Oh, and did we mention it shares a spot with the rather lovely cederberg wines. Cederberg private cellar 2020 all you need to know. An amazing walk, with lots of fun scrambling, fantastic rock formations and stunning views. Rock climbing routes in wolfsberg cracks, cederberg. Easily share your publications and get them in front of issuus. The arch itself is certainly the largest such natural beauty of its kind that i know of in south africa, and stands in an area of great beauty and silence. Sep 15, 2018 falling at truitjieskraal, wolfberg cracks, cederberg, south africa whitesky photographics. Falling at truitjieskraal, wolfberg cracks, cederberg, south africa whitesky photographics. The wonderworld of sheer walls and blocky towers in the wolfberg main crack. Mar 08, 2018 a steep hike takes you to these cracks where you can crawl and maneuver your way right into the mountains belly. Wilderness status proclaimed in terms of an act of parliament means that the area must be conserved as far as possible in its original condition, etc etc. Wolfberg cracks takes about 3 to 4 hours, not easy to find, gps helpful. The cederberg wilderness area falls within the cape floral region, a world heritage site. This epic formation can be reached by traversing a set of monumental clefts in the mountain known as the wolfberg cracks.
Go soul seeking in the cederberg travelground blog. May 03, 2012 our big walk was up the wolfberg cracks which is a rather steep and rocky treck up into a mountain around 1700m highwe were at around m, then climbing through cracks in the mountain to reach the top. It overlookds a section of the rugged cederberg mountain range. The two lie fairly close to one another and either will supply you with maps and permits. Always carry enough water, warm clothes and snacks when embarking on any hike.
This is one of the highlights of any trip to the central cederberg. Pitching a small hiking tent beneath the cederbergs gargantuan starspeckled sky is something special. Wolfberg cracks before you continue to clanwilliam for 1 night, full board. The cederberg, brownies, tortellini and a golfing cake. Climb up a few meters to some small crimps in a thin rail. Two sisters from the farm kromrivier in the cederberg are brewing up a storm with their premiumquality craft beers, and at the same time contributing to the regions ecotourism. May, 2015 south africas cederberg mountain range is a place where time stands still, and city lights have never shown on the horizon. Wolfberg arch and cracks the arch is a long way from the cracks, but worth the effort, maltese cross, tafelberg, sneeuberg, sneeukop and krakadouw peak make for real mountaineering attractions, whilst the notasfit still gain a lot of pleasure from maalgat pool and stadsaal caves. The farm shop at dwarsrivier has a selection of nonperishable goods. These can be obtained from sanddrif during office hours, or booked telephonically. Cederberg accommodation 49 unique places to stay in. The hikes in this block are accessed through dwarsrivier farm, starting from the sanddrif campsite and chalets 027 482 2825 or kromrivier campsite and chalets 027 482 2807 or nuwerust chalets. The 30 best places in cederberg best price guarantee. If there is one adventurous hike to do in the cederberg wilderness area, this is it.
The cederberg is renowned for its quality of rock climbing routes particularly around the krakadouw and tafelberg peaks. Proclaimed on 27 july 1973, the cederberg wilderness covers moreorless the state forest area known as the cederberg. Detailed slingsby maps show the main walking trails maintained by cape nature. The ground seems too dry and barren to support life, yet there are hundreds of species of flowering plants and even tiny delicate succulents nestled between grains. The cederberg is one of the best natural galleries in the world with a.
Like many others, we made the heritage public holiday on tuesday into a long weekend and we went up to the cederberg for a bit of fresh air and hiking. Wolfberg cracks southern cederberg, a climbers guide. Wolfberg cracks western cape, south africa alltrails. Hiking wolfberg cracks and wolfberg arch cederberg south. For those who enjoy hiking, the wolfberg cracks hiking is closed until further notice, we drove from cape town to the cederberg to see the wolfberg cracks only to be greeted by a sign at sandriff reception about the closure of the cracks due massive fire they had in the region in summer. This unspoiled hiking paradise is rich in natures giant sandstone carvings and san rock paintings in secret caves, and is a hikers paradise for those who choose to sleep beneath the twinkling stars. Different options on walks through the cracks at the end, need experience to get through some of them.
