We arrived just a day after the Cape Leopard Trust had come and gone. Besides the leopard that are being monitored in these wild mountains, they are now attempting to collar the other key predator, the Caracal. This in an effort to learn more about this widespread, but elusive cat which ranges on Bushmans Kloof.

We spent 3 days relaxing in the lush and luxurious surroundings of the lodge – with the bush all very dry in late summer. There was however huge bird activity at the statuesque fruiting fig trees that  dominate the one side of camp and the resident Spotted Eagle-owls were in their usual roost above the safari shop! On one of the rock art trails I encountered something in miniature – an endemic long-proboscid fly pollinating one of the only flowers on show – delicate white Pelargoniums. With a hint of early rain for the winter season and the sighting of some young Bontebok, it looks like Bushmans Kloof is in for a good and productive winter.

Although a good 3-4 hours drive north of Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is well worth the visit – step back in time and relax. We also stopped at one of the numerous farm stalls along the way to stock up on the first new citrus of the season and loads of locally-made jam, dried fruit and honey!