Golding Hotel Investment Consultants (GHIC), widely regarded as the leading facilitator in the hospitality and leisure industry in Southern Africa and a member of the Pam Golding Property group, have concluded a transaction for the acquisition of the world renowned Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, situated near Clanwilliam in the Cederberg mountains, by the Private Tollman Family Trust.

Earlier this year (2003) Bushmans Kloof was voted one of the Top 25 Eco Lodges in the world, by US Travel & Leisure publication. With 135 rock art sites it is one of the richest repositories of ancient Bushman rock art, and has been described as 'the world's greatest open air art gallery'.

Joop Demes, MD of GHIC, who handled the transaction, which is for an undisclosed sum, says the change of ownership takes place on 31 January 2004. Demes also facilitated the sale, in April last year (2002), of the de Oudekraal Hotel at Camp's Bay - which has since been substantially upgraded and renamed The Twelve Apostles Hotel - to the Tollmans.

Demes says the Trust is committed to continuing the protection of the rich cultural history of Bushmans Kloof - an exceptionally unique and well run property which has been sensitively and beautifully developed - while building on its solid base of success in the future. The Tollmans are recognised as exceptional operators of exclusive and boutique hotels, and Demes says the 16 room (32 bed) Bushmans Kloof offers one of the finest nature reserve experiences in Africa.

The Tollmas' business interests in Southern Africa include a number of well known tour operators such as Thompsons Tours, Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Tours and Insight Tours, and they are shareholders in Wilderness Safaris. Their interests also include numerous boutique hotels in London, Europe and the United States, trading as the Red Carnation Hotel Group. They have also in recent years acquired and developed the wine farm Bouchard Finlayson in Herm anus.

The award-winning Bushmans Kloof was originally developed by the McAdam family. Owner Bill McAdam says it is heartening to see former South African families, such as the Tollmans and the Kerzners, who have made their mark in the international tourism industry, returning to South Africa and committing capital to enhance the country's tourism industry.

Asked whether he anticipates further investment in Southern Africa by the Tollmans, Demes commented that although the new acquisition needs to be bedded down first, he is in discussion regarding a number of further opportunities.

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Issued by Gaye de Villiers

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On behalf of Golding Hotel Investment Consultants