Cederberg – Dwarsrivier Trails
Newsflash: Have a look at the new Red Cederberg option – see calendar below
The Cederberg Wilderness District is a vast area stretching roughly 400 km South to North and varying from 50km to 200km West to East. There are numerous hiking routes that very often link up with each other, covering the entire terrain, some of which are on private land and some of which are reserve territory, managed by Cape Nature. Two of the most popular trails are the Wolfberg Cracks & Arch Trail and the Maltese Cross Trail, both defined by the awe inspiring rock formations that give the trails their names. For this reason we base ourselves at one of the resorts in the area – Sanddrif or Kromrivier – and take day walks out onto these trail as well as one or two other options, including visits to rock art paintings in the area. It is possible to spent a few weeks exploring the area, but the trails are usually limited to three or four days.
Have a look at the new Red Cederberg option
Trail Details
Trail location
Nearest towns
Transport options
Trip Duration / Options
Option 2. Additional days hiking and touring, by individual arrangement
Option 3. Refer to Cederberg Heritage Route
Start / Finish
Start: Trail accommodation hub at Sanddrif GPS: 32˚48’77.98 S / 19˚26’98.94 E
or Kromrivier GPS: 32˚53’64.96 S / 19˚28’06.18 E
Finish: As above
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: Maltese Cross – 8km;
Day 2: Wolfberg Cracks & Arch – 20km;
Day 3: Disa River – 12 km
Optional extras: Sneeuberg 12 to 14 km; Stadsaal – viewing sight; Treitjieskraal – Rock Art 2 km; Savilla Rock Art Trail – 4 km
Trail Grading
Based on a grading of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous.
Days 1 & 3 would be moderate, with Day 2 being strenuous. The paths are well established but not always clear. Rocky and uneven underfoot in places with some easy scrambling. Some exposure in places with a tricky scramble in one of ‘cracks’. Alternative routes available.
Physical Fitness
A high degree of overall and hiking fitness required
Technical detail / Terrain
On path, steep terrain in places, limited exposure, limited easy scrambling. Short section requires wriggling under a chock stone in a confined space.
Mountain terrain with short steep sections, well defined natural rock path with some loose stones and uneven surfaces underfoot
Accommodation
3 Night – comfortable chalets with bedding and towels provided.
Food Supply / Catering
This is a fully catered trail with lunch packs both days, dinner, breakfast and hot beverages supplied. Cold beverages / drinks for own account.
Logistic support / Guiding
All overnight luggage is transported – day packs only
The trail is guided by a fully trained, accredited mountain guide with experience of the area.
Highlights
The Cederberg Wilderness area is known for its remoteness, winding mountain passes with magnificent views, diverse flora and amazing rock formations.
Other Activities
Wine & beer tasting; rock art visits
Fauna & Flora
The core of the ‘fynbos’ biome and part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site. Mostly nocturnal and shy small animals, occasional small antelope and rock hyrax. Lizards and agamas with a scattering of birdlife, including occasional sighting of raptors.
Climate
The Cederberg as part of the Western Cape is located in a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. Summer can be hot (up to 35 degrees) and winter can be very cold with snow on the higher peaks and even occasionally further down. Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures are seldom high for long periods. Hiking is only recommended with caution, during the hottest summer months of December, January & February.
Seasonality & Best Time Year
Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures are seldom high for long periods. Hiking is possible all year round but with caution that the hottest days that usually occur between December and February, it is not recommended
Group Size
Minimum 6 persons – recommended maximum 10 persons although larger groups can be accommodated.
Price P/P
Red Cederberg
3 days / 3 nights – R7900 per person sharging
4 days / 3 night
Price on application – from approximately R7500 pp – minimum group 6 people (excluding transport from Cape Town or agreed meeting place – this can add substantially to the cost)
Price review date: 1 November annually
Price Includes
- All permits for hikes and activities in the Cederberg
- 3 nights Accommodation
- All Meals: Dinner, Breakfast & Packed lunch on hike days
- Qualified Mountain & Hiking Guide
- Luggage Transfers & Vehicle Support within the Cederberg
Optional Extras:
Wine tasting
Transport from accommodation in Cape Town or local town and return after the hike.
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (order in advance or no charge to bring your own)
Here you'll find any scheduled trails that you can join. Trails may be booked up to one year in advance, so be sure to scroll ahead using the arrows on the left to find if there are any available. The trail operator page will also list any scheduled trails.
If you would like to enquire about different dates, please fill in the form below. Trails are initiated when someone makes an enquiry, and go ahead once the minimum numbers are confirmed.
Scheduled Cederberg – Dwarsrivier Trails
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