of ailments and illnesses.

 

3 Outdoor infinity-edge swimming pools grace the gardens, so that guests are never more than a few paces from a refreshing swim.

 

River Boma perfect for sundowners or when darkness falls, for stargazing with after dinner drinks.

 

The Trading Post a gift shop offering a unique variety of specially hand selected items from Southern Africa’s finest artists.

 

Flower and Herb Garden offering a magnificent and unique variety of colours and scents.

 

Fruit and vegetable garden whereby all produce is grown by organic principals and used in the preparation of the Contemporary Cape cuisine.

 

The Spa:

 

The Spa offers guests a wide variety of restoring and rejuvenating treatments to heal and soothe mind, body and soul. These include Touch Therapies, Skincare Treatments, as well as Spa Body Treatments.

 

The recently transformed Spa Menu features Dermalogica, Africology and Elemis products. These brands are renowned for their natural, restoring properties that combat the effects of modern environmental influences on the skin.

 

Unique Touch Therapies at the Spa include a Signature Massage, Cederberg “SOUL”ution, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Body Treatments, Elemis Aroma LaStone Massage and Africology Shea AromatherapeuticsTM. Treatments can be enjoyed either in your room, on your own private veranda or even in some of the cool, rocky shelters that were home to the San thousands of years ago. A dual massage facility is available in the Homestead.

 

The unique outdoor Spa Gazebo located at the river’s edge also offers dual spa experiences.

 

A Teen Spa Menu has recently been introduced exclusively for those aged 10 to 17 years.

 

A wonderful selection of Spa Packages and programmes are available, each uniquely designed to relax, restore and pamper your mind, body and spirit, focusing on key facets of wellness to offer a holistic experience deeply rooted in nature.

 

Unique Aspects to the Reserve:

 

Bushman Rock Art – The reserve is rich in Bushman rock art with over 130 pristine sites, some dating as far back as 10 000 years ago making them one of the oldest recorded examples of human art. Guests may join daily-guided walks with experienced guides along rivers and through the veld to view a selection of the sites.

 

Fauna – View the expansive environment and game during daily nature drives through the reserve including: Gemsbok, Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Eland, Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok, Klipspringer, Black Wildebeest, Springbok and Steenbok, to name a few. The reserve is home to 35 species of mammals, several of which are listed in the IUCN Red Data list, and 150 different species of bird such as the Malachite Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle and Black Harrier. Sightings of Aardwolf, African Wildcat, Bat Eared Fox, Cape Fox and Porcupine are possible. The late afternoon nature drives include complimentary snacks and sundowners in the reserve. Night drives are offered after dinner to guests who wish to view the reserves several nocturnal species and the awe-inspiring night skies. The reserve supports the Cape Leopard Trust.

 

Flora – From July through to October the veld comes alive with Spring flowers, revealing the colours of thousands of beautiful, and some unusual Spring flowers. 755 Indigenous plant species have been identified within the reserve, including the reserves own “Special Collection” – a group of shrub and tree species that thrive within the reserve and are not found together anywhere else in the world. The reserve is a South African Natural Heritage Site, and lies within the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site.

 

Endemic Rooibos Plant – The reserve is located in the heart of Rooibos (Red Bush) country, and this versatile, nutritious and therapeutic plant, endemic to the Cederberg region, enhances the guest experience in different forms – from the refreshing, chilled Iced Rooibos Tea welcome drink to the fragrant, hand-made Rooibos soap in guest bathrooms.

 

Scenic beauty of the area – Cool and refreshing waterfalls and river, natural, crystal clear rock pools and a backdrop of wind sculpted ancient sandstone rock formations all form part of the reserve, which is located at the foothills off the Cederberg Mountains.

 

Other Outdoor Activities:

 

There are no large predators at the reserve and guests are encouraged to explore the great outdoors and interact with nature as they please.

 

  • Bird watching
  • Educational / Specialist talks
  • Painting and croquet
  • Full day Walking Trails
  • Swimming in Rock Pools and near Waterfalls
  • Archery
  • Hiking and walking
  • Mountain biking
  • Rock climbing
  • Canoeing
  • Stargazing
  • Fly-fishing
  • The reserve is Malaria and Predator free

 

Dining and Beverage Facilities:

 

Guests can indulge in a taste profusion of gastronomic, healthy or home-style comfort foods, made from the best local fresh produce harvested daily from the reserves own organically cultivated gardens. Guests dine in a variety of breathtaking locations – the reserve offers exciting venues and locations so no meal is quite alike! (Prior arrangement and weather dependent)

 

The River Boma provides a perfect setting for sundowners or nightcaps in the moonlight.

