The Cederberg mountain range is in the Western Cape and offers a true wilderness experience, popular with hikers and mountain bikers. There are unusual rock formations, mountains and some ancient rock art.
The name of the mountains name from the Clanwilliam Cedar Trees that used to grow in masses on the slopes here.
This area is a walkers paradise with 71,000ha of space accessible on many tracks and trails. There are wonderful sandstone rocks, desolate plains, hidden rock pools and fynbos all over the region - a haven for botanists seeking something unusual.
The Cederberg used to be home to the San and Khoikhoi people and some rock art as much as 6000 years old is found here, commonly seen in caves.
There are some mammals here, but most are very shy and rarely seen, including porcupine, honeybadgers, ottersn leopard, caracals, bat-eared foxes and cape foxes. More easily seen are baboons, hyraxes and small antelope.
Access is up the main N7 from Cape Town and through the Algeria Forest Station. There are many camp sites and some lovely remote lodges and camps.
Nearby along the coastal routes you can visit Clanwilliam, Citrusdaal and Lamberts Bay.
