A little over 3 hrs north of Cape Town is where one of SA’s most dramatic, rugged and truly breathtaking landscapes exist. The Cederberg region is home to some of the planet’s oldest and twisted rock formations, exceptional biodiversity and memorable orange sunsets. This is the ultimate playground for the outdoor and nature enthusiast and a must visit region if you’re looking to get the most out of your time in the Western Cape. The trip we have put together includes a short journey up the Western Coastline before we head inland for 4 more days of glamping, campfire stories, local food experiences, wine tasting, rock art, hiking and much more!

Day 1 - Time with the San and up the West Coast

• A 9am departure from your accommodation in Cape Town or the Winelands sees us head up the West Coast near the small beach town of Yzerfontein. The Kwa ttu San Heritage Centre was the vision of Swiss anthropologist Irene Staehelin who had a deep desire to share the story of South Africa’s first indigenous people with the rest of the population and visitors from around the globe.

• After an introduction to the centre we’ll embark on two separate 45 minute experiences, the first of which will introduce you to our shared story of human origins in South Africa. Archaeologists then expand on the ancestral beings that existed 200 years before today. The 2nd experience focuses on the Way of the San. As one of the last remaining hunter gatherer cultures in the world they understood the connectivity between land, animals and man almost better than anyone. Use the tools, hear the knowledge and try the food that made life possible before western and northern influence. Learn and discover that the more you know, the less you need.

• The two above experiences will be split by lunch on site. The Kwa ttu restaurant’s policy is that if it doesn’t grow or graze on the farm, they will track down a local producer or fair trade supplier for any ingredients that they need for their seasonal, bistro-style menu.

• Our journey then takes us north to a holiday destination that is a firm favorite among local travelers; the seaside town of Langebaan. We’ll check into a 3 bedroom Villa on the Langebaan lagoon hosted and operated by the Shark Bay Hotel and Spa. Set in the northern corner West Coast National Park this location boasts white expansive beaches, turquoise water and a lagoon as far as the eye can see. Your Tour Companion will set up a beach based gin tasting of our very own Pesky Hobbit Craft Gin as sundowner at the end of a great start to your trip.

• Dinner can be had on site at their local restaurant or at one of the many loved seafood restaurants on the beach in town

Day 2 - Kayaking on the lagoon and the move inland

• After a slow morning and a continental breakfast we’ll team up with adventure specialists from Gravity South Africa for a 2hr kayaking trip. The Island Paddle gives you a real taste of the lagoon as you make your way around Schaapen Island with its protected bird colony, seals and white bunnies (yes, really!). This trip is suited to all ages and is a great way to see the nature the lagoon has to offer, as well as to get an idea of the history of the area including the whaling station, Saldana steel and Postberg. Water and snacks will be provided on the trip.

• After our time on the water we’ll make our way inland to the epic Cederberg region, the reason we came! The next stop on the trip brings us to one of the regions most interesting projects. The Org de Rac winery just outside of the town of Piketberg is one of South Africa’s first ever organic wine operations. We’re usually skeptical of ‘organic’ anything, particularly wine but if you don’t try you won’t know!

• The winemaker himself will take you through a tasting of 5 different wines followed by another 3 tastings of their Reserve Range, Port, Grappa & MCC. The tastings will be followed by a traditional roosterkoek lunch. Roosterkoek is a uniquely local food meaning roasted bread but on a coal fire. Contents can range from beef mince to cheese and jam and even pork. Lunch is served at an additional (120.00 ZAR per person)

• Our next stop is where we’ll spend the next 2 nights. A Glamping experience like no other brought to you by the team at Wolfkop Glamping Villages. We have secured Villa 4 which is your home away from home surrounded by nature and right on the banks the Oilifants river. The Villa has a bell tent with king size bed as the master bedroom which is situated off the living/dining/kitchen area, which has large comfy pallet furniture and comfy bean bags. Two additional dome tents that can sleep up to four people. A fully equipped kitchen, with wash and prep area. A large dining table, braai drum, pizza oven with a stone fire pit. Dinner this evening is up to the group. We can prepare pizzas together or your Tour Companion can do something on the open fire. (Added cost of 180.00 ZAR per person either way)

Day 3 - Exploring the Golden Valley

• We get an early start this morning as we team with local horse keeper Appel Kotze. Appel will guide you on a 2hr horse ride in the beautiful valley of Citrusdal surrounded by mountains and the Olifants River Citrus Creek . This is a unique opportunity to explore the valley on horseback. Their trail horses are extremely well trained and they can cater for the beginner or the more experienced rider. An earlier start is in the best interest of the horses before the heat of the day sets in.

• By the time you return from your horseback experience your tour companion will have breakfast and fresh coffee prepared at camp. Breakfast options include a continental offering of fresh fruits, yoghurts, breads and juices or eggs your way together with bacon and toast.

• The rest of the day’s activities are up to the group to decide. After an active first couple of days we suggest enjoying the onsite facilities which include the use of the river (safe to swim in), canoeing and a guided bodyboarding trip. The bodyboarding is one the showcase trips on the property. Please view this YouTube Video for more. If there is a day to engage in complete relaxation then this is the one, being at camp and present is highly recommended.

• Your Tour Companion on the trip will take a drive to town to source the ingredients for a truly South African Dinner. ‘Potjiekos’ is a stew type meal prepared in an African cast iron type pot on the open fire. Secret recipes differ from family to family and ours comes from generations gone by. A Lamb and Red Wine Potjie will be prepared over the course of 3-4 hrs from late afternoon into the evening. Best served with farm bread and/or white rice, it’s something to savor and uniquely of the Mzansi people.

Day 4 - Mount Cedar, The Rock Art, The Stars, The Braai.

