Cederberg

Cederberg Nature reserve - Rock art, mountains Cape fynbos and hiking

The Cederberg Nature Reserve lies some 200km north of Cape Town. The Cederberg Nature Reserve comprises of the Cederberg Wilderness Area 66 876ha, the Cederberg State Forest 4 124ha and the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve of 12 800ha. This integrated conservation and development plan covers the entire area referred to as the Cederberg Wilderness.

This large pristine Cederberg wilderness of mountainous terrain conserves a phenomenal diversity of Fynbos, succulent Karoo plants and endemic freshwater fish. The high altitude mountain peaks provide not only stunning scenery and wonderful rock formations, but also unusual sub alpine habitats. The reserve derives its name from the Cedar tree, which is being restored to its former importance through pro-active conservation programmes.

Cederberg Nature Reserve boasts with diverse and largely unspoilt plant habitats, which provide shelter and hunting grounds for various fauna, such as Leopard and Black eagle. The Oliphant’s River system, part of which runs through the Cederberg Wilderness, has a wealth of endemic fish species. Bird watchers can view more than 100 bird species at the reserve, such as Rock Kestrel and Jackal Buzzard. The Cederberg Wilderness is located in one of the most species-rich areas in the Cape Floral Kingdom, and has one of the highest concentrations of threatened plant species. The area lies in a highly significant transition zone linking elements of mountain and arid Fynbos with the flora of the succulent Karoo biome.

The original inhabitants of the Cederberg area were the hunter-gatherers and the Khoi. Evidence of the occupation by the Khoi may be seen in the rock art of the area. These rock paintings record the social and spiritual history of the Later Stone Age people, reflecting their interaction with Khoi pastoralists who moved into the area within the past 1 600 years.

The Cederberg Nature Reserve offers unsurpassed outdoor activities and facilities including hiking, rock climbing, photography, camping and rustic overnight accommodation. The Cederberg Mountains form 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.

Hiking in the Cederberg

The Cederberg has hiking trails available for all levels of fitness and ability.

Hikes in the Cederberg

• Wolfberg cracks.
  
  
• Wolfberg Arch
  
  
• The Uilsgat Kloof
  
  
• The Old Uitkyk Pass