With life being a constant juggling act between work, family and friends, spending quality time with your loved ones often takes a back seat. Yet, it remains one of life's top priorities.
Let your thoughts run wild and picture a blissful few days away, together as a family - ambling down an endless dirt road amid fynbos and rock pools, rubbing shoulders with zebra, eland and bontebok, and sharing the experience of nature with your children.
Imagine a place so glorious that its stark beauty takes your breath away. Imagine a stillness so peaceful it brings a lump to your throat. Imagine man and beast walking side by side among wild flowers in full bloom.
Then, imagine driving in an open game viewing vehicle under a luminous night sky and returning to a gourmet feast at a luxurious five-star lodge set among ancient sandstone formations.
Imagine a place of open plains so immense, ravines so deep, waterfalls so spectacular and prehistoric rock formations so extraordinary, that it stretches the imagination.
This is the magic of Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, nestled at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains, about 270km from Cape Town.
During select days in the school holidays you can escape to Bushmans Kloof for an exceptional family breakaway to rediscover the simple pleasures of life. This four-day Family Affair package is as educational as it is enriching, and is specially designed for families wanting to spend time together in nature.
Bushmans Kloof is a luxury reserve, where an abundance of indigenous plants, animals and birds roam freely.
And, with the opportunity to learn more about the rich ancient culture of the San Bushman, a cultural dimension adds a sense of heritage and meaning to this magical experience.
This South African Natural Heritage site offers exciting daily rock art walks to some of the more than 130 rock art sites that are found in the reserve, as well as evening game drives with sunset drinks and snacks served in the reserve.
Some of these rock art walks and nature drives are offered for entire families, while others are "adults only" to provide parents with some well-reserved "time out".
Children spend their days interacting with animals, plants and birds and gain first-hand insight into the Bushman, their rock art, hunting techniques and tracking of animals.
Children take part in many wilderness experiences, including exhilarating outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, or simply catching fish and play in the clear natural rock pools or any of the reserve's four swimming pools, before trying their hand at creating their own "rock art".
And, while your children are happily kept occupied and entertained in the great outdoors by a small army of child minders and rangers, take time out to indulge in a pampering massage in the cool of an ancient cave on the reserve.
Enjoy a beauty treatment at the spa, take a dip in a glorious heated outdoor jet pool set against a secluded rocky backdrop, or simply have a nap, relax by the pool, read, rest, rejuvenate and recover from stresses of city life.
Every day families get together for the famous Bushmans Kloof brunch and later for afternoon tea and, in the evenings after early child-friendly suppers, rangers and child minders entertain the little mites with games, night walks, night drives in the reserve or videos.
When the sun sets and the children are whisked off for their early supper, parents wave goodbye, lounge beside a river boma sipping delicious sundowner cocktails with their partners, and relish an evening of romance together enjoying the majestic views of the breathtaking, sun-baked Cederberg Mountains.
Adult guests enjoy leisurely gourmet dinners in a variety of stunning settings and dining locations at the lodge, including Makana boma or Embers in the reserve.
Special arrangements may also be made for a romantic private dinner in the reserve or on your private terrace, or for a picnic for two in a secluded spot in the gardens next to the river.
On the last night, children have the exciting option to camp out in the reserve under the supervision of experienced rangers.
Back at the lodge, Mom and Dad enjoy a farewell dinner to say goodbye to newly-made friends.
The following morning, children line up for an "awards ceremony" where each and every child is recognised for achieving something exceptional during their special time at Bushmans Kloof, before families take the dusty road back to the city.
- Family Affair packages are available during the winter school holidays, with special family rates including luxury accommodation, all meals and lodge activities.
- For editorial and advertising queries, contact Jon van den Heever at 083 301 8626.
- For advertising queries only, contact Pat Bibby at 021 488 4132.