Bushman Sands is a multi-faceted experience offering something for everyone. The 4-star hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage & modern luxury. The Gary Player designed Golf Course is perfect for the keen golfer. There are thrilling adventure options & prospects of viewing Big Game. Those wanting relaxation, pampering & peace will find alternatives at the spa or at the poolside or even on a tranquil sunset boat cruise. Rewarding for families and satisfying for visitors interested in the turbulent & fascinating history of the area, Bushman Sands has won wide acclaim as a forerunner of sustainable ecological and community tourism.Welcome to the Bushman Sands website where you will discover more about the Hotel, the Game Reserve, and the Golf Course, the Spa, the Conference Centre, the Adventure Activities and the many options available to make your holiday, event or wedding one of a lifetime.
Background:
At the heart of the rebirth of the once decaying railway town of Alicedale is a unique leisure experience, Bushman Sands. We invite you to join this historic partnership to see Alicedale transformed into a thriving example of sustainable tourism development unlike any other in South Africa.
Situated in the Bushman s River Canyon in the Eastern Cape, Alicedale is approximately 50 kilometres from Grahamstown and 100 kilometers from Port Elizabeth. Surrounded by valley bushveld, the town exhibits a rich multi-cultural heritage, from ancient Bushman paintings to the Victorian Karoo flavour of a century ago, when it was developed as a major railway junction.
The town steamed along as an important link in the railway until steam trains were sidelined in the 1980s. By 1996 the management of its rail functions had been transferred to neighbouring Port Elizabeth and the junction slid into ruin. Since then the town has been virtually dormant with soaring unemployment.
At the beginning of 2003 a joint initiative between the Mantis Group, owners of Shamwari, and the Eastern Cape government was established to redevelop the town. Mantis Group Co-chairman Adrian Gardiner initiated the vision to see the town regain its vibrancy. In much the same way that Shamwari was transformed from barren farmland into one of the world s top conservation destinations, this initiative seeks to become a model of transformation for a previously disadvantaged community and the turnaround of a rural town.
At the centre of the transformation of Alicedale is Bushman Sands, the latest tourism product in the Mantis Group s portfolio. Named after the historic Bushman's River, Bushman Sands has provided the impetus for new investment and the sustainability for ongoing growth and development of the town.
A new dawn at Alicedale:
Economic life was breathed back into Alicedale in June 2003 with construction of Bushman Sands. During the building phase, direct employment has been created for 374 people, all of whom were selected from the existing Alicedale community. ECDC estimates that each breadwinner in this community provides for up to seven dependents. This takes the number affected by the initial employment through this project to 2800 - more than half the local population. When completed, it is expected that Bushman Sands will provide approximately 150 jobs.
One example is that the rangers presently guiding tourists around the Bushman Sands game reserve were all previously unemployed. For Patrick Mgoqi, October's salary was the first he had received in 8 years since completing matric. Nomawethu Stuurman on the other hand, was studying at Border Technikon in 2002, but could not complete her course because of financial problems. For her, the opportunity to gain an income while improving her skills in game and environmental management, tourism and hospitality has provided hope.
Bushman Sands Hotel:
The 4-star Bushman Sands Hotel is a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury. The Hotel comprises of 39 bedrooms around a pool area overlooking the Bushman Sands Golf Course. Original railway houses form the cornerstones of what are now three rows of en suite accommodation - comprising of a choice of standard rooms, luxury rooms and junior suites - each tastefully decorated with locally produced furniture and original art and linked to the main hotel building by walkways lit by Victorian lampposts.
The décor throughout references the legacy of the Khoi San and Alicedale’s railway history. The terraced rooms combine the architectural style of the original buildings with modern four-star finishes, offering a choice of junior suites with king beds and luxury and standard rooms with twin beds.
The five junior suites and eight luxury rooms, each have a private veranda with breathtaking views of the sixth fairway, the Bushmans River and the magnificent hills beyond. The 26 standard rooms overlook landscaped indigenous gardens, the sparkling swimming pool, main hotel building and the final green of the golf course.
