The 14 Best Day Hikes in the Cederberg

With its red sandstone, jagged peaks and artistic rock formations, not to mention myriad San rock paintings, fynbos-covered slopes and endemic (but rare) cedar trees, the Cederberg is one of the most unique landscapes you’re likely to encounter. About three hours north of Cape Town, it’s remote, unspoilt and wild in places – especially when you venture into the midst of the mountains – offering a true escape into nature and an experience that’s priceless.

Along with the Drakensberg, the Cederberg is South Africa’s premier hiking destination. We’re talking serious, multi-day treks, but there are also a few paths that can be conquered in a day or half-day. The best time to hike is from April to November (summer gets too hot). There are two main areas to head for, each with a variety of options – whether you want to get up close to the rocks, seek out water features or get really high.

Get your bearings

Managed by CapeNature, the vast 79 687-hectare Cederberg Wilderness lies between Clanwillian and Citrusdal (to the east of these towns) and includes the smaller 12 800-hectare Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve on the far-eastern boundary. The Algeria Camp is the main office; the gravel Uitkyk Pass runs through the middle, heading southeast. The Kliphuis Camp is in the north, on the Pakhuis Pass. The Wilderness is divided into three zones, each of which requires a permit for hiking and allows 50 people per day. Detailed maps and hiking info are available.
Good to know The Algeria Campsite is currently closed following flood damage in 2024. The office and trails are still open.
Cost Day trails permit: R85 (adult), R55 (child)
Contact 087 087 3968 (reserve office); 022 125 0188 (Kliphuis)
087 087 8250 (reservations/permits)
082 453 3766 (emergencies)
Opening times 7.30am – 7pm (or 6pm May – August)
7.30am – 4pm (Kliphuis)

The 182 000-hectare Cederberg Conservancy encompasses CapeNature’s reserve and also includes several privately managed camps/resorts or guest farms. In the southeast, between the boundaries of the Cederberg Wilderness and Matjiesrivier Reserve (some 40km from Algeria) are Sanddrif/Dwarsrivier, Kromrivier and Driehoek, which are main access points for a number of hikes. Nuwerust, just south of Matjiesrivier, also has hikes. This area can also be accessed via Ceres (instead of from the N7).
Good to know You can taste local wines and craft beers at Cederberg Private Cellars, Driehoek and Kromrivier. The Cederberg Observatory (2km from Dwarsrivier) offers telescope stargazing on Saturday nights (except if it’s full moon).
Contact Sanddrif/Dwarsrivier: 027 482 2825
Kromrivier: 027 482 2807
Driehoek: 027 482 2828
Nuwerust: 027 482 2813

The hikes

Remember to book and pick up a permit; be aware of mountain safety and etiquette, and the weather conditions; be prepared (water, snacks, warm/waterproof clothing), and never hike alone. Although you will be supplied with maps and directions with your permit, the Slingsby maps of the Cederberg are must-haves for hikers and worth investing in.

All day hikes will require that you spend at least one night in the area, so you may be interested in our Top 20 Places to Stay in the Cederberg.

Central Cederberg

Maltese Cross

Matt Bouch

Arguably the most iconic rock formation in the Cederberg, this distinctive rock pillar stands some 30 metres high. It’s a straightforward but fairly steep hike to get to it, following a jeep track and heading up a kloof (an elevation of some 440 metres), before crossing a boulder-strewn plateau to the rock. Apart from the great photo opportunities, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic if it’s not too windy. In the background you’ll see the Sneeuberg – at 2 027 metres, it’s the highest mountain in the Cederberg. Bagging the summit requires an overnight hike.
Start point Maltese Cross is in the vicinity of Sanddrif, Dwarsrivier and Driehoek; it can also be accessed (by car) from Algeria. It is signposted from the Algeria road/Uitkyk Pass, near Cederberg Private Cellars; 5km down a gravel road is a parking lot – follow the trail on the left side.
Distance + duration 7km; 4 hours (out-and-back)
Good to know There is another curious rock formation just off the gravel road on the way to Dwarsrivier, just before the Maltese Cross parking lot. It’s an easy 4km hike (1.5 hours) to Lot’s Wife, plus perfectly framed mountain vistas from Window Rocks and views over the vineyards.
Permit Dwarsrivier

Wolfberg Cracks and Arch

Alicia Erasmus (left + bottom right); Matt Bouch (top right)