Makana (‘To Feast’) offers unforgettable brunches and teas with glorious views across the dam and river.

Embers open-air dining venue provides a matchless dining experience under the star-filled African sky where guests may enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbeque) in an exciting outdoor setting within the reserve.

Kadoro (‘Tinderbox of Stories’) a ‘secret’ dining location in the reserve, especially suitable for private dinners of up to 12 guests.

The Homestead and Manor House Bar and Deck, under the gigantic fig tree, are ideal for romantic dinners and dine dining.

Extraordinary Dining – a specially prepared picnic or barbeque (braai) menu served in a private breathtaking location in the reserve. Additional charge applicable and 24-hour notice required.

In Room Dining – Enjoy a specially prepared dinner in the privacy of your room or private veranda.

Room Service from 12h00 to 18h00

 

Weddings, Honeymoons & Special Occasions:

 

The reserve is the ultimate haven to begin a lifetime of memories together – whether you are getting married or on honeymoon.

 

Weddings can range from 2 to 32 people. The personal wedding planner will advise and guide you through every request, requirement and need, from reserving your dates and planning the schedule of the event to coordinating all entertainment, photography, flowers, good and beverages, menus and table decor, as well as spa and beauty treatments. Special packages for Wedding groups and Bridal or Honeymoon couples are available.

 

Ceremony and Reception Locations:

 

Embers – Open air dining Under African skies in the reserve

Makana – Outdoor dining area at the lodge

Kadoro – A unique dining location in the reserve. Suitable for 12 guests maximum

Manor House Deck – Wooden deck under the ancient Ficus Tree

River Boma – Suitable for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks

In the Reserve and Gardens – Location determined by the number of guests

Homestead Terrace – Sunny terrace at the Homestead

Koro Lodge – Private Villa suitable for small groups of families and friends travelling together

 

Conferencing Facilities:

 

One meeting room with state-of-the-art conference equipment, wireless internet access, conference note pads, pens, water, sweets and cordials.

 

Ideal location for strategy meetings, team building seminars or incentive groups.

 

Unique and individualised programmes can be created to specifically cater for each group such as raft building, treasure hunts, fun activities, survival games, drumming sessions, star gazing, canoeing and hiking.

 

Menus can be adjusted to suit group and conference needs.

 

As part of the conference programme, a picnic alongside the riverbank, individualised picnic baskets to accompany delegates on a hike, sundowner drinks and snacks at a unique location in the reserve, cooking with the chef and memorable dinners under African stars at Embers or the Manour House Deck (at an additional charge) can be arranged.

 

Seating Plans:

 

  • U-Shape – 20 Delegates
  • Hollow Square – 24 Delegates
  • Schoolroom Style – 18 Delegates
  • Boardroom Style – 20 Delegates
  • Herringbone Style – 32 Delegates
  • Cinema Style – 32 Delegates

 

Koro Lodge:

 

Meaning ‘Open Vistas’ in the San language, the lodge is a farmhouse in the heart of the reserve that has been renovated and transformed into a spectacular, private villa with stunning views. This privately catered for family experience joins the ultimate of luxury with the wonders of nature, to offer a complete wilderness adventure for families and groups of friends, where children are welcome all-year round.

 

The villa is styled in natural vibrant earth colours with beautiful, handcrafted South African objects and furnishings, and is designed and equipped to provide every service and satisfy all needs.

