In these rocky shelters, the enchanted visitor may contemplate the daily detail of a now extinct existence and be humbled by its beauty and simplicity. Providing a rich cultural history, this pristine collection communicates the very spiritual reality of these true conservationists and will inspire and invigorate the observer.

Trained guides conduct daily rock-art walks with interpretations that provide insight, and a deeper understanding of these rare archeological sites.

At Bleeding Nose Shelter, rock paintings stand out richly in the small alcove site formed in white sandstone. Subjects include eland, small antelope, rare paintings of birds and a whole variety of humans standing, dancing and shooting with bows. This site takes its name from a painting of a man with bloody pouring from his nose, who is joined to his companions by mystical lines of power.

The fallen painted slab that gives Fallen Rock Shelter its name, is the least of this site's attractions. It also houses one of the largest collections of well-preserved and diverse images known in the Pakhuis region and has a deposit of ash, sand and grass left behind by the San occupants over thousands of years. It houses the largest painting of a San cave dwelling group known in the Western Cape.

Added to these are existing species such as: Cape Mountain Leopard, Bat-eared Fox, African Wild Cat, Cape Fox, Caracal, Cape Clawless Otter, Baboon, Klipspringer, Aardwolf and Aardvark. There are also more than 150 species of birds resident in the reserve, including numerous species of eagle and water birds.

Game drives and hikes through the reserve provide the opportunity to see some of this game, a sight to rekindle the soul and inspire one to re-discover the wildlife that was once unique to this Cape region. Bushmans Kloof lies between two vegetation biomes - dry mountain fynbos and succulent Karoo - where wildlife and an immense diversity of plant life intermingle. In Spring the reserve explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour. Wild flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a spectacle that must be seen to be believed. Bushmans Kloof is a premier spring flower destination.

Through the efforts of the Botanical Society’s Ceder-berg Conservation Group, funding for a new nursery was obtained from an international conservation body, Fauna Flora Inter-national (Cambridge,UK).

A new nursery is currently being built at a new location on the Pakhuis Pass outside Clanwilliam, where several WCNC staff are permanently based for future supervision. The project will identify eco-tourism opportunities and local communities such as Bushmans Kloof are closely involved in promoting the conservation of the species and the planting of young trees in the reserve. For more information, contact Penny Mustart of the Botanical Society at TEL/FAX: (021) 689 2978