The majestic Cederberg Mountains offer some of the finest scenery in the Cape. Ancient trails take you through pristine mountain fynbos, past gnarled cedar trees and wonderful rock formations and over clear mountain streams. There is hardly a soul to be seen and a sense of peace and harmony descends on you as you walk.
The Cederberg Wilderness Reserve (71 000ha) and the nearby Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve (12 000ha) are officially designated Wilderness areas. (Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve is part of the greater Cederberg conservancy and boasts spectacular rock formations and San rock art at Stadsaal, the Maltese Cross and Wolfberg Arch.) To maintain the wilderness atmosphere, the Reserve is divided into three blocks - north, central and southern - and walkers need to purchase a permit to hike in any one of these blocks. Permits are obtainable from the Cape Nature Conservation office, at Algeria (027 482 2403) and Dwarsrivier Farm (for Maltese Cross/Wolfberg Cracks & Arch). A variety of simple accommodation is available in the high mountains (self-catering cottages, campsites, B&B's).
Hikers need to be well-prepared for extreme conditions. It can be fiercely hot in high summer. Sunblock and hats are recommended for most of the year. Yet there can also be snow in the winter! The services of a reserve guide can be booked ahead of time for a small fee. (Mostly Afrikaans-speaking, some English-speakers.)
Classic Hikes in the Wilderness Reserve
North (Permits from Kliphuis 027 482 2812)
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Heuningvlei jeep track from the top of Pakhuis pass (up to 12km, 3-4 hours) Top of Pakhuis pass down to Kliphuis via "Amon se vlak". (6km, 2-3 hours) Sevilla Trail – easy half day walk visiting rock art sites (Allow 2-3 hours, permits from Travellers Rest 027 482 1824)
Central (Permits from Algeria 027 482 2403)
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Waterfall Walk – strenuous short walk from Algeria Forest Station (allow 3 hours). Optional continuation to Middelberg (allow 4-5 hours) Algeria to Uitkyk via Middelberg and Die Gat – strenuous full day walk (18km, 6-8 hours) Eikeboom to Sneeuberg Hut – moderate walk (8km, 2½ to 3 hours). Optional continuation to Maltese Cross – add one hour.
South (Permits from Dwarsrivier 027 482 2825)
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Wolfberg Cracks – strenuous half day walk from Dwarsrivier (allow 3 hours) Wolfberg Cracks & Arch – strenuous full day circular hike from Dwarsrivier (18km, 8 hours) Maltese Cross – moderate half day walk from Dwarsrivier (allow 4 hours)
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