Travel Guide to The Cederberg Mountains – Best Things to Do
If you’re chasing adventure in the Cape Province, the Cederberg Mountains should be on your list. This masterpiece of 71,000 hectares is a playground of jagged peaks, iconic rock formations, hidden caves, mountain streams, and outdoor opportunities. Stretching through the Olifants River Valley, the area is alive with wildlife—from rock hyraxes and dassies to mongooses. At the same time, the skies are patrolled by Cape sugarbirds, Verreaux’s eagles, and other majestic birds of prey. Whether hiking, climbing, or simply soaking in the rugged beauty, or enjoy the wide open spaces, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Including the best places to stay, will provide everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to the Cederberg.
About the Cederberg
This vast Cederberg wilderness area forms part of the globally recognised Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its iconic formations and captivating geographical features sculpted over millions of years, and clear mountain streams that wind through the valleys. The rugged, scenic destination is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring pristine nature reserves, with unique photo opportunities.
Where is the Cederberg?
The Cederberg Mountains are located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, a mere 5 km from Clanwilliam, and roughly 300 kilometres north of Cape Town.
How to get to the Cederberg Mountains
Visitors from Cape Town typically start on the N1 highway and then switch to the N7 toward the charming town of Malmesbury. After passing Citrusdal, look for the sign to the Cederberg/Algeria turnoff. For spectacular views, consider taking the Piekenierskloof Pass through Malmesbury or Citrusdal. If you venture along the R27 to Wuppertal, be prepared for gravel roads. Clanwilliam is the nearest town to the north-west, with Citrusdal to the south-west.
Weather Cederberg Algeria
The Cederberg Mountains have a Mediterranean climate featuring wet winters and dry, hot summers. Being one of the few untouched places in the world, expect an arid landscape with little rain and soaring temperatures in summer.
Summer (September to April), daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F), while nights remain cooler, and rainfall is scarce, increasing the risk of wildfires. The region’s varied altitude and topography create different microclimates, so visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions while exploring the area’s unique flora and fauna.
Winter (May to August) – Cederberg weather often drops below freezing at night, with most rainfall occurring during this season.
Wintertime brings cool days and the occasional cold front that replenishes the streams and sometimes turns the mountains into a snowy wonderland.
At night, the Cederberg offers a clear starry sky with the Milky Way as you’ve never seen it before.
The amazing Stadsaal Caves photo was taken by Kobus Peche (Getty Images).
The 15 Best Things to Do in The Cederberg Mountains
- Hiking: Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Arch, Lot’s Wife
- Rock climbing & bouldering: Truitjieskraal, Rocklands
- Stadsaal Caves & San rock art
- Sevilla Rock Art Trail
- Waterfalls & rivers: Middelberg, Maalgat Hippo Pool
- Stargazing & Cederberg Observatory
- Festivals & events: Rocklands Highline
1. Meander the Cederberg Mountains
Discover the exceptional beauty of this unspoilt, rugged Wilderness in your own time. The region is filled with incredible Rock Art and eroded rock formations in amber, red, and burnt orange shades. A good idea is to pack some snacks in your daypack and sit somewhere to admire the beauty; you’ll be surprised by how much more you’ll see instead of just rushing through.
Revel in the species of animals such as the rare lynx, bat-eared foxes, honey badgers, dassies, Otters, aardvarks, porcupines, and even the elusive cape leopard. Besides that, antelope species and endemic reptiles, such as the armadillo lizard, are found. Among the Cederberg bird species, the black eagle, rock kestrel, and jackal buzzard are the most common raptors.
2. The Stadsaal Caves & Khoisan Rock Art
Step back in time with a visit to the famous Stadsaal Caves, whose name is probably due to the many alleyways inside the capacious Caves. During the 19th Century, the Stadsaal Cave was used for community meetings. The Rock formations with ancient Cederberg Rock art of elephant herds roaming freely. Visitors to the Caves and Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve can obtain their Stadsaal Caves permit at any Tourism office in the Cederberg.
3. Hiking in The Cederberg Mountains
One of the Top Things to do in the Cederberg Mountains is to explore geological marvels like the Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Cracks & Arch, and the scenic Lot’s Wife rock formation. The Cederberg offers excellent hiking opportunities from easy to moderate to challenging routes. Depending on the experience you want, the Cederberg Hikes vary from 1 to 8 hours and range from easy to moderate up to strenuous hikes. The duration of trials was indicated as a return trip. Choose a hike according to your level of fitness.
While hiking the Cederberg hiking Trails, look out for mammals, other fauna, and flora. Always carry a daypack containing enough water, a first aid kit, a hat, sunscreen, warm clothes and snacks. Remember to bring your camera to capture the beautiful surroundings.
Looking for a Cedarberg Mountain Guide, here are a few options:
- Blake Dayson from Love our Trails, also the Co-founder of Brownie Points, @ 079 711 2922.
- Rob French, an adventurer from Wild Cape Hikes, @ 076 421 9528.
- Yvette Ebersohn from Outdoor addicts @ 060 325 1585.
- Mike Wakeford, guiding hikers on hikes and climbs in the Western Cape and Cape Peninsula, @ 079 772 9809.
4. Experience the Hike to Lot’s Wife
The Intriguing Rock formation known as Lot’s Wife is a leisurely 1.6km stroll from the main road. Taking on the shape of a praying woman, the formation was named after a Biblical figure. The whole story of Lot’s wife, who turned into a pillar of salt, is recounted in the Holy Bible in the book of Genesis.
