OVERVIEW

Just three hours north of Cape Town lies one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring and rugged landscapes — the Cederberg Wilderness. Known for its ancient, otherworldly rock formations, rich biodiversity, and fiery orange sunsets, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Western Cape, this region is a must. This journey includes a gentle walk on day one, followed by a moderately challenging hike on day 2 through the dramatic Cracks to reach the iconic Wolfberg Arch.

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 at 10am we’ll head to the area largely known as the Cederberg Conservancy. A stretch of 100km’s of dirt road on on which either side exists private land, much of which belongs to the Mouton Family. 6th generation daughters Alet and Alex have converted the original family farmhouse (est. 1870’s) into the only farmstall of it’s kind along this route. They’ve named it ‘Aankoms which is Afrikaans for ‘arrival’. Perfectly brewed coffee, tea, juices and treats made with love provides a warm first stop as guests first come to grips with just how remote this weekend’s setting is.

• After checking into Mount Ceder’s Waboomhoek or Blinkberg House which are wonderfully perched above the river and blended into the landscape we’ll team up with a local adventure guide for a 2-3 hour trail walk. We’ll view some ancient rock art paintings, carved and created by the bushmen of yesteryear (the original and indigenous San people) and get an introduction to the local fynbos fauna and flora. 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 and snacks. With this location being situated on private land it has not been vandalized or over displayed as a tourist attraction and is one of the only places in the Cederberg where one can get this close to rock art without being intrusive or destructive.

• Once you’ve returned by early evening your Tour Companion will prepare a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) coupled with tasty side dishes. The Braai is a celebration of local cuisine cooked on the open fire with a focus on ethically sourced meats from the region. Having a braai is perhaps our favorite thing to do as South Africans, the sharing of food and good times together is high u on our priority list (Vegetarian + vegan options available)

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

• We get a really early start on the morning of day 2 as we make the 40 minute journey west toward the heart of the Cederberg. If there is one must do activity in the Cederberg region it is most definitely the hike to the Wolfberg Arch via the famous Wolfberg Cracks. Perfect for those with a keen sense of adventure and the desire to explore remarkable outdoor landscapes. Available all year-round the most steep part of the hike is in the shade of the early morning.

• We start off in the parking area and make a fairly steep but very doable ascent (1 HR moving time) to the foot of the cracks. The use of the wider crack is is recommended for those who have a fear of heights and tight spaces. The wider crack is uncomplicated and provides a beautiful route out to the top plateau, there will be some scrambling in this section but nothing to be overly worried about. It’s important for us to stress that we will move at the speed of the slowest hiker. We have the whole day and no one will be asked to speed up or be left behind. There will be enough water breaks and stops too.

• Once we’ve come out the top of the wide crack (ABOUT 2 HOURS IN) the most difficult part will be over. From here it’s an easy 20-30 minute walk to ‘Arch view’ which is where we’ll be able to spot the Arch for the first time. From here it’s an additional 50 minute walk among some of the most memorable scenery you’re likely to experience during your time in SA. Once arriving at the Arch we’ll spend a maximum of 1.5 HOURS there which will be ample time to enjoy a packed lunch , take photographs and just marvel at the scene of what millions of years of weather eroding forces are capable of crafting into a landscape.

• The return route will be back down the same way and is expected to take 2.5 - 3 HOURS.

• 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)

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