A true adventure, this hike takes you to a maze-like playground of spectacular rock formations (the Cracks) and an incredible 15-metre-high rock arch that spans 50 metres – the largest of its kind in South Africa. It’s a well-marked trail but a steep, almost vertical climb (350 metres in elevation) that also requires some ledge scrambling, crawling and climbing using handholds and rope handles once you’re at the Cracks. Most people enter via the more challenging Right/Narrow Crack and come back down via the Left/Large Crack (aka “Adderley Street”). If you wish to proceed to the Arch, once you’re at the top of the cliffs, you’ll need to cross an otherworldly landscape to reach it (a two-hour hike).
Start point From the Sanddrif campsite, it’s a short 2km drive (through the “Valley of the Red Gods” – amazing rock formations) to the parking area at the trailhead.
Distance + duration 5km (to the Cracks), 3–4 hours
12km (including Arch), 8 hours
Good to know This is a fairly strenuous route, not suitable for beginners or the unfit. You can also reach Wolfberg Arch via Gabriel’s Pass (8-hour hike) from Driehoek. Many hikers choose to wildcamp here for the night, which allows them to enjoy the splendid sunset, night skies and sunrise around the Arch.
Permit Dwarsrivier

Algeria Waterfall

A very pleasant, if quite steep, hike – passing a plantation of cedar trees – that rewards you with the stunning Middelberg Waterfall. Near the top (elevation 360 metres), the path will zigzag, you will start to hear the sound of water, and just before you reach the waterfall, you’ll do a bit of boulder-hopping and rock-scrambling. It’s a great spot for a picnic with views; the shallow pool is good for cooling off but not a proper swim. This route is pretty straightforward, with just two junctions (note that if you take the right path at the second junction, you’ll be heading to the top of the mountain and the Middelburg Hut, used by overnight hikers, not the waterfall – a much longer hike).
Start point Algeria office; walk up the dirt road, cross the river and head uphill. After 1.5km, you will reach a fork where the path leads to the waterfall.
Distance + duration 6km, 3–4 hours (there and back)
Good to know If you continue on the initial path, instead of taking the waterfall hiking trail, you will be on the Uitkyk Walk (aka “Van der Merwe se Voetpad”). It’s around 3.5km to reach Uitkyk forestry station; return along the road for a 7km circular route (3 hours). This is a good stretch-your-legs hike that rewards you with classic Cederberg mountain scenery and views into the valley.
Permit Algeria

Stadsaal Caves

A fantastical landscape of textures, colours and eroded shapes, it’s easy to lose a few hours exploring this cluster of caves, overhangs and rock formations. Kids will love it! And if you don’t have a head for heights, or are not “mountain fit”, this is a great way to get up close to some Cederberg rock without a strenuous or long hike. Look out for the historical “graffiti” in the main cave (this “city hall” was a secret meeting spot for late-19th-century political figures). Nearby, connected by a flat sandy path through the veld, you can also view the famed elephant San rock art.
Start point In the Matjiesriver Nature Reserve. It’s a short walk to the caves from the parking area.
Distance + duration 1km (loop); 20 minutes (excluding exploring)
Good to know Truitjieskraal, another wonderland of rock formations to clamber around, via a 3km loop trail, is close by. It has arguably the most impressive San art in the Cederberg and was named a World Heritage Site in 2014. It’s also popular with rock climbers.
Permit From Dwarsrivier, Kromrivier, Matjiesriver or Algeria.

Disa Pools

Alicia Erasmus

A good, solid and very pleasant hike that rewards you with a beautiful pool and waterfall, perfect for swimming and picnicking. It’s a fairly easy hike in terms of terrain and route, starting on jeep track, passing a dam and then following the river from about midway, heading upstream into a valley (with a couple of smaller pools). Once you reach the main pool, it’s a hop, skip and jump across rocks in the stream above it before descending to your oasis. This hike is a good option if you have kids in tow.
Start point Kromrivier, near Sanddrif; the parking area for the trailhead is 3.5km from the office.
Distance + duration 15.4km (out-and-back); 4 hours
Good to know The disas are in flower from December to March. There is also a loop option to return via a plateau higher up with great valley views.
Permit Kromrivier

Maalgat

For another rock pool that is quicker and easier to reach, Maalgat is a great option. Whether you think the name translates as “grind hole” or “crazy hole”, this is a delightful spot to spend the day. The journey there is an easy, pleasant (kid-friendly) walk downstream, beside the Dwars River amid sandstone rock formations. The rock pool itself is huge, crystal-clear and very deep, and offers the prospect of jumping off 11-metre-high cliff ledges into the water. There may also be a waterfall (depending on recent rainfall), and it’s a cool spot for a picnic.
Start point Sanddrif; head past the camping area down a gravel road to a parking area under pine trees.
Distance + duration 2.7km; 20 minutes (one way)
Good to know Day visitors are not allowed on long weekends or in school holidays.
Permit Dwarsrivier

