Red Cederberg
A three day / three night, slackpacking experience based at the Keurbosfontien Farm in the Red Cederberg district of Dwarsrivier. Situated on the road to Wupperthal, this is one of the Cederbergs rare remaining original farmsteads. This is a fully catered and guided escape, featuring a variety of hiking options, including the iconic Wolfberg Cracks and Arch.
Keurbosfontein Farm has 4 en-suite rooms for couples or singles sharing, plus additional bed configurations for families or groups of friends who don’t mind sharing. Maximum group size is 10.
There is no electricity, although there is solar for charging cameras and batteries. Candles are used for light and ambiance. Connectivity is limited and intermittent. Use of phones is discouraged.
Driving time from Cape Town, approximately four hours
Trail Details
Trail location
Cederberg Wilderness Area – Red Cederberg, Dwarsrivier
Nearest towns
Transport options
Trip Duration / Options
Option 1. Minimum – 3 days / 3 nights
Option 2. Additional days hiking and touring, by individual arrangement
Option 3. Refer to Cederberg – Dwarsrivier Trails
Start / Finish
Start: Trail accommodation hub at Keurbosfontein Farm
Finish: As above
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: Short orientation stroll;
Day 2: Badskloof – 8 – 10 km
Day 3: Wolfberg Cracks & Arch – 15km;
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 reasonable 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 renovated farmhouse and outbuilding 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
Single venue. Overnight luggage remains in out
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 – R8400 per person sharging
4 days / 3 night
Price on application – 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
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)
Guided by Mike
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Scheduled Red Cederberg Hiking Escape
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