The kliphuis is adjacent to the annex but has its own stoop. Most popular and easily accessible is the stadsaal cave and the elephant rock art. Quite challenging at times, and rather hilarious when we finally reached the cracks, but really really enjoyable. The big hike of the weekend was on monday when we went up the wolfberg cracks. Beefwood corner is a comfortable, fully equipped, centrally situated, selfcatering for a maximum of 4 persons. Back at sanddrif, we bathed in the river, grilled steak on the braai, rehydrated on chilled wine, watched sunset turn the wolfberg cracks golden and agreed this was what being in the cederberg was really about. Walk up to the wolfberg cracks from sanddrif in the cederberg, about 3 hours. It is a venue that demands the greatest respect, due to the fact that it is situated in the big and beautiful mountains in du toits kloof, and has a very wild feel, but at the same time there are many routes for. But in the heat of the day it can feel difficult, so start early. Permits to visit the stadsaal caves on matjiesrivier nature reserve can be obtained at any of the tourism offices. If you would like to overnight in the cederberg wilderness area, an additional hiking permit needs to be purchased from cape nature. Original image from the guide book wolfberg cracks a climbers guide by tony lourens with permission. Cederberg, western cape welcome to the official cederberg tourism site learn all about the towns situated in the cederberg municipal region as well as about the cederberg mountains and cederberg wilderness area, what you can do here, where to have delicious meals and where you can stay. In the event of an incident, guides are connected to the geos emergency service system.
Wolfberg is a mountain in the eastern range surrounding the central valley of the cederberg wilderness area. Cedarberg hiking tour 3 night walking tourcedarberg africa. 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. South africas cederberg mountain range is a place where time stands still, and city lights have never shown on the horizon. Experience the magic of the towering walls of the wolfberg cracks as you climb and squeeze. The cracks are on private land adjacent to the wilderness. Climbing at wolfberg, sanddrif cederberg, south africa. Further along the wolfberg crest, there is a natural arch feature that draws adventurers. At the top there are some stunning rock formations and panoramic views. Jul 31, 2015 wolfberg cracks, cederberg, south africa photo.
Wolfberg mountain in the cederberg wilderness area is home to a hiking or backpacking trail leading through wolfberg cracks to famous wolfberg arch. This means that we are not able to offer the gabriel or the cederberg 100 trails at the moment and there is no access to the wolfberg cracks or the wolfberg arch. The 15 metre high wolfberg arch is a well known landmark in the cederberg wilderness. Falling at truitjieskraal, wolfberg cracks, cederberg, south.
Seasoned hikers should only attempt the spectacular hike to the wolfberg arch via the wolfberg cracks. It is a beautiful and deep grey that can feel cool or give a sense of safety as. This is a strenuous hike to complete in a day, so if you plan to photograph the arch you should plan on an overnight wilderness hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. Very popular, and for good reason, this is a hike with an adventurous feel and is a lot of fun. Experience the magic of the towering walls of the wolfberg cracks as you climb and squeeze your way to the top. The trip to nearby stadsaal, the hike up to the wolfberg cracks, and swimming at maalgat are still very clear website. Whinge direct 25rx an alternative third pitch to whinge taking the blank face left of the arete. Backpack and hike in the wolfberg cracks of the cederberg. Apr 15, 2012 on day 3 which thankfully was bright and sunny we drove to sanddrif and did a day hike to the wolfberg cracks and on to the wolfberg arch and back. The most accessible of the cederberg trad climbing areas, its a relatively short if steep walk of less than one hour from the parking area to the foot of the crags. I would recommend adding the additional miles to see wolfberg arch as well.
