On a Cederberg Wilderness Area holiday, away from city bustle there is only space and peace! Guests at this South African nature reserve can enjoy activities such as hiking the fully inclusive Cape Heritage Route and rock climbing. Many Khoi-San (bushmen) rock art sites can be seen as well as local attractions and areas of interest. Rock climbing is permitted throughout the area.

Hike up to the Wolfberg Arch via the Wolfberg Cracks or make your way to the Maltese Cross.Wildlife that can be viewed at this South African nature reserve includes Baboon, Dassie, Grey Rhebok, Klipspringers, Duiker and Grysbok to name a few. Although Porcupine, Honey Badger, Cape clawless Otter and Aardvark occur in the reserve, they are seldom seen.

The Leopard is the Cederberg's largest predator. This creature is fairly common at this South African nature reserve but also very shy. About 16 snake species are found at the Cederberg as well as 100 types of birds.

Hiking Trails in the Cederberg

Most of the Cederberg is a designated wilderness and largely undisturbed. The rugged terrain, few and rather poor roads and limited accommodation have preserved most of this beautiful region for campers willing to rough it and carry heavy backpacks into the wild. However, the hiking trails of the Cederberg Heritage Route now make this stunning area more accessible for the less hardy hiker.

Cape Heritage Route

There are 4 community-based trails, ranging from 3 to 5 nights in length. All trails start and finish in Clanwilliam. The trails are fully inclusive of all accommodation, meals, transport of people and luggage, entrance and park fees.

The trails wind through the Cederberg, adjacent mountainous areas, and villages of the extensive property of the Moravian Church. En-route trailists will see the rare and endangered Clanwilliam Cedar, pristine Fynbos, Proteas and Ericas, as well as endemics such as Tolbos, Perdekop and Spiderbush, and maybe local wildlife.

Hikers stay at comfortable guesthouses, some in the picturesque Moravian mission villages or some near Clanwilliam. Local community members escort the participants on the trails. Each day the hiker’s need only carry a day pack, while their overnight luggage is taken on to that night's guesthouse.

Informal hikes

Independent hikers will find plenty of exceptional trails in the Cederberg. Hikers will need to be well prepared in every aspect as conditions can be extreme and the weather can change dramatically. A topographical map of the region available from the Algeria office is indispensable for planning the hike and not getting lost.

Knowledgeable nature reserve guides can also be hired. There are no toilets, no fires are permitted, all refuse must be carried out and excreta buried. There are huts available but these are shelters only and no beds are installed.

Donkey Cart Adventures

Those taking part can leave their car at the top of the Pakhuis Pass where the cart route departs on the two-and-a-half hour ride to Heuningvlei. Guests can choose to stay one or more nights before making the return trip to the Pass.

Up to 6 persons can be accommodated at Mrs. Solomon’s guest cottage. Larger parties can stay in the small dormitories in the Community Guest Lodge. Guests are free explore the area on their own or enjoy a 2 hour return hike to cedar plantations and local rock art sites or an organic rooibos tea farm.