The Cederberg Wilderness Area lies 200 km north of Cape Town. The 71 000ha mountainous terrain stretches from Middelberg Pass at Citrusdal to north of Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam. This wilderness, managed by Cape Nature Conservation, enjoys the highest possible conservation status and is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rock formations, as well as its namesake, the increasingly rare Clanwilliam cedar tree. It offers hikes, accommodation, camping and mountain-climbing.
The Cederberg mountains are part of the Cape folded mountain series and consist mainly of Table Mountain sandstone. Weathered sandstone formations, most notably the Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross, are typical of the Cederberg. The mountains fall within the catchment area of the Cape fynbos region, and are managed as a source of water. The Cederberg Wilderness Area, managed by Cape Nature Conservation, offers unsurpassed opportunities for recreation. In the primitive wilderness, away from city bustle, one finds space and peace. Activities which are compatible with the wilderness atmosphere, such as hiking and rock climbing, are encouraged.
Various hiking routes criss-cross the wilderness area. These routes provide access to the wilderness, and hikers may explore the area at will. Rock climbing is popular and is permitted throughout the area, provided that rock surfaces do not become damaged. The cliffs of the Krakadouw and Table Mountain peaks are the most popular climbing sites.
There are hundreds of rocky overhangs and caves with fine examples of rock art. These paintings may be anything from 300 to 6 000 years old, and are very sensitive to damage. They are an integral part of the wilderness area's fascination and visitors should discover them for themselves. Rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act, and vandals who deface rock paintings face fines of up to R10 000 or two years imprisonment, or both.
Cape Nature Conservation manages two camp sites in the Cederberg Wilderness Area, namely Algeria and Kliphuis. Algeria is the main camp and is situated approximately 48 km north of Citrusdal, on the banks of the Rondegat River. It has an office and 48 sites. Kliphuis is situated 20 km from Clanwilliam in the Pakhuis Pass and has 10 sites.
General
Ablution facilities with hot water are available. Please bring your own toilet paper. No electricity or power points are provided at the camp sites. Groups are restricted to six people per site. Day visitors are not permitted when camp sites are fully booked. No pets are allowed.
Other recreational opportunities Camping reservations include day-walks to Waterval, the circular route from Algeria to Uitkyk and the route to Skeurkrans. A permit is obtainable at the office or gate should you wish to walk or overnight in the wilderness area. Booking is recommended.
Cottages
There are seven cottages for visitors in the Cederberg Wilderness Area. These range from basic but comfortable cottages at Uitkyk, Waenhuis, Sas-se-Werf, Prik-se-Werf and Peerboom, to more luxurious accommodation at Rietdak and Garskraal at Algeria.
Please note the following:
Electricity and equipment
The basic cottages do not have electricity, lighting, bed linen or kitchenware. Garskraal and Rietdak are fully equipped with electricity, bed linen and kitchenware. All the cottages have gas stoves and fridges and bathrooms with hot water and toilets. Coin and card telephones are available at the gate. Telephone cards are available at the office. Capacity
Maximum number of people per cottage:
Uitkyk - 6
Waenhuis - 6
Prik-se-Werf, Peerboom and Sas-se-Werf - 5 each
Rietdak - 5
Garskraal - 8
Reservations for the cottages include day-walks to Waterval, the old Uitkyk Pass and the circular route from Uitkyk to Algeria. Access to the camp grounds or wilderness area is not included. Booking is advisable should you wish to walk or overnight in the wilderness area.
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