Cederberg wilderness hiking trails information south africa. May 26, 2015 two sisters from the farm kromrivier in the cederberg are brewing up a storm with their premiumquality craft beers, and at the same time contributing to the regions ecotourism. The rocks could crush us, but i remind myself they have been perfectly wedged between the sheer walls of the wolfberg cracks for ages. Here you can sunbathe on the rocks or plunge high off a cliff into the refreshing deep water below. Hiking the wolf cracks in the cederberg mountains action gear. Wolfberg arch african conservation photodestinations. Dec 28, 2018 after traversing the cracks, we emerged from the depths and the warm summer sun greeted us back. The view over the cederberg below was a hot, arid expanse. On a hot summers day in the cederberg mountains, the maalgat is the perfect place to go for a cool down. Sanddrif has an awesome map detailing the more popular hikingmountain biking routes in the cederberg. Alison stewart ancient red sandstone walls form natures cathedral, carved high in the cederberg mountains, three hours drive north of cape town. Top things to do in the cederberg by cederberg ridge.
The accommodation is situated in the section of clanwilliam on the lefthand side of town as one approaches. Apr 21, 2016 permits need to be obtained before hiking to the wolfberg cracks and arch. Permits for wolfberg cracks cost from r50 an adult and r30 for kids and those for wolfberg cracks and arch are r100 an adult and r60 for children wild card holders are free from sanddrif holiday resort. Photographing this spectacular landmark is a challenge for any landscape photographer. Permits to the maltese cross and the wolfberg arch via dwarsrivier and the wolfberg cracks are sold at dwarsrivier. Dec 27, 20 one of the cederbergs most popular day hikes. Cape nature have closed this area of the wilderness until at least 1 august 2017. The cederberg in general is known for is fantastical rock formations, and the cracks will not disappoint. Try out one of the classic walks to the maltese cross or the wolfberg cracks, or along the heuningvlei jeep track near clanwilliam. The trail to wolfberg cracks is steep, but the path is good.
Start about 4m to the left of the arete at a good rail. Purchase permits and a map from the office at dwarsrivier or algeria forest station cape nature hq for the cederberg wilderness. Cederberg best time to visit top tips before you go. Wolfberg cracks southern cederberg, a climbers guide available for purchase here. Wolfberg cracks is the adventurous hike to do in the cederberg natural area. The rock walls tower metres above you and you can spend the night inside, sheltered from the harsh cederberg climate. Permits cederberg conservancy, south africa, western cape. Day hikes cederberg conservancy, south africa, western cape.
Rock climbing in the cederberg mountains south africa. It takes you past crystal pools, welbedacht cave, the wolfberg arch and. The cederberg wilderness area in the western cape province ranks alongside the drakensberg in kwazulu natal, the wolkberg in limpopo province and the fish river canyon in namibia as being the prime hiking destinations for the experienced hiker who. It can take anything from 4 to 7 days, depending on how many of the side trips one undertakes. It is a beautiful and deep grey that can feel cool or give a sense of safety as a sheltered cave would give to a human up in the mountains.
The huge rock walls, caverns, rock arches and canyons of this lost. Here is a route description, map, and gps waypoints for hiking the route. The wolfberg cracks and arch mrtns story posted on february 14, 2014 by dmca february 14, 2014 last november mrtn and i travelled to the cederbergs a spectacular mountain region several hundred km north of cape town for a hike to the wolfberg cracks and arch. The wolfberg cracks is one of the best known and spectacular parts of the magnificent cederberg. Permits to the maltese cross and the wolfberg arch via eikeboom and gabriels pass are sold at driehoek. Sanddrif offers you a variety of accommodation options, from wellrun camping facilities with a safe playground for the children, to cosy and fully equipped selfcatering cottages with breathtaking views of the famous wolfberg cracks. Xam more often called san rock art, in particular paintings of elephant. Climb the right wall to a tiny ledge, and then follow the steep series of laybacks. The table mountain sandstone creates ideal conditions for spectacular routes.