 

Features:

 

  • 2 Master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms (one with outdoor shower)
  • Loft area to accommodate up to 4 children
  • Entertainment room with bathroom en-suite (can also sleep 2 persons)
  • Kitchen, bar and living room with dining area and fireplace
  • All meals and a selection of beverages included
  • Wrap-around terraces with small, private infinity pool and outdoor barbeque (braai) area
  • Telephones and complimentary wireless internet access
  • Satellite television (dual-view)
  • Air conditioning, under-floor heating and ceiling fans
  • Personal host, chef, and guide (based at Koro Lodge)
  • Housekeeping and laundry service included
  • Pre-arranged spa treatments available at the Main Lodge (children 10+ only)
  • Flexible programmes, including special children’s activities: rock art walks, nature drives, mountain biking, canoeing (equipped with life jackets), hiking, star gazing, and swimming in rock pools and waterfalls

 

Note: No cell phone reception

 

There is a generator on site to provide full backup power to the lodge should there be any outages in the area.

 

Climate:

 

  • Summer (November – March) min 200C, max 400C
  • Mid-Season (April, May, September, October): min 100C, max 300C
  • Winter (June – August): min 80C, max 250C

 

Dress:

 

  • All year: Casual dress, comfortable shoes and bring a camera and binoculars
  • Summer: Recommended hates, swimwear, sun block and sunglasses
  • Winter: Warm clothing is required. Recommended scarves, gloves, hats and warm jackets for the evening nature drives.

 

Wheelchair access / frail care:

 

The lodge is located in a wilderness area. The terrain is rocky and uneven and has steps in and around the lodge. It is therefore more suitable to active, fully-mobile guests.

 

Access to the Reserve:

 

By Road: 3 Hour scenic drive, only 270 km from Cape Town. Transfers and Chauffeur Drive services on request from Cape Town and Clanwilliam via the Pakhuis Pass.

 

By Air: Fixed wing and helicopter transfers are available. Approximately 45 minutes from Cape Town. Private airstrip: 1200m, gravel surface, 20 min transfer to the lodge. Co-ordinates available upon request.

 

Reservation Terms and Conditions:

 

Main Lodge:

 

Rates include: Luxury accommodation and all meals (Early morning light continental breakfast, late morning buffet brunch, afternoon high tea, a la carte dinner menu), early morning guided rock art excursion, evening nature drive with sundowner drinks and snacks and all other lodge activities.

 

Rates Exclude: All beverages, telephone, facsimile, e-mail, room service, Trading Post purchases, laundry & valet (included in Suite and Supreme Suite Rates), extraordinary dining options, gratuities, air & road transfers and Spa treatments.

 

  • Children 10+ welcome at full rate
  • Rates quoted are per person sharing per night
  • Check-out time at 12h00 on day of departure and Check-in time from 14h00 on day of arrival

 

Koro Lodge:

 

Rates include: Accommodation (maximum 4 adults and 4 children) and all meals (afternoon tea, dinner, breakfast, morning tea and lunch, all beverages – local spirits, mixers, fruit juice, cool drinks, beer, selection of wine, sparkling wine and champagne, room service, laundry and valet. Early morning guided rock art excursions, evening nature drive with sundowner drinks & snacks and all other Koro Lodge activities for the family and children. Private Chef, host and guide allocated for the duration of stay.

 

Rates Exclude: Spa treatments, telephone, facsimile, Extraordinary dining options, Trading Post purchases, gratuities, air & road transfers and any babysitting that might be required. Children of all ages are welcome. Rates are quoted per night for the private use of Koro Lodge. Check-out time at 10h30 on day of departure and Check-in time from 15h30 on day of arrival.

 

General:

 

  • All rates are quoted in ZAR (SA Rand) and are subject to change.
  • Accommodation is payable six weeks prior to date of guests’ arrival.
  • Minimum 2 night stay on weekends – Friday and Saturday.
  • Minimum 3 night stay during Christmas / New Year Festive Season.
  • No pets allowed.
  • Fly-In Safaris: departing from Cape Town International Airport, operated during day-light hours only, flying time approximately 1 hour.
  • Pilot / Guide accommodation allocated at Lodge discretion.
  • Main gate closes at 17h00.
Listing TypeSafari Lodges
# of Single Bedrooms 0
# of Double Bedrooms16
Bathrooms 16
Sleeps32
En Suite16
ServicedYes
Wheelchair FriendlyNo
Sea ViewNo
Mountain ViewYes
City ViewNo
InternetYes
GardenYes
SatelliteYes
SecurityYes
Off Street Parking16 cars
Garage Parking0 cars
Swimming PoolYes
TVYes
BBQYes
Entertainment AreaYes
KitchenYes