Two angels appeared to Lot, his wife and his daughters, and asked them to flee the city of Sodom and Gomorrah before its imminent destruction by God. The angels command them not to look back while they run. Unfortunately, Lot’s wife disobeyed the angels’ command not to look back and turned into a pillar of salt. Sodom and Gomorrah.
5. Rock Climbing & Bouldering – Truitjieskraal
Truitjieskraal is a crag in the Cederberg amidst dramatic sandstone formations, with impressive Bushman paintings dating back 5000 years. The name is believed to be derived from Gertruida, the name of a shepherd’s wife. There are sufficient directions along the trail that provide insights into the San and Khoe cultures.
Rock Climbing
Truitjieskraal and Rocklands are world-renowned for their sandstone boulders among extreme sports enthusiasts as one of the best Rock-climbing sites in South Africa. Permits for Rock climbing at the Cederberg Mountain Range, South Africa, are available at the Kromrivier office. For info and routes – Rock climbing the Crags at Truitjieskraal, see Climb Truitjieskraal.
6. The Cederberg Maltese Cross
Located at the foothills of Sneeuberge, the Cederberg Maltese Cross rock formation rises to 30 meters, making it an impressive sight that cannot be missed. Historically, the area was known as Sneeuwbergen, meaning “snow mountains” due to the snow covering the hills. The Sneeuberg mountain range was previously called Sneeuwbergen for the same reason.
The Maltese Cross Cederberg hike is a 7-kilometer trail offering moderately challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the Cederberg Mountains. The Hike takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete.
Upon arrival at the Cross, you will notice a path all around the Cross that enables one to wander at the Cederberg Maltese cross and admire the burnt-orange masterpiece from all sides.
7. Experience The Wolfberg Cracks & Wolfberg Arch
Although hiking Cederberg to the Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch involves steep sections, this incredible hike is worth doing. The Wolfberg Arch hike via Wolfberg Cracks starts at the foot of the Wolfberg, about 1.2 km from Sanddrif. A map with directions for the route and narrow Cracks is available at Sandrivier.
Wolfberg Cracks Hike
If you’re planning to hike to Wolfberg Cracks, starting early in the morning is advisable. Although the trail is steep, the path is well-maintained. During the first leg of the hike, you’ll reach the most significant Crack. The hike continues further, and you’ll descend 30 meters into the depths of the Wolfberg before reaching the other unique Cracks.
Wolfberg Arch Hike
On the other hand, the Wolfberg Arch Hike is known as the ultimate hike in Cederberg Mountain. It’s worth all the effort to see the spectacular 15-meter-high Wolfberg Arch. However, I recommend you return on the same route after spending enough time at the Arch and its surroundings. Remember to carry enough water and the right Snacks to keep you energised.
8. Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Located on the farm Travellers Rest, The Sevilla Rock Art Trail is about 30 30-minute drive from Clanwilliam over the Pakhuis Pass.
This is one of the famous walks in the northern Cederberg due to a stunning series of Sevilla Rock Art in Cedarberg Mountains, Western Cape.
The trail consists of 9 rock art sites and will take about 2½ hours to complete. Expect some uneven terrain, although the route is pretty straightforward.
Should you travel during the Flower season, I suggest you combine the outing with a visit to the Biedouw Valley.
9. Middelberg Waterfall
Starting at the Algeria Campsite, the 6 km route will take you to the picturesque Middelberg Waterfall, an ideal place to enjoy a picnic. Duration: about 3 hours return (excluding time at the Waterfall). Take enough water and Healthy snack food.
10. Stargazing in The Cederberg Mountains
Due to the clear sky, the Cederberg offers a star spectacle most of the year. One Stargazing & Dark Skies — With minimal light pollution, the Cederberg reveals breathtaking views of the Milky Way. Visit the Cederberg Observatory, 2 km outside Dwarsrivier. Weather permitting, there is a two-hour show every Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
11. Rocklands Highline Festival
Once a year, over Easter, the circus comes to the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. This is when a festive atmosphere reigns at De Pakhuys campsite. During this time, unicyclists, power-stilt walkers, and slacklines are strung between trees and tents.
12. Swimming and Cliff Jumping at Maalgat
The 2 km Maalgat walk or Hippo Pool Hike is relatively easy, and the scenery along the river’s edge is very rewarding. There are some paddle pools along the way where one can cool off before reaching the waterfall, which tumbles into a much larger pool.
13. Cederberg Cellars
Enjoy wine tasting at one of the highest Mountain ranges in South Africa. Cederberg Winery produces award-winning white and red wines and is open Monday through Saturday.
“A little help from my travel buddy, ChatGPT by OpenAI, went into creating this post!” ✈️
The Best Cederberg Accommodation and Campsites
Hi, my apologies for not replying earlier (due to sickness). Do you still need a guide or is it too late?
Hi do you k ow of a mountain guide for the cedarberg? We are keen to climb thr sneer wet and are staying at sandrift from 19-27 Jan .
So glad you’ve enjoyed the posts and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thank you for these fantastic posts; I would love to experience this.
Yes absolutely!
Dankie vir comment.Dit is beslis ‘n baie besonderse plek.
The Cederberg Mountains sounds like a place one should definitely put on ones list of go to places. Lots of awesome things to do and places to see!
Dit lyk fantasties!
Thanks! Hope you enjoyed the article too.
Cool beautiful pictures .
Cool beautiful pictures
Awesomeness 💛