Escape to the Cederberg and experience the raw beauty of this awesome wilderness! Join Boland Adventures to experience a backpack adventure in a Wilderness area that is protected and preserved in its natural state where unaltered ecosystems, geological features and wildlife habitats awaits. This experience will allow people to really connect with nature in an undeveloped land where roads, buildings and human made structures do not exist. Every hiker will need to carry their full backpack with all the necessary equipment to survive two days and one night in the Cederberg Wilderness. Very good fitness will be required to complete this expert hike using easily-accessible paths, having a total accumulated elevation of less than 900 meter over a distance of 27 km. Quench your thirst with crystal-clear mountain streams, fill your lungs with crisp clean air, surround yourself with majestic mountains, sleep under the stars and marvel at the site of unique rock formations like the Maltese Cross and "Heks se Suil."
Basic agenda:
Saturday 5 April 2025:
Depart 06:00 from Engen Winelands One Stop North.
Drive through Malmesbury and Moorreesburg and stop at Piketberg for a coffee break.
Drive further, passing Citrusdal and take the turn-off towards Algeria, Cederberg.
Arrive at Cape Nature's office at Algeria to meet the rest of the group. Report at the office. There are toilets available.
A short distance after the Uitkyk Pass, we turn right at Cederhout Kloof and park the cars under Oak trees.
Before the hike starts, I need to park my vehicle at the Uitkyk pass where our hike ends.
The first part of the hike follows an old jeep track and passes a leopard trap (tierhok). The rocky jeep track ascends gradually until Sneeberg comes into view. Then follow a footpath that takes a shortcut to a pool and joins up with the jeeptrack again. Gorgeous rocks can be seen as Sneeuberg Hut is approached. From the parking area to Sneeuberg hut is less than 6 km.
Sneeuberg hut was used as a forester's hut and provides limited shelter against wind and rain. It has four walls and a straw filled floor with a broken roof. Camp is set up near the Sneeuberg hut where enough water can be collected in a nearby mountain stream.
After camp is set up, we will follow a footpath southeast towards the Maltese Cross, passing Sneeuberg on our right. From the hut to Maltese Cross is 4 km. We will return to the Sneeuberg hut with the same route.
Once we have returned to the hut, it's time to prepare supper and enjoy the spectacular display of the starry night.
Sunday 6 April 2025:
We pack up camp and start hiking after 07:00 in a north western direction towards Noordpoort that leads to Uitkyk Pass.
The first 2 kilometers are fast and flat before the footpath descends steeply to a massive gorge called Duiwelsgatkloof where a hikers camp and waterfalls will be seen.
Abundant cedar trees populate this deep kloof while Hoogvertoon peak towers above to the right at a height of 1631 meters.
Many rock pools provide opportunities for a refreshing swim as the footpath starts ascending to the summit passing Cedarwood station and a rock formation called Heks se Suil.
After reaching the summit, a steep downhill along Uitkykriver follows, passing by more rockpools and a rest site, surrounded by huge mountain peaks such as Wegwaai, Uitkyk se kop and Smalberg Oos.
Eventually we will reach Uitkyk Pass where my bakkie is parked. Every driver will be transported back to the carpark at Cedarkloof to fetch their cars while the rest of the hiking group waits for our return.
From here, we drive back to Piekenierskloof Pass to stop at Die Tol farmstall for refreshments.
We will be back at home after 16:00.
Wilderness etiquette:
- The trails do not have route markers, but small cairns indicate directions.
- Firearms and pets are not allowed.
- Permits must be carried at all times.
- Hikers are not compelled to stay on the trails and may explore the rock formations and caves that are off the beaten track.
- Apply the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
- No fires allowed.
Fee to join hike:
The total cost is R420 per person and excludes the conservation fees. Conservation fee is R70. Wildcard holders do not pay for conservation fees.
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name, surname and Cedar as reference.
Equipment to bring: Backpack gear, backpack tent, trekking poles, warm jacket, food for 2 days, sunglasses, coffee/tea/cooldrink/1 lt water, First Aid kit, rehidrat sachets, gas stove, fire torches, headlamps, self inflatable mattress, cooking utensils.
Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.