Welbedacht Cave

Jay Caboz

Heading up the Welbedacht Kloof, this steep and rugged walk has an elevation gain of 450 metres. Along the way you’ll pass cedar trees, erica bushes, rock formations and fantastic views. When the path splits to the right, head down it and negotiate a rocky section to reach the cave. You’ll discover an ideal natural shelter, large and deep, with a wide mouth – the perfect shady (and wind-sheltered) spot to enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views over the valley (and a favourite spot for overnight hikers to camp).
Start point Welbedacht parking area (signposted from the road), near Driehoek
Distance + duration 9km; 3.5 hours
Good to know From Welbedacht, you can continue across a plateau to reach Spout Cave and the base of Tafelberg, the second-highest peak in the Cederberg. The twin of Cape Town’s famous mountain, it’s a 1 969-metre-high, 700-metre-long monolith. Get to the summit and you’ll find a surreal landscape of rock formations; this will require an overnight trip and is best done by experienced hikers.
Permit Algeria, Driehoek

Rooiberg Trail

This is a good choice if you’re in the mood to summit a mountain in a day (984 metres high). You’ll zigzag up a steep slope before negotiating the cliff-face to reach the top (some scrambling here), then cross a level plateau – plenty of opportunity to feast your eyes on the fantastic views – before making your way back down into the valley via a rocky gully. Your adventure ends on a sandy path that follows the Brandskraal River, passing cave formations. This circular hike can be done clockwise or anticlockwise. Depending on your fitness level and mountaineering experience, this route will be a doddle or a little challenging.
Start + end point Nuwerust reception car park
Distance + duration 12km, 5 – 6 hours
Good to know There is an option, on the summit plateau, to take a detour to visit the Dassie Rocks (Dassieskop), which include San paintings and an arch formation (this will add 1.6km to your hike). If you do, use GPS to guide you, as there are not many beacons on the trail. Alternatively, once back at the camp, you can wind down with a gentle 6km circular walk to a waterfall.
Permit Nuwerust; R50 per person (day visitors)

Duiwelsgat

Alicia Erasmus

This hike to the “Devil’s Hole” forms the first part of an ascent of Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the Cederberg. It meanders up the protea-lined Duiwelsgatkloof beside the Uitkyk River to reach the top of the valley – the perfect spot for a lunch break amid the boulders. As a half-day hike, you might want to turn back at this point (continuing on the path will eventually lead to the Sneeuberg Hut, used overnight by those who wish to summit). If you do go a little further, depending on the time of day and your energy level, you’ll descend into the lush Duiwelsgat valley – a steep, cliff’s-edge trail that rewards you with stunning scenery and cedar forest. Remember, you’ll need to retrace your steps before it gets dark.
Start point Algeria; the trailhead is 4km from the camp on the Uitkyk Pass (at the hairpin bend), where there’s parking in lay-bys. Note, there are currently roadworks on the pass.
Distance + duration Full hike: 12km; 6hr (one-way) but turnaround at top of valley for a shorter day hike
Permit Algeria

Apollo & Luna Peaks

These are a favourite among mountain-climbers, and you’ll see why when you reach the top. The otherworldly rock formations, with plenty of gullies, cracks, crevices and fairy chimneys, are startling, and some of the boulders look like those “drip-castles” kids make on the beach. To start with, it’s jeep track and then a fairly easy, undulating contour hike between the two peaks, but then it gets steeper and more bouldery – with a total elevation gain of some 800 metres. The summit affords incredible views and deafening silence – a true on-top-of-the-world feeling. Note that unless you are a mountain-climber, the actual top of Apollo Peak (1 675m) may be out of your league. Apollo and Luna are located in the area between Cederberg Wilderness and Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, so this hike is on private property; you will need to arrange permits and book before you come.
Start point Kromrivier Cederberg Park; it’s a 3km drive to a small parking area at the trailhead.
Distance + duration 12.7km (out-and-back), 8 hours
Good to know If it has been raining or it has snowed, this hike is not an option as the path will be too wet and slippery.
Permit Kromrivier; R80 per person (day visitors)
Contact 027 482 2807; bookings@cederbergpark.com

