Discover Hidden Cederberg Hikes for Your Next Adventure

Did you know that there are more exciting hiking trails in the Cederberg than just the famous Maltese Cross and Wolfberg Arch? If you’re looking to add some adventure to your next Easter holiday or long weekend in the Western Cape, then these three lesser-known hikes are perfect for you.

Explore Ancient Rock Art on Spectacular Cederberg Hikes

The Cederberg is an incredible place filled with ancient artwork, like a natural art museum. It’s truly a sight to behold, and you won’t want to miss it. If you want the best experience, I recommend going with a guide. They know all the best spots and can show you the most fascinating rock-art sites.

One of the greatest ways to explore the rock art in the Cederberg is through the Living Landscape Project located in Clanwilliam. They organize a fantastic tour called the Warmhoek Trail that takes you on a three-hour journey to four different rock shelters in the striking Jan Dissels Valley. These shelters have some of the most beautiful and well-preserved artwork in the region.

If you’re worried about the difficulty of the trail, don’t be. It’s a short and easy stroll, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The highlight of the tour is the Procession Shelter, which is truly awe-inspiring.

To make things even more convenient, they offer vehicle transfers as part of the package. So, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the experience. The cost for the Warmhoek Trail is R200, which includes the transfer. And if you’re interested in just visiting the Procession Shelter, it’s only R90.

Make sure to book in advance, as they require 24-hour notice for vehicle transfers. You can contact them at 027-482-1911 or visit their website at www.cllp.uct.ac.za for more information.

I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Sevilla Trail while hiking with my family. It was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy nature with their kids.

One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to visit the famous Stadsaal Caves in Matjiesrivier. These caves are a must-see and offer a self-guided tour that allows you to explore at your own pace.

To make the most of your trip, be sure to obtain the necessary permits. Adults can purchase a permit for R40, while children can get one for R20. You can get these permits from CapeNature or any of the resorts in the area.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Sevilla Trail or the Stadsaal Caves, you can contact CapeNature at 021-483-0190 or visit their website at www.capenature.co.za.

Ready for a refreshing swim?

The Cederberg offers some of the best hiking trails for those looking to take a dip in the water. Here are a few recommendations:

1. The Sevilla Trail: This trail not only provides stunning views but also gives you the chance to take a refreshing swim in natural pools along the way.

2. Wolfberg Cracks: This challenging hike leads you to breathtaking rock formations and hidden swimming spots that are perfect for a quick cool-off.

3. The Maltese Cross: This iconic landmark offers a moderate hike and a beautiful swimming spot at the base.

Remember to pack your swimsuits, towels, and plenty of water for these hikes. And don’t forget to respect nature by leaving no trace and taking only memories.

Enjoy your hiking adventure in the Cederberg!

A short 30-minute walk downhill from the Sanddrif Holiday Resort will lead you to Maalgat, an impressive rock pool. This pool is perfect for swimming and offers a picturesque setting with a small waterfall and plenty of slabs where you can have a picnic or enjoy the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a thrilling jump from the 11-meter high cliffs into the deep pool. You can get permits for R30 per adult and R15 per child under 14 years old at Sanddrif. For more information, you can call 027-482-2825 or visit www.cederbergwine.com.

Now, let’s talk about the best hikes in the Cederberg for kids.

When I went on a hike up Adderley Street in the Wolfberg Cracks, I was amazed by the steep but manageable trail. If you’re up for an adventure, I recommend heading for the third crack. To find the start of the route, just look for a signboard where it branches off from the main trail at the base of the cracks.

As you make your way through this fascinating trail, you’ll pass through tunnels and navigate around large boulders. It’s quite a unique experience! Keep going until you reach the top of the plateau, where you’ll need to turn left to get back on the main trail.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can opt to return via the main crack. This will take about four hours for a 7.5-kilometer round trip. Alternatively, you can continue to Wolfberg Arch, which is another eight kilometers away. It’ll take you about four hours to get there and back from this point. The stunning rock walls, caves, arches, and canyons in this hidden world are truly breathtaking, so make sure you have your camera with you!

Trekking permits in the Cederberg

If you’re planning a trip to Wolfberg Cracks in Cederberg, South Africa, you’ll need to get the necessary permits. Permits for adults cost R50, and for children, the price is R30. However, if you also want to visit Wolfberg Cracks and Arch, the permits will cost R100 for adults and R60 for children. If you have a Wild Card, you can enter for free. You can get these permits from the Sanddrif Holiday Resort. Just give them a call at 027-482-2825 or visit their website at www.cederbergwine.com.

Here’s a helpful tip for hikers in Cederberg:

To make the most of your hiking experience, you can download free maps of various Cederberg trails online. This includes the popular day walks in Algeria. Visit www.slingsbymaps.com/free-cederberghiking.aspx to access these maps. The dedicated team at Slingsby has gone the extra mile by GPS tracking every trail in the area. They will be releasing a two-map set called “Hiking the Cederberg” (1:40 000) later this year, so keep an eye out for more information on www.slingsbymaps.com/cederberg-hiking.aspx.