Room features:
Standard Room (Total 26 – incl. 1 x room with a specially modified wheelchair friendly bathroom & 2 sets of inter-leading rooms)
- Twin bedded
- Air-conditioning
- TV with limited satellite TV (DSTV)
- Direct dialling telephones
- Tea/Coffee facilities
- Mini bar (Junior Suites stocked, other rooms stocked upon request)
- In room safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with: twin vanities, Victorian style bath, shower and private toilet
- Private patio overlooking landscaped indigenous gardens, the swimming pool and final green of the golf course
Luxury Room (Total 8)
- Twin bedded
- Air-conditioningo TV with limited satellite TV (DSTV) channels
- Direct dialling telephones
- Tea/Coffee facilities
- Mini bar (Junior Suites stocked, other rooms stocked upon request) In room safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with: twin vanities, Victorian style bath, shower and private toilet
- Private patio with breathtaking views of the sixth fairway, the Bushmans River and the magnificent hills beyond
Junior Suite (Total 5)
- King sized bed
- Air-conditioning
- TV with limited satellite TV (DSTV) channels
- Direct dialling telephones
- Tea/Coffee facilitieso
- Mini bar (Junior Suites stocked, other rooms stocked upon request) In room safe
- Hairdryer
- Walk-in dressing room
- En-suite bathroom with: twin vanities, Victorian style bath, twin showers and private toileto
- Private patio with breathtaking views of the sixth fairway, the Bushmans River and the magnificent hills beyond
Hotel Facilities:
Library with Internet access, TV & full DSTV bouquet
Private Dining Room
Bunkers Restaurant
Halfway House
Spa & Wellness Centre with gymnasium
Golf Pro-shop
Golf Course
Bar overlooking the 18th Green
Gents & Ladies changing room facilities with steam rooms
Scenic swimming pool
Conference Centre
The old railway training college was built with imported bricks by Scottish masons in 1900. Now declared a national monument, it has undergone a metamorphosis and emerged as the main Reception building of a prestigious four-star hotel. During its restoration, the bricks in a certain section were painstakingly removed one by one, cleaned and reset. While the hotel rooms, Bunkers Restaurant, Sports and Leisure Centres are light and airy, the décor and dark woods of the main hotel Reception adds the element of grandiosity and a bygone era of discovery, turmoil and unification – a celebration of the fusion between the old and the new.
Bunkers Restaurant:
The onsite Bunkers Restaurant, with its pale, creamy coloured Beechwood furniture and soft finishes in earthy terracotta and gold tones offers guests an atmosphere of pure serenity. Subtle music balances gentle conversation, maintaining an air of intimacy amongst diners.Bunkers Restaurant and Bar is L-shaped and can cater for up to 100 guests. For private functions requiring a dance floor, a maximum of 80 guests may be accommodated.
Kindly note that exclusivity of the restaurant cannot be guaranteed unless the entire hotel is booked for the function.At the Bunkers Restaurant cuisine is traditionally South African with influences of Xhosa, English and Cape Malay. Hearty Breakfasts, a la carte lunches and evening dinners are served here. A significant selection of wines is available to compliment your meal, while an after-dinner cigar and good single malt can be enjoyed in the library. For that unforgettable event or function - a number of set menus, buffet and special occasions menu options are available upon request.
Bushman Sands Country Estate:
A first in South Africa, this is an exciting Victorian Karoo lifestyle development. Incorporating a Gary Player Golf Course, a stones throw from the Bushman Sands Game Reserve, Hotel and Spa. Situated on the Bushman's River alongside the quaint, historical Karoo gem called Alicedale, this brand new development is a hole-in-one investment opportunity just one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth.
What To Do:
Situated on nearly 4000 hectares of former farmland, Bushman Sands Game Reserve offers malaria free sightings of a large variety of animal species. Working with the conservation team of the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve, Bushman Sands has reintroduced indigenous animals that once roamed freely over 200 years ago to their natural habitat, and is working towards the restoration of the environment to its natural state.
The Africa of a bygone era is further recaptured by the Bushman paintings some of which are accessible in the reserve and can be viewed on request. Dating back thousands of years, these rock art paintings ensure that the cultural legacy of the Khoi San people remains for years to come. Another unique feature is the massive 200ha New Years Dam in the heart of the reserve. Originally built as a source of water for the steam trains, the dam now sustains the wildlife in the arid Eastern Cape landscape. Interesting features on game drives include the historical site of the Battle of Death valley and the Sunset cruises on the New Years Dam
Game Viewing:
Three-hour game viewing through the Bushman Sands Reserve take place daily from the hotel. Accompanied by qualified rangers who have been employed mostly from the Alicedale community, visitors are introduced to true African big game from open landrovers. Sundowners at scenic spots offer guests the opportunity to take in the tranquillity of the surrounding bush whilst sipping their choice of beverage and nibbling on a selection of light snacks. Tea and coffee is served on morning drives. Family packages are available and custom programmes can be arranged to accommodate groups. For more information, please contact reservations.
