Cederberg Mountains

About the Cederberg Mountains
Cederberg Southern Traverse - 5 Days (classic trek)
Cederberg Wolfberg Adventure (lodge based trek)

About the Cederberg Mountains

The Cederberg Mountains occupy approximately 130 000 hectares of rugged mountain terrain between the towns of Citrusdal, Clanwilliam and Ceres in the Western Cape and a good proportion of this is protected by the 71 000 hectare proclaimed Cederberg Wilderness Area.

The area is famous for the Cedar Tree which survives in small numbers and gives the Cederberg its name. Well known for its weathered sandstone rock formations and historical Bushman paintings, which can be found in a number of caves, the Cederberg’s high mountain peaks offer a true wilderness experience not easily surpassed.

Impressive features include the Wolfberg Arch and Cracks, the Maltese Cross, Tafelberg and the Spout, Sneeuberg Peak and many sparkling clean rivers and mountain pools. The formidable peaks of the Cedarberg reach heights of over 2000m and animals in the area include many species of Antelope such as Grysbok, Rhebok and Klipspringer as well as Baboons and predators like Leopard and Caracal. Snakes are occasionally seen and include various species including cobra and adder, but these reptiles seldom offer any danger to hikers.

We offer classic and lodge based trekking options in the Cederberg, all are guaranteed to offer an excellent wilderness and cultural experience.

Cederberg Southern Traverse

5 days - classic trek.

5 days - classic trek.The Southern Cederberg Traverse is a true wilderness mountaineering experience that takes in the two highest peaks in the Cederberg Range. Average fitness is required and some rock scrambling will be encountered. During winter temperatures can drop well below freezing and very wet weather can be encountered with snow and ice always a possibility.

Day 1 (4 - 5 hours hiking)

Departing early from Cape Town we follow the N7 via the Piekenierskloof Pass and the towns of Malmesbury, Piketberg and Citrusdal to arrive in the Cederberg Wilderness Area by late morning. We hike up to the Sneeuberg Hut via the imposing Maltese Cross which is found looming 30m high out from the valley floor along the way. The night is spent at the rustic hut either sleeping in the hut, under the stars or in a tent nearby. Water for drinking and cooking is available close to the hut.

Day 2 (5 - 6 hours hiking)

We leave the heavy packs behind and hike up to the top of the Sneeuberg and climb the summit blocks to reach the highest point in the Cederberg Range at an altitude of 2026m. The spectacular view from the summit is well worth the effort and one can often see all the way to Table Mountain approximately 300km away. Hiking back down the mountain we keep a look-out for the rare Snow Protea and enjoy a great view of Tafelberg, our next objective. The night is spent at the hut again.

Day 3 (7 - 8 hours hiking)

From the Sneeuberg Hut we hike down a historical pass on our way to Welbedacht Forrest Station. Along the way we have a look at an old leopard trap which was used in years gone by to catch these magnificent animals. This, of course, is no longer allowed and today farmers and conservationists alike work hard to re-establish the leopard in the Cederberg. We cross the valley floor towards Tafelberg and following a crystal clear mountain stream we ascend to Welbedacht Cave for the night.

Day 4 (5-6 hours hiking)

From the cave we cross Die Trap (meaning “The Step”) shale band and ascend to Spout Cave. We leave our packs at the cave and scramble to the summit of Tafelberg at 1968m. On top there is a multitude of incredible rock formations to be explored including the famous “flying saucer”. There is plenty of opportunity for stunning panoramic photographs before we return to spout cave for the night.

Day 5 (3-4 hours hiking)

Today it’s all downhill as we descend back past Welbedacht Cave to end our hike at a crystal clear river for a final swim or wash before we return to Cape Town for the afternoon or continue onwards on an exciting add-on adventure.

Add-ons and Options for this adventure:

For the truly adventurous we can include a rock climbing ascent of Tafelberg via a classic multi-pitch route. This involves a technical rock climb of at least 6 or more pitches using traditional climbing equipment. Participants need to be fit and competent seconding on multi-pitch routes of intermediate grade or harder and have a good head for exposure.
After the trek we can continue on an adventurous tour of the Cederberg, West Coast or the surrounding towns. Activities can include rock climbing, abseiling, quad-biking, 4×4 routes, scuba diving, horse riding, wine tasting or cultural experiences and sight seeing. Contact us for a proposed itinerary.

Numbers and Guide/Client ratio:

We can accommodate 1 to 10 people per group. Larger groups accommodated on special arrangement only
Minimum of 1 guide: 6 clients

Participant Requirements:

Trekkers must be of at least average trekking fitness and able to carry a fully loaded backpack continuously for 5 days. You will need to carry some of the group equipment as well as your own food, even on a catered trek. No previous trekking experience is required.

Catering and Porters:

Trekkers can be self-sufficient or the trek can be fully catered. Porters are not available as an option on this trek.

Equipment:

You will require full overnight trekking equipment for mountain conditions and appropriate clothing. Tents are not absolutely required as we sleep in caves or rustic huts, however, a bivi bag is highly recommended. Certain items can be hired from Venture Forth. Please download the Cederberg Southern Traverse Packing List.

Transport:

Transport ex-Cape Town return is supplied by Venture Forth in an air conditioned minibus or by overland truck depending on group size and full itinerary.

Recommended follow-up programs:

A day at a spa! (or any other Soft Adventure)
MDT Advanced Mountain Leader course
Introduction to Traditional Climbing course
Guided rock climbing ascent of Cederberg Tafelberg
Climb to the Roof of Africa and summit Kilimanjaro

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Cederberg Wolfberg Adventure

3 days - lodge based trek.

The Wolfberg Adventure offers an ideal first experience of the Cederberg with a taste of various activities and seeing some of the best known features of the range. We stay in fully equipped mountain chalets with hot & cold running water, full ablutions and electricity.

Day 1

Departing early from Cape Town we follow the N7 via the Piekenierskloof Pass and the towns of Malmesbury, Piketberg and Citrusdal to arrive in the Cederberg Wilderness Area by late morning. We make ourselves at home in lovely mountain chalets on the banks of the Driehoek River on the farm Dwarsrivier. We spend the afternoon swimming at Maalgat (”whirlpool”), exploring the area and relaxing. Abseiling and Single-Pitch Rock Climbing can also be enjoyed close to the campsite. Watch the orange and red of the sandstone cliffs as the sun set and enjoy a traditional South African meal around the fire.

Day 2 (7 - 8 hours hiking)

Taking only what we need for the day we hike up the Wolfberg via Gabriel’s Pass, crossing the sandy plato to reach the impressive Wolfberg Arch (a natural, freestanding, 30m high sandstone arch!). Continue along the footpath on the plato to the Wolfberg Cracks. Exploring the amazing network of narrow passages and chimneys we follow the cracks down into the alluring Valley of the Red Gods and then steeply down back to the chalets.

Day 3

Today we spend the morning exploring the historical and impressive Stadsaal (meaning “City Hall”) Caves and looking at the ancient San (”Bushman”) Rock Art. We make time for some wine tasting, at the cellar with the highest vineyards in Africa, before we head back to Cape Town in the afternoon.