Me taking my first fall on the climbing sport walls at truitjieskraal in the cederberg mountains. Backpack and hike in the wolfberg cracks of the cederberg south. A visit to the cederberg is not complete without a hike up to the maltese cross, the wolfberg arch through the cracks, a dip in the crystal clear waters of the many rock pools, with the crystal pools a firm favorite and a sampling of the award winning cederberg wines from the farm dwarsrivier. Mar 11, 20 permits for hiking trails in the cederberg. On returning to cape town, i telephoned don to thank him for his inspiration and, hopefully, retrieve some respect. This colour was collected at the weathered rocks at the wolfberg cracks in the cederberg. Fire in the cederberg causes some trail closures 2017. The wolfberg arch, wolfberg cracks, the maltese cross and sneeuberg the highest point in the cederberg can all be reached from this block.
Enjoy hiking, winetasting, donkey cart trails and scenic drives in the cederberg wilderness area. The resort is located at the foot of the wolfberg cracks and a short drive from the famous maltese cross and one of the highest mountains in the western cape, sneeuberg and thats just two out the almost hundred hikes in the area. The cederberg is essentially a desert and its easy to get dehydrated even in winter, yet secreted away you will come across cool refreshing rock pools fed by underground springs. The trails to the iconic maltese cross and wolfberg arch may be the bestknown. At its peak, there are several cracks, narrow passages through which hikers must walk to summit the mountain. These hikes are moderate and your personal level of fitness should guide you in deciding which route to follow. Falling at truitjieskraal, wolfberg cracks, cederberg. We planned this overnight backpacking trip in the cederberg wilderness area after seeing photos of wolfberg arch, a gargantuan stone archway. The stadtsaal, sometimes spelt stadsaal, caves are a series of ancient interleading caves in the cederberg wilderness that hold excellent examples of. There are numerous day and overnight hikes including the popular and spectacular wolfberg arch, wolfberg cracks and the maltese cross. Indigenous san rock art on the walls of a cave in the cederberg mountains in south africa. It takes you past crystal pools, welbedacht cave, the wolfberg arch and wolfberg cracks, the maltese cross and sneeuberg. Cederberg hikes you probably didnt know about getaway magazine. It covers 83000ha of mountains, valleys, fynbos vegetation and streams.
Cederberg things to do browse our directory of things to do in cederberg. The unit has a art deco feeling to it and can sleep 4. My first ever visit to the cederberg was to sanddrif on a standard 5 school outing. The tour allows occasional rider, with no previous offroad experience, to discover the desert areas of the tankwa karoo, the magnificent sceneries of the cederberg mountains, and to ride the legendary old postal route, with the comfort of a backup 4x4 vehicle transporting petrol, food, drinks and luggages. Hiking the wolf cracks in the cederberg mountains action. The 100 km cederberg mountain range consists of table mountain sandstone, richly coloured by iron oxides and eroded into curious shapes such as the wellknown wolfberg. Wolfsberg cracks the striking orange walls of wolfberg, in the southern cederberg, offer some of the best climbing on the planet on clean, solid rock.
Jul 12, 2018 this route explores some of the most iconic places in the cederberg and is one of the best 5day hikes i have done anywhere. Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. The cederberg is a mountain range stretching approximately 100kms in a vast wilderness area. The cederberg mountains is the perfect weekend breakaway. Wolfberg arch takes 7 to 8 hours, and the trail is roughly 15 km long. Brewing craft beer in the cederberg farmers weekly. Start in the vertical crack line directly below the huge detached yellow pedestal at the bottom of the curved crack. Two rooms have double beds and two rooms have twin beds. The cederberg is an open wilderness area with a network of trails where one. From there you can either hike another 5km to the wolfberg arch an iconic cederberg landmark or return down the mountain via a big, easy crack. Yellowwood amphitheatre, the surrounding walls, and the chess pieces, constitute some of the best trad climbing in south africa. In those days you went straight up the mountain, but nowadays there is a path, still fairly steep though. To reach the wolfberg arch, via wolfberg cracks some hikers start from dwarsrivier farm, others from sandrif holiday resort. The ideal time for walking in the cederberg is between mid march and mid december.