Activities at Bosch Luys Kloof

Only available to guests residing at Bosch Luys Kloof

Nature Drives

With ten nature drives that includes our Big Five look out points and covers nearly 50 kilometers, Bosch Luys Kloof offers guests the excitement of discovering special Karoo plants and enjoy beautiful vistas, endemic game and a diversity of bird species. Nature drives are enjoyed in open Land Rovers and usually takes 2.5 hours.
An interesting historical route was opened recently that tells stories of the old inhabitants and their lifestyle. A short climb to a cave with San rock art can also be visited en-route.

Nature Walks

The walks were carefully developed to give visitors a broad exposure to the many of nature’s wonders. The six routes differ in grading and can take from 2.5 to 4 hours to complete. They have to be undertaken with a guide and the choice of the day can only be made here taking cognizance of the weather and nature’s elements.
You may however also talk to us about easy walk-abouts that you can do on your own.

4x4 Routes

Booklets containing information on the historical significance, flora, fauna on route and local tales around the routes are available. The contents of the booklets can also be emailed to guests that hold a reservation at the Lodge.

The routes - combined with a picnic at the lookout point - can be enjoyed in our Land Rovers or you can challenge them with your own 4x4 vehicle. Details are available on request.

 • To Hell ’n Gone

A unique route has been opened in 2010. It follows an interesting historical route right to the top of the Ladder, with a bird’s eye view of The Hell (Gamkaskloof).

The western vista over Gamkaskloof (The Hell) is less known but spectacular.

 • Shepherds & Elandsberg Routes

This brand new route that follows old shepherds trails and forms a circle route with the starting and ending points at the Lodge. The route leads over various riverine bush, karoo veld, mountain landscapes, look out points and other interesting features. The route includes the Elands-, Gemsbok-, Ribbok-, Kudu- and Springboktrail, the Gamkapoort Dam lookout and concludes with “Victory Lane”.

Because the route is long and may take more time than you have available, there are exit routes to take you back to the Lodge should you decide to do so. You can also select different combinations.

Mountain Biking

Our guests can also enjoy the beauty of Bosch Luys Kloof on a Mountain bike ride. Bring your own bike - and all you may need - and discover the unique Karoo landscapes and vistas.

Butterflies, 4x4 and cycling

We are so blessed being able to welcome the most interesting guests at BLK!

During November 2011 we were visited by Dietmar and Claudia Ley from Mpumalanga/France (previously from Germany and Mosambique). They own the beautiful boutique Hotel Les Magnolias in Plaisance, Southwest France but spend 6 months in South Africa annually to look after other interests in Africa. Dietmar is a young retired IT specialist and Claudia a young retired investment banker.

Their hobby for the past 4 years is to locate and identify butterfly species in various parts of Southern Africa. They tour nature reserves and many remote areas with their 4x4 vehicle and also visited Bosch Luys Kloof and our "To Hell and Gone" 4 x 4 route. During a four hour walk on a hot day they identified the following species at Bosch Luys Kloof:

The King Copper
(Tylopaedia sardonyx)
Van Son's Copper
(Aloeides vansoni)
Midas Opal
(Chrysoritis midas) 
Pan Opal
(Chrysoritis pan henningi)
Protea Emperor
(Charaxes pelias)
Cape Blackeye
(Leptomyrina lara)

Tulbagh Sylph
(Tsitana tulbagha)
Citrus Swallowtail
(Papilio demodocus)
Red Tip
(Colotis antevippe gavisa)
Painted Lady
(Vanessa cardui)
Yellow Pansy
(Junonia hierta cebrene)
African Ringlet
(Ypthima asterope)

As part of their offer in France Claudia is putting together a fantastic cycling experience in and about Plaisance, with their Hotel Magnolias as the centre departure point. Alike the Bosch Luys Kloof routes it is not just for softies.

To cycle the Bosch Luys Kloof‘s routes (also in development) and the Plaisance routes could be the ultimate "Dakar(oo) vs Le Mans" experience.

Watch out for more news early next year!!

The moral of the story? When you are at Bosch Luys Kloof look out for game, birds, snakes, scorpions, etc  and beautiful butterflies as well! Not to mention the plant diversity!

Water sport and Freshwater angling

Guests can do some paddling in a canoe or kayak in the Gamkapoort Dam right on our border. Its surface area is 600 hectares when full! Seasonal fresh water angling can be done as well, mostly bass and carp.
There are a variety of birds on the Dam and it offers a wonderful opportunity to view the three main rock formations of the Cape Supergroup folded and twisted into layers.
No motorboats or jet skis are allowed on the Dam that is managed by Cape Nature.

Stargazing

From the large front patio of the lodge guests can explore the Southern night skies, enjoying the constellations and examining the stars with only the help of a pair of binoculars. Bosch Luys Kloof is far from any air pollution and city lights that could spoil a stargazing experience. The number of clear sky nights on the Reserve is by far in the majority.

Chill

The peaceful atmosphere of the Lodge, chalets, enjoyable nature drives, bar deck with views over the bush and mountains, cool water of the swimming pool, excellent cuisine and wine will make you relax completely. Doing nothing is an option well entertained!

Big Five Lookout Points

Visit Bosch Luys Kloof and experience our unique Big Five...something very few people experienced before! Depending on the length of your visit you can visit one or more while you enjoy your nature drive.
We have carefully selected the top five lookout points on the Reserve to compile Bosch Luys Kloof’s Big Five. Every look out point is unique with a charm of its own. The views are really special and will imprint images in your mind that will linger on for long after your visit!

Things to do in the vicinity of Bosch Luys Kloof

During your stay you can explore some interesting Passes, Kloofs and scenic routes. Seweweekspoort and Huisrivier Pass both hold beautiful geological secrets and Route 62 offers a variety of road stalls, restaurants and bars. Discover our local towns and villages and experience true Karoo hospitality and warmth. Ladismith offers excellent local wines and cheese and Calitzdorp is well known as the Port Capital. You can also learn more about the old Mission Station and Lutheran Church at Amalienstein or about the agriculture activities in the local Vleiland area where farmers produce fruit, lucerne, vegetable seeds and livestock like sheep and ostriches.