With more than 8.5 million readers, American publication National Geographic Traveler is one of the world's most influential and widely read travel magazines. Bushmans Kloof was chosen as one of only 25 properties, following a competitive selection process to find 2013's best, most authentic and most sustainable lodges. "This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Geographic Society. The lodges we selected capture the society's spirit of exploration and commitment to the environment," says associate editor Amy Alipio.
Bushmans Kloof provides an authentic wilderness experience, attracting guests from all over the world who visit to escape, rest, and re-connect with nature. The owners, Red Carnation Hotel Collection's Tollman family, rehabilitated 7,500 hectares of severely neglected farming land in the Cederberg, and turned it into a world-class nature experience.
Bushmans Kloof preserves and protects 150 species of birds, 35 species of mammals (several of which are listed on the Red Data list), and 755 indigenous plant species in the area, including the world famous Rooibos tea plant which only grows in this region. As custodian to over 130 ancient San rock art sites, some of them dating as far back as 10,000 years, Bushmans Kloof pioneered the utilisation of rock art as a unique selling point for tourism in the region, paying homage to the 'lost' history of the Bushmen and their plight.
The 'World's 25 Best Ecolodges' list will be published in the June/July 2013 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
For further information on Bushmans Kloof, go to www.bushmanskloof.co.za.