Boat Cruises:
The 200ha New Years Dam in the Bushman Sands Reserve provides the ideal platform to watch the mesmerising effect of an African sunset with the opportunity to view big game at the waters edge. Accompanied by a qualified game ranger, visitors aboard “Imvubu” could come upon antelope cautiously sipping or elephant bathing, whilst enjoying a drink from the onboard bar.
This is an experience which is possibly unique this side of Lake Kariba.The twin hull, double-decker “Imvubu” (Xhosa for Hippo) accommodates a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 50 guests and is also available for private functions and corporate events. She is fully equipped with a bar and toilet facilities and offers serene 1½ hour afternoon cruises on the New Years Dam.
Bushman Sands Golf Course:
The 18-hole championship course has been designed by South African golfing legend, Gary Player. The course follows the banks of the Bushmans and New Years Rivers, resembling the game's earliest "links" courses in Scotland with undulating fairways and pot bunkers. The first 10 holes of the Golf Course are completed and the remaining 8 holes are due for completion by October 2005.
Unique features include playing the first stroke over the railway line, a double green (1400 sq.m) shared by the 2nd and 5th holes, crossing the Bushman’s River and New Year’s River on various holes and finishing with a final drive over a small cemetery in the centre of the fairway. A challenging, yet friendly course, to be enjoyed by all golfers.
The local community has benefited immensely from the development of the golf course with a number of locals being trained as caddies and golf course assistants.Facilities include a halfway house, pro-shop and gents and ladies locker rooms each with showers and a steam room.
Features of the club house include:
Bunker’s dining room/halfway house
Golf Pro-shop
Bar overlooking the 18th green
Gents and ladies changing room facilities with steam rooms
Spa:
Our rejuvenating and detoxifying Spa extravaganza begins with treatments that have been designed to invigorate the body in the wonderful soothing comfort of restful surroundings. The 3 treatment rooms - each with its own shower and air-conditioning – are located in the Leisure Centre and along with a small but fully equipped gymnasium offer guests the ideal opportunity to truly relax and be pampered.
The Hydro-Therapy area includes a 4-seater Jacuzzi, chill pool, and steam room where highly skilled therapists will tailor make your treatment.Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted in the Spa, Hydro Therapy Area and Gymnasium.
Weddings - The Perfect Venue:
There is no setting more perfect for an elegant country-style wedding than Bushman Sands. Just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth towards Cradock, Bushman Sands can accommodate 39 couples and offers a choice of three reception venues, accommodating between 20 – 80 guests (or more with the Marquee option).
The venues include the 80 seater (with a dance floor) Bunkers Restaurant overlooking the pool and 18th green of the golf course, the Conference Venue and the private dinning room at the Hotel.
The scenic beauty of the valley bushveld and “Bushman Sands” personal service and warm hospitality will make your special day a memory to cherish for a lifetime. Kindly note that exclusivity of the restaurant cannot be guaranteed unless the entire hotel is booked for the function.
There are four quaint chapels in Alicedale to consider for the perfect wedding ceremony. All chapels in the historic town offer intimate ceremonies and unique opportunities for wedding photographs. Contact us today to tailor make a wedding package to include spa treatments, golf, game drives and boat cruises to make your special day memorable for everyone.
Conference Facilities (Under construction)
The original 1901 railway station in Alicedale is now being converted into the Bushman Sands Conference Centre. There is one large meeting room (currently operational) and very soon, an additional two break away rooms and a boardroom will be available for conferences, team-builds and private functions. Groups of 12-90 delegates can be accommodated in the various venues.
Bushman Sands offers many opportunities from team building experiences to theme dinners to make your event distinctive. Bush Braais, local African theatre, treasure hunts, adventure activities – contact us today to discover all the options. And of course there are the added incentives like the Golf Course and The Spa & Wellness Centre, not to mention almost 4000 hectares of game viewing terrain or boat cruises on the New Year’s Dam to make an event at Bushman Sands memorable.