• After breakfast on site we make our way into the heart of the Cederberg and onto Mount Cedar (2hr trip). For many travelers, being on foot and among the rock formations is the main attraction of the region. We’ll team up with a local expert guide from the Mount Cedar team who has a fun, immersive and memorable afternoon ahead.

• After checking in we’ll begin a 2-3 hour hiking trail which is to be broken up by a visit to some ancient rock art paintings, carved and created by the bushmen of yesteryear (the original and indigenous San people). An introduction to the local fynbos fauna and flora and a number of dramatic viewpoints and rock formations are along the way before we reach an ideal end to the hike with a sundowner drink.

• Our overnight accommodation is the best they have to offer on the farm. There is a wide wooden deck that wraps around the front and sides of the 3 bedroom house named Klipbokkop where one can relax and enjoy the vast and dramatic riverside view. A Jacuzzi is nestled at the end of the wooden deck and is perfectly positioned to enjoy a drink while watching the sun slip behind the Kettlekop mountain, ending another beautiful day in the Cederberg.

• Spectacular stargazing with guided night sky talk is on the agenda. Your tour companion and local guide will then prepare a traditionally South African Braai. A host of locally and ethically sourced meats include, rump or sirloin steak, Karoo region lamb chops, boerewors, cheese and tomato braaibroodjies and a side. This type of open fire cooking is ingrained in any South African worth their salt, the emphasis is not only the food but the prep thereof, the social exchange and most importantly the cultivating of friendships. Dinner is to be accompanied by wines or craft beer from the region too! In many ways this is everything a Cedarberg evening should entail. .

Day 5 - Mount Ceder, Unique Wines and the Wind Down

• A slow morning would be a good idea after what surely will have been an adventurous day and festive night before. The kids (if applicable) have the option to take part in Mount Cedar’s ‘Junior Rangers Adventure’ which includes Archery, Pond Fishing and even a Scavenger Hunt. This is at extra cost of 150.00 ZAR per child.

• Late morning and we’ll make our way to our 2nd wine experience of the trip situated at Cederberg Wines. At 1036m above sea-level this is some of the highest planted terroir anywhere in SA. The terrain is harsh, the yield is small and the flavors are highly concentrated and unique to the region. Red slate/clay, decomposed gravel and sandstone soil types all make an important contribution to the 5 different cultivars here.

• Our penultimate afternoon on tour will be spent enjoying the farm at Mount Cedar. There is a host of both relaxing and adventurous activities on site. Rent a canoe from reception and spend time on the clear river pools, spotting birds and animals from the tranquility of the canoe. Enjoy going for a swim in one of the several swimming spots along the river, or cool off in the crystal clear waters of the rock pool at  the foot of a seasonal waterfall on a hot summers day. Tour the olive grove and working farm; olive oil making and tasting and end with a Sundowner. (Please let us know at least 48hrs in advance if you would like to book any of the above activities)

Day 6 - Return to Cape Town after breakfast.

• Our route home will be via the citrus rich town and region of Ceres and over the scenic Bainskloof Pass :)

Included:

• Pick up from accommodation/airport /central point

• Welcome to the tour secret treat pack filled with local South African favorites

• All transportation in air conditioned SUV (only option available for this trip)

• All accommodation (5 Nights)

• Private Tour Companion (Guide)

• Step-on guide fees

• 2 X San Educational Tours at the Kwa ttu San Heritage Centre

• Guided ocean lagoon kayaking experience (2 hrs, kids aged 7 and up)

• Guided hike, fynbos educational and rock art experience at Mount Cedar (3-4 hrs)

• Stargazing talk with a local at Mount Cedar

• Guided horseback trail ride through orchards and rivers at Wolfkop Golden Valley Glamping

• Wine tasting experience at Org da Rac Organic Wines (5 wines and 3 spirits with the winemaker)

• Wine tasting experience at Cederberg Wines (5 wines)

• 1 X lamb and red wine ‘Potjiekos’ (traditional SA dish) dinner

• 1 x full braai (big South African BBQ) dinner including a glass of wine and/or beer

• 1 X gin tasting at the end of day 1 of our own Pesky Hobbit Craft Gin

• 1 x sundowner drinks at the end of day 4

• On-board water on all days & on all outdoor experiences

Not Included:

• Additional food and beverages

• Meals not mentioned above

Optional Experiences:

• Down the river bodyboarding experience at Wolfkop Glamping Village (400.00 ZAR per person)

• Junior Rangers Adventure at Mount Cedar (150.00 ZAR per child)

• Olive Oil Tasting of 4 Oils at Mount Cedar (75.00 ZAR per person)

• Olive Grove Tour, Educational and Tasting at Mount Cedar (250.00 ZAR per person)

What to bring:

• A camera to take awesome photos!

• Spending money (Card facilities available in most locations)

• Sun cream (it can get really hot in summer)

• Swimming costume

• Warmer clothes for the winter months

• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes

• Reusable water bottles (We will provide water in 5L bottles to cut down on plastic)

• Lots of positivism and good feels!

Host / Vendor:

Your host will be Blaine Smith or Ryan Louw, local South African tourist guides. Blaine has lived in 6 of South Africa’s 9 different provinces and currently ventures all over the country on various expeditions. Ryan chose to make the Western Cape his home after a stint up north, you won’t find a bigger patriot for his country anywhere else! Both are extremely well traveled, with a wealth of knowledge and an unrivaled passion for local travel, you’ll be in the best of South African hands.

Difficulty Level & Special Requests

• The physical activity of this tour is low to moderate, there are water based and hiking activities It is advisable to have comfortable walking shoes and active wear.

• Inform us if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any other dietary restrictions

• If you'd like us to customize your tour to suit your needs or perhaps your particular budget or if you have questions then please don’t hesitate to contact us.