The Cederberg is a mountain range stretching approximately 100kms in a vast wilderness area. It covers 83000ha of mountains, valleys, fynbos vegetation and streams. The Cederberg Wilderness area falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The two main towns nearby are Clanwilliam to the north, and Citrusdal to the south in the Western Cape Province It is a 200kms drive north from Cape Town.
The Cederberg was named after the hardy Clanwilliam Ceder tree, now close to extinction. The tree is a protected species.
In winter, the area around the Cederberg is awash with ripe citrus orchards and snow-capped mountains. In spring the fields are carpeted in colourful and unique wildflowers. Summer rains bring rapid flowing rivers ,and the Clanwilliam dam wall spewing overflowing water is a sight to behold.
If you are a nature lover looking for peace and solitude, the Cederberg is your ideal destination.
Things to do
Unleash the adventurer in you and attempt the many strenuous hiking, rock climbing and boulder hopping routes – beginning at the Algeria forest station – to the unusual and bizarre rock formations with names such as Wolfberg Arch, Maltese Cross and the Maalgat rock pools. Look out for the elusive leopard and caracal along the way.
Travel over the Pakhuis Pass to walk the Sevilla rock art trail. The art was produced by South Africa’s oldest inhabitants, the San, who used ochre to paint culturally relevant figures and animals onto rock surfaces. Further along is the Wupperthal Mission Station, a window back in time.
Amongst all this remoteness there is a well-established wine route! The Olifant’s River Valley wine route begins at Citrusdal and ends in Lutzville in the north. One wine farm on the route is west along the road to Lambert’s Bay.
Prepare a picnic basket (or ask your host) and head for the shores of the picturesque man made Clanwilliam Dam. The water is warm enough to swim. Hang around for a magnificent sunset over the Cederberg.
Rooibos tea is a unique drink from this part of the world. Its health benefits are world renowned and a few farms in the area offer factory tours.
The Lamberts Bay Crayfish Festival is held annually in March. Visit to experience typical west coast hospitality and to feast on the crayfish (rock lobster) abundant off these shores.
Where to Eat
Velskoendraai Restaurant in Clanwilliam serves hearty home cooked dishes, and your chance to sample roosterkoek, a thick bread dough cooked over an open fire and enjoyed with home made jam.
It’s a bit of a drive but the Kreefhuis Restaurant in Lamberts Bay prides itself in using only the freshest seafood, nothing is frozen. Friendly atmosphere with outdoor verandah.
Reinholds Restaurant has a well-balanced à la carte menu to be had in this quiet venue in Clanwilliam.
Stop at one of the many brightly painted road stalls to stock up on citrus fruit, nuts and vegetables grown along the canals in the area.
Night Life
Pop in to De Kelder Restaurant in Clanwilliam on a weekend evening to see how the locals party. The restaurant occasionally hosts local DJs.
The Cocktail Bar at Clanwilliam Lodge has some uniquely named cocktails and shooters on offer, the Kalahari Ferrari shooter is as intimidating as it sounds!
Where to Stay
From beautifully appointed lodges to unique accommodation built in rockery, to luxury cottages, self-catering units and rustic backpacker digs, all are delightfully remote for you to savour the tranquil surroundings.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, roughly 220km from the Cederberg region.
Car There many rental agencies in Cape Town city centre and at the Cape Town International Airport , or you could order a rental car online.
Taxi Several shuttle service companies operate out of Cape Town, however, you would need your own vehicle to truly enjoy your visit to the Cederberg.
Did you know?
The amazing Snow Protea occurs only along the winter snowline of the Cederberg Mountains, and nowhere else. This tough plant is white in colour and flowers immediately after a snowfall.
The plant that is grown to produce Rooibos (red bush) tea is a herb and not a true tea. Rooibos tea is free of colourants, additives and preservatives, it carries zero kilojoules and can be stored for lengthy periods.