Northern Cederberg

The mountains of the Pakhuis Pass (R364) offer several hiking options, the world-famous Rocklands bouldering area and remote private farms. CapeNature’s northernmost Kliphuis Camp is also on the pass (to the south of it), allowing access to the trails.
Clanwilliam Info Office is a good source of information.
Contact 027 482 2024; cederberg@lando.co.za

Pakhuis Pass to Heuningvlei

Yair Schkolne @yaya_goes_places (bottom left + right)

This hike – considered one of the most scenic in the Cape – starts at the top of the Pakhuis Pass and heads to the lost-in-time village of Heuningvlei, following a jeep track. It descends the hill then slowly climbs again, passing sandstone cliffs (including the famous Rocklands), then flattens out for views over fynbos, the Brandewyn River valley and distant Karoo. The final push traverses the shoulder of the Groenberg, before descending to your destination – take the left fork to drop straight down, or the right path which circles the base of Krakadow Peak (an extra 3km). As this is a one-way hike, you will need to have parked a car at Heuningvlei; alternatively, you can arrange a return journey by donkey cart. To conquer Krakadouw peak, you’ll need to stay overnight in the Heuningvlei Hut (2km from the village) on the summit.
Start point Top of Pakhuis Pass (R364); there is a gravel parking area on the right. Go through the gate to hit the trail.
Distance + duration 12km; 5 hours
Good to know On the same jeep track from the top of Pakhuis Pass, there is the option of two other one-way hikes. The Kliphuis route branches off to the right from the jeep track at around 1km in – it’s a three-hour, one-way hike that ends at Kliphuis campsite. The longer Boskloof route (17km; 6–8 hours) branches off the Kliphuis route; it’s an undulating walk through a beautiful valley that includes crossing a river on stepping stones, and ends at Krakadouw Cottages.
Permit Kliphuis
Contact Donkey cart info/Heuningvlei Tourism: 027 492 3070

Kliphuis Circuit

With only a half-hour’s worth of steep climbing to the top of a kloof, this is one of the gentlest walks in the Cederberg, which takes you through pristine fynbos and past rock formations. At the top of the kloof, you’ll see the three peaks of Faith, Hope and Charity; you’ll make your way across a plateau – plenty of time to soak in the scenery, including of Lions’ Head (a series of small peaks in that distance that look like lions grazing) and the Wild West Wall – then descend alongside the Kliphuis River, passing waterfalls if you’re hiking in winter. The walk ends with a gentle uphill back to Kliphuis camp.
Start point Kliphuis campsite; the trail starts behind the old Forestry House.
Distance + duration 9.5km; 3–4 hours
Permit Kliphuis

Perdefontein Trail

Alicia Erasmus

One of the lesser-known trails in the Cederberg, at the northern tip of CapeNature’s Cederberg Wilderness, this circular hike offers the chance to experience the best bits – evocative rock formations and rock art, flora and fauna (look out for signs of leopards) – without having to trek too far. These mountains are rugged, gnarled and slate grey (in contrast to the familiar red sandstone); you’ll get up-close views of several key northern peaks – Faith, Hope, Charity, Pilaarsberg and Noordkrans, as well as panoramas of the valley and farmlands. Circling Kliphuis Ridge, it ascends 400 metres, flattens out, then descends 400 metres; it’s rocky and rugged in places, and includes white-sand sections, so you need to be fairly fit. But the reward is an inviting plunge pool (if there’s been rain) and the Secret Falls on the Kliphuis River, a great spot to rest and picnic.
Start point Kliphuis campsite
Distance + duration 10km, 5 hours
Good to know There is the option of a detour to the top of the Ribbokberg or to Pakhuis Peak (on the eastern side of this mountain is the wreck of a 1940s SAAF plane crash).
Permit Kliphuis

Sevilla Rock Art Trail

Essentially a stroll through an atmospheric outdoor gallery of ancient San paintings (including the famed Bow-Hunter and Yellow Elephants), it’s also a pleasant trail that winds along the Brandewyn River (with the possibility of swimming holes for a dip and, in spring, the added visual splendour of colourful wildflowers lining the path). There are nine sites; it’s recommended you head straight to the last one and make your way back slowly. It’s not uncommon to spot some wildlife too, such as dassies, baboons and antelope. The path, marked by white footprints, is a little uneven and rocky, and you will need to scramble here and there to get up close to the artworks, which are typically hidden in overhangs.
Start point Travellers Rest farm stall, on the Pakhuis Pass
Distance + duration 6km, 2– 4 hours
Permit Travellers Rest; R50 (adult), children 12 years and under free
Contact 082 554 9303

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.