Cederberg Explorer

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Mountain walking in the stunning Cederberg Wilderness Area – an ancient landscape crossed by remote trails leading past unique geological features and weird wind-shaped rock formations.  Explore ancient San rock art, dive into the crystal clear water of mountain pools, marvel at an unbelievable night sky and taste wines at one of the region’s premier wine farms.

Highlights of this experience include hikes to the famous Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Cracks and the ancient rock art of Stadsaal Caves; rock jumping and swimming in a mountain pool; wine tasting at Cederberg Wines; Cederberg skies on a clear day – vast during the day and impossibly sprinkled with stars at night; 2 nights comfortable accommodation in close vicinity of the trail heads and the possibility of seeing wildlife such as Baboon, Rock Hyrax, Klipspringer, Caracal or even the elusive Cape Leopard. 

The trip is intended to appeal to guests who enjoy hiking on remote trails and are seeking a wilderness experience away from the standard tourist route.  The nature of the hiking assumes a moderate to good fitness level with comfort on steep ground and light rock scrambles.

Day One

We pick up after breakfast, from hotels in Cape Town or the Cape Winelands.

It is a 4hr scenic transfer into the Cederberg Wilderness Area, with view stops and lunch along the way.

On arriving in the heart of the Cederberg, we break out of the vehicle for our first hike in the mountains, discovering the wind-formed sandstone gargoyles on the sandy paths of the Lot’s Wife Trail.

Following the hike, we head to check into our accommodation

With no time to waste, we are back in the van for a short journey to the Stadsaal Caves to marvel at wonderful examples of ancient San rock art and toast the sunset, returning to our cottage in the early evening for dinner prepared by your guide.

Day Two

An early start to the day as we make our way up the slopes towards the rugged cliffs of the Wolfberg.

We hike upwards towards the plateau, until some light scrambling brings us to the highlight of the day, the Wolfberg Cracks.

Alternatively, take the more adventurous route and tackle the slightly more technical scrambles and marvel at the fantastic rock formations and steep walls.

After a picnic lunch, we descend the steep slopes and wash away the dust and sweat of the day with an icy swim in the clear mountain waters of Maalgat pools.

Enjoy a traditional South African BBQ for dinner tonight and enjoy the evening gazing at the brilliant show of stars in the night sky.

For those looking for more of a challenge, we continue to hike across the plateau to explore the magnificent Wolfberg Arch.

Day Three

Another early breakfast before targeting another Cederberg icon – the stunning Maltese Cross.

We spoil ourselves with a wine tasting at the Cederberg Wine Estate and enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawns before making the journey back towards Cape Town, arriving in the early evening

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!
L to R: Wolfberg Cracks, Cederberg Wine tasting; hiking in the Cederberg
  • TRIP PRICE

    Please contact your DMC for updated rates

    If you are a tour operator, please contact us for STO rates

  • TRIP INCLUDES

    All transfers

    Professional Active Africa Mountain Walking Driver-Guide

    Mineral water, trail snacks and refreshments during walking activities

    2 x breakfast, 3 x lunch, & 2 x Dinner, including mineral water and hot beverages

    Limited wine and malt at dinner and sundowner cocktails

    Sunset Drinks Day 1

    Wine tasting fees

    All entrance fees and costs pertaining to the tour

    Access to Active Africa personal walking equipment – cold weather gear, trekking poles, back packs, water bottles

  • TRIP EXCLUDES

    All Alcoholic beverages except at Sunset Drinks on Day 1

    Personal purchases

    Guide Gratuities

  • YOU SHOULD KNOW

    Most dietary requirements can be catered for provided ample advance notice is given, although please note that strict Kosher or Halaal diets may be limited and attract a surcharge.

    The winter months (June – September) can be cold and wet, but this often does not detract from the beauty of the hikes. December through February can be very hot in the Cederberg.

    Cell phone reception is patchy to absent in this region and there is no WiFi

     

     

  • GRADING
    • Day 1: Easy to Moderate.  Gently undulating hiking over sandy trails.  1 to 2hrs, 5km.
    • Day 2: Hard to Challenging.  Steep ascent over rocky trails including some light rock scrambling – 5km / 4 to 5hrs.  Option to extend the hike to the Wolfberg Arch – 8km / 6 to 7hrs
    • Day 3: Moderate to Hard.  Gradual but sustained ascent over sandy and rocky trails – 7km / 3 to 4hrs
  • FACT SHEET

    For takeaway information, please download our fact sheet for the Cederberg Explorer

     

  • ACCOMMODATION

    The Sanddrif cottages are simple and rustic, yet pleasantly appointed with individual rooms, comfortable beds and linen, gas-heated hot showers, flushing toilets and a stylish living area both indoors and outside.

    The cottages can accommodate up to 6 people in total.  The cottages are booked for private use – guests do not share the facility with other guests.

    Larger group sizes can be accommodated – please discuss this with your Active Africa consultant.

Cederberg breakaway cottage
Cederberg breakaway cottage bedroom
Cederberg breakaway kitchen

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