The Cederberg is only two and a half hours from Cape Town, but it is utterly unspoilt. Eons of sun, wind, and rain chiselled the landscape into the jagged mountains and eroded rocks we see today. The lifestyle of the isolated communities that call these mountains home mirrors the antiquity of the region ─ they cultivate rooibos tea and rely on donkey carts for transportation. Join us for a spectacular visual tour of this timeless region, and don’t forget your boots as some of the highlights involve some serious hiking!
Wolfberg Cracks
A steep hike takes you to these cracks where you can crawl and maneuver your way right into the mountain’s belly. The rock walls tower metres above you and you can spend the night inside, sheltered from the harsh Cederberg climate.
Wolfberg Arch
If you’re fit and the day is still young, continue from there across a beautiful plateau dotted with stunning rock formations until you reach the Wolfberg Arch, and rather spend the night here under the star-crowded sky.
Stadsaal Caves
Shaped by erosion over thousands of years these caves are ideal for a spot of hide and seek. Or you can test your vocal chords to reveal the beautiful acoustics resembling that of a ‘stadsaal’ (Afrikaans for ‘city hall’). The site also boasts Bushman rock art which makes the hike well worth it.
Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Rock art is indeed one of the Cederberg’s most treasured assets, with no less than 2000 rock art sites scattered throughout the region. These drawings by early hunter-gatherer Bushman clans are estimated to be between 800 and 8000 years old. 9 of these sites are found on The Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Maltese Cross
Over millions of years the surrounding rock eroded away leaving only this 5 story ‘cross’. Its shadow provides welcome respite after a 3 hour hike.
Sneeuberg Hut
Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the Cederberg range, forms the backdrop to the Maltese Cross. Its name, ‘Snow Mountain’, is testimony of the snow that can be seen here sporadically during winter. Book an overnight trip and sleep in the Sneeuberg Hut, an old stone cottage built into a boulder.
Biedouw Valley
The Biedouw Valley is the go-to destination during the wild flower season. Every August millions of orange and yellow wild flowers transform the valley into a cheerful canvas.
Remote communities
In the early 1800’s various missionary stations were established by Europeans in the area. These settlements flourished after the abolition of slavery in the 1830’s. The Moravian missionaries have left long ago but the settlements remain, Wupperthal being the most well known. Residents of these communities grow rooibos and other produce, and even manufacture ‘velskoene’ (old fashioned leather shoes). Many of these little villages can only be reached via rough gravel roads frequented by donkey carts.
Cederberg Heritage Route
An initiative was launched in 2006 to bring tourism to the region, a much needed resource for its impoverished communities. Tourists have the opportunity to stay in locals’ homes before and after embarking on one of six slackpack hiking trails, ranging from 3 to 9 days. These tours include bumpy donkey cart rides to transport you to various points along the routes.
Accommodation
The Cederberg calls for a proper mountain getaway. TravelGround offers a range of accommodation options ─ from campsites to mountain cabins, luxury lodges and even caves. And you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to reach any of them!
Enjo Nature Farm
This farm is situated in the Biedouw Valley which is famous for its wild flowers. Spend a night or two in one of these chalets along the river. Please note that the establishment is reached via gravel, but that it is suitable for normal sedan vehicles.
- Accommodation type: self-catering
- Units: campsites and chalets sleeping 2 to 6 guests
Mount Ceder
Swim in the river and hike to your heart’s desire at this marvelous location. Book Klipbokkop and chill in the jacuzzi surrounded by mountains.
- Accommodation type: self-catering
- Units: cottages sleeping 2 to 6 guests
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
With its cave-like units that resemble ancient traditional dwellings of the area, Kagga Kamma has become the signature accommodation of the Cederberg. This lodge also offers stargazing trips, rock art tours and game drives.
- Accommodation type: lodge with restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Units: 2 sleeper cave suites and hut suites
Wolfkop Nature Reserve Mountain Cottages
These cottages at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains have their own private jacuzzis.
- Accommodation type: self-catering
- Units: houses sleeping 6 to 12 guests
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
This award winning hotel boasts 130 rock art sites, crystal clear rock pools and a spa.
- Accommodation type: lodge ─ full board
- Units: luxury rooms and suites sleeping 2 to 4 guests
De Pakhuys
De Pakhuys, en route to Wupperthal and the Pakhuis Pass, offers accommodation ranging from campsites, to glamping structures, to cottages.
- Accommodation type: self-catering
- Units: campsite, huts and houses sleeping 2 to 6 guests
Please note that you need a day permit to hike in the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve. Tourism offices, Dwarsrivier, and Driehoek Farm sell these permits. Overnight permits are only available from CapeNature. Their Cederberg office is in Algeria.
So what are you waiting for? Get your party together, toss your hiking gear in your backpack, and head to this magical wilderness. This timeless landscape will put all your worries into perspective!
Feature image: Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve (TravelGround)
