About 2 hours from Cape Town, the Cederberg mountains are a spectacular sight, with amazing fynbos, beautiful sunsets and not forgetting the hiking trails. The Cederberg Mountains are a must-visit hiking destination for many adventure seekers.
The Cederberg Mountains
The mountains are a hiker’s paradise, offering a vast network of trails that wind through rocky mazes, grassy plains, and secret crystal-clear streams. With scorching summers and cool winter nights, the mountains are truly a sight to experience.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast looking for a remarkable adventure, the hills provide just that. Each step along the trails reveals a noteworthy piece of geology the mountains have to offer.
Hiking trails in the Cederberg
Maltese Cross trail
With an elevation of about 440 meters high, the moderately challenging trail is perfect for hikers and runners seeking a memorable experience. While the trail is popular, there are quiet times when you can enjoy the solitude of the trail with just you and your buddies.
The Maltese cross is a straightforward route offering an elevated position to view the amazing views as you trail upwards. If you are hiking in summer, the summer heat can be scorchingly hot, so be sure to bring ample water.
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Wolfberg Cracks
This challenging route is popular among hikers because of the crack-like mountain stones along the path as you are hiking. Starting at the Sandrif campsite, the hiking trail is about 5km long with an elevation of 560 meters.
Embark on this thrilling journey, while navigating through the narrow cracks and steep crack stones sections. As you move along the hiking trail, it offers shaded parts against the summer heat where you can catch a break.
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Tafelberg trail
A 13 km challenging route that offers stunning landscapes and captivating scenery. The trail involves a significant elevation gain but is manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. As it is the second-highest peak in the Cederberg with an altitude of 1,125 meters, the trails are not to be played with and need endurance.
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Wolfberg Arch
An exciting 11.9 km hike along the Wolfberg Arch trail. The highlight of the hike is the magnificent arch and along the way, you can explore the Wolfberg cracks. To proceed on the trail you need to gain access via a permit that can be granted at the starting point at the Sandrif campsite. Always remember to pack enough water as there is no water supply on the trails.
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From leisurely day hikes to challenging hiking treks, the wilderness of the Cederberg trails suits every skill-level hiker with an ambition to explore.
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Originally published in Garden&Home Magazine.
