OVERVIEW

Just three hours north of Cape Town lies one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring and untamed landscapes -  the Cederberg Wilderness. Renowned for its towering sandstone formations, ancient rock art, and fiery orange sunsets, this remote region is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike. Here, time slows down and the wild beauty of the Western Cape takes center stage. Over two days, you’ll experience the full spirit of the Cederberg  - from a gentle guided walk and cultural introduction on Day 1, to a moderately challenging hike on Day 2 that winds through the dramatic Wolfberg Cracks and up to the iconic Wolfberg Arch, one of South Africa’s most striking natural landmarks.

INCLUDED:

• Private tour (tour only with those you have booked with)

• Pick up & drop off from accommodation / airport / central point

• 2 nights accommodation at Mount Ceder Lodge

• Private guide + Step-on guide at Mount Ceder Lodge

• Snack pack on day 1 packed with local favorites

• On-board water in vehicle and throughout tour including hikes

• Rock art + canyon walk/hike on day 1

• Sudowner drinks + snacks on day 1

• Braai dinner experience on day 1

• Guided hike to the Wolfberg Arch via the Wolfberg Cracks (incl. lunch pack)

• Wolfberg hiking permit

• Breakfast on final morning

• Transportation in luxury SUV

DAY 1 - MOUNT CEDER LODGE. ROCK ART & CANYON WALK. SUNDOWNERS. BRAAI EXPERIENCE.

• After departing Cape Town we venture north into the heart of the Cederberg Conservancy - a rugged wilderness defined by dramatic sandstone formations and endless skies. Our route unfolds along a 100km stretch of dirt road, flanked by private land, much of it belonging to the Mouton family, custodians of this landscape for six generations.

• About halfway in, we pause at ‘Aankoms’, Afrikaans for “arrival”, a lovingly restored 1870s farmhouse turned into a charming farm stall by sisters Alet and Alex Mouton. With freshly brewed coffee, teas, juices, and homemade treats, this heartfelt stop offers a first taste of the warmth and authenticity that define life in the Cederberg. It’s also here that guests begin to grasp just how remote and untouched this weekend’s setting truly is.

• On arrival, we settle into Mount Ceder Villas, beautifully perched above the river and seamlessly blended into the surrounding landscape. After check-in, we meet our local adventure guide for a 2–3 hour immersive experience featuring ancient San rock art - some of the best-preserved in the region, along with an introduction to the unique fynbos flora and the fauna that thrives here. A series of scenic viewpoints and dramatic rock formations lead us to a perfect sundowner spot, where we toast the day with a drink and local snacks. Because this trail crosses private land, it remains undisturbed and offers a rare chance to view rock art up close without crowds or damage. (Note: total walking time is no more than 90 minutes.)

• As the sun dips behind the mountains, your Tour Companion prepares a traditional South African braai an open-fire BBQ featuring ethically sourced regional meats and delicious homemade sides. More than just a meal, the braai is a South African ritual, a celebration of good food, laughter, and connection. Vegetarian options are, of course, available.

DAY 2 - WOLFBERG CRACKS & WOLFBERG ARCH HIKE (FULL DAY)

• We rise early on Day 2 and set off on a 40-minute drive west toward the heart of the Cederberg mountains. If there’s one signature adventure that defines this region, it’s the hike to the Wolfberg Arch, passing through the famous Wolfberg Cracks, an unforgettable journey for those with a spirit of exploration and a love of wild, awe-inspiring landscapes.

• The route is open year-round, and we take advantage of the cool morning shade for the steepest section of the trail. From the parking area, we begin a steady one-hour ascent to the base of the cracks - a manageable climb with plenty of breaks for rest and water along the way.

• Here, hikers can choose between the wider crack, perfect for those who prefer open spaces and gentler climbs, or the narrower crack for the more adventurous. We recommend the wider route for comfort and ease, it involves a little light scrambling, but nothing technical or intimidating. Importantly, we move at a relaxed, inclusive pace, always guided by the needs of the slowest hiker. This experience is about enjoyment, not endurance. Once we emerge from the wide crack roughly two hours in the toughest part is behind us. From here, a gentle 20–30 minute walk brings us to ‘Arch View’, where we catch our first glimpse of the majestic Wolfberg Arch. Another 50 minutes across a plateau of towering rock formations and sculpted landscapes leads us to the Arch itself - a breathtaking natural wonder carved by millions of years of wind and weather.

• We’ll spend up to 1.5 hours here, enjoying a packed picnic lunch, soaking in the views, and capturing photos of this geological masterpiece before making our way back along the same route. The descent typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, bringing us back to base by late afternoon, tired but exhilarated, and with memories of one of South Africa’s most remarkable hikes.

• IMPORTANT HIKING NOTES:

  • Weather has to be good for Cracks and Arch Hike to take place

  • Moderate level of fitness required (if you hiked Table Mountain this will be easy for you)

  • Total distance: 16km’s (9.8 miles)

  • Total time: 6 - 8 hours (Including time at Arch)

  • No water points (all water must be pre-packed)

  • Cold winter temperatures for morning part of the hike (2-7 degrees Celsius, be prepared)

  • We’ll drink beers at the end!

• After the hike we’ll return to our accommodation at Mount Ceder where we’ll have dinner at the onsite restaurant or if you prefer dinner can be delivered to the Villa. Guests will be responsible for the cost of their own dinner on day 2.

DAY 3 - RETURN TO CAPE TOWN

• After a well needed rest we’ll enjoy a breakfast at on the deck at the Mount Ceder restaurant after a 10am checkout.

• We’ll then start the 3 hour journey back to Cape Town and you can expect to arrive back at your accommodation between 2:30pm and 3:30pm

EXCLUDED

• All meals not mentioned above (lunch day 1, dinner day 2)

• Additional food + beverages (guests need to pack their own snacks for the main hike on day 2 but a lunch pack will be provided)

• Guide Gratuties

NEED TO KNOW

• For safety reasons Wolfberg Cracks & Arch is not available during rainy days or days with excessive cloud cover

• Regrettably children below the age of 12 years old will not be permitted to hike the Wolfberg Cracks or Arch

• There is no cell signal in the Cederberg region. WIFI is only available at the reception area of Mount Ceder. There is no cell service or WiFi in the rooms.

• DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR IF YOU NEED CONSTANT WIFI ACCESS OR CELL SIGNAL