Seasoned hikers should only attempt the spectacular hike to the wolfberg arch via the wolfberg cracks. Day hikes cederberg conservancy, south africa, western cape. Wolfberg arch hike the hike is classified as a strenuous full day walk from dwarsrivier and is only possible once a permit has been acquired from the dwarsrivier farm along with a gate key and then follow their map to the start of the walk. We offer self catering facilities ranging from camping sites to fully equipped chalets. Backpack and hike in the wolfberg cracks of the cederberg south. Two night camping in the cederberg wilderness area. Jul 12, 2018 this route explores some of the most iconic places in the cederberg and is one of the best 5day hikes i have done anywhere. Cederberg hike wolfberg cracks, maltese cross and stadsaal caves. I didnt like ian when he chose to have his 30th birthday in the cederberg. After citrusdal, the road to the famous cederberg mountains, wolfberg cracks, lots wife trail, and wolfberg arch is bumpy and rocky. This cederberg hike takes 6 7 hours and starts at sanddrif. Dec 18, 2017 after traversing the cracks, we emerged from the depths and the warm summer sun greeted us back. The main event of the weekend was, of course, the wolfberg cracks. If i didnt i would be morbidly obese with my career.
It took us 3 hours from cape town, but we also were stuck in the peak hour traffic at 16h00 for an hour, so it took us 4 long hours to get there. Wolfberg mountain in the cederberg wilderness area is home to a hiking or backpacking trail leading through wolfberg cracks to famous wolfberg arch. Cederberg, western cape welcome to the official cederberg tourism site learn all about the towns situated in the cederberg municipal region as well as about the cederberg mountains and cederberg wilderness area, what you can do here, where to have delicious meals and where you can stay. There are numerous day and overnight hikes including the popular and spectacular wolfberg arch, wolfberg cracks and the maltese cross. Please submit any useful information about climbing wolfberg that may be useful to other climbers. The wolfberg cracks and arch mrtns story posted on february 14, 2014 by dmca february 14, 2014 last november mrtn and i travelled to the cederbergs a spectacular mountain region several hundred km north of cape town for a hike to the wolfberg cracks and arch. Backpack and hike in the wolfberg cracks of the cederberg. Botswana is one of africas last pristine lands and offers its visitors beautiful scenery and prolific big game in equal measure from the watery paradise of the okavango delta, to the shimmering white saltpans of the makgadikgadi. Sanddrif holiday resort the unspoilt heart of the cederberg. Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling other things to do near cederberg wilderness area. Like many others, we made the heritage public holiday on tuesday into a long weekend and we went up to the cederberg for a bit of fresh air and hiking. It takes you past crystal pools, welbedacht cave, the wolfberg arch and wolfberg cracks, the maltese cross and sneeuberg.
Start about 4m to the left of the arete at a good rail. Top things to do in the cederberg by cederberg ridge. Snow and the wolfberg cracks are visible on the mountains. Panorama of the complete milky way stars stretching across the night sky over the wolfberg arch in the cederberg mountains on the road to cederberg. Traipsing through the cederberg with his daypack on his back, mark samuel is made to feel tiny, yet significant both at the same time towering up all around me, its obvious why someone named these the wolfberg cracks. Wolfberg is a mountain in the eastern range surrounding the central valley of the cederberg wilderness area. Heading to wolfberg arch if you come to hike in the cederberg, be sure to be entertained by the most beautiful rock formations.
Walk up to the wolfberg cracks from sanddrif in the cederberg, about 3 hours. Wolfberg cracks and wolfberg arch name of reserve area. The two lie fairly close to one another and either will supply you with maps and permits. Julie had spent the better part of the saturday morning telling me that the hike wasnt that bad. Driehoek tourist farm is situated in the heart of the cederberg mountains. Wolfberg mountain in the cederberg wilderness area is home. At its peak, there are several cracks, narrow passages through which hikers must walk to summit the mountain. And the numbers allowed up to and through the cracks will also be controlled for the foreseeable future. Well take a winding road from cape town through the hottentot holland mountain range, hike to rock pools, then set up camp and have a braai dinner cooked over an. But dont misunderstand me, though theyre not the type of cracks that a bit of. There is just something incredibly beautiful about the cederberg and the wolfberg cracks are simply amazing to explore.
Driehoek is surrounded by magnificent mountains and is ideal as a base for hiking to wellknown landmarks such as tafelberg, sneeuberg, the maltese cross and the wolfberg arch. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of wolfberg, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. From the car park at the start of our hiking route, wolfberg didnt seem much different from the other mountains wed passed on our fourhour drive from cape town. Here is a route description, map, and gps waypoints for hiking the route. Enjoy hiking, winetasting, donkey cart trails and scenic drives in the cederberg wilderness area. This vast wilderness area, covering almost 172 000 ha, offers hiking routes for people of all fitness levels. My advice, if you want to visit this area, book cederberg accommodation or citrusdal accommodation far in advance. Berg truffles adventure travel mists south africa grand canyon rocks traveling journal. Very popular, and for good reason, this is a hike with an adventurous feel and is a lot of fun. Wolfberg didnt seem much different from the other mountains wed passed on our fourhour drive from cape town. Wolfberg cracks cederberg wilderness south africa in 2020. This is an easy 30minute hike from the parking area. The cederberg wilderness is only three hours outside cape town, but it feels like a different world. The cracks are on private land adjacent to the wilderness area, and a permit must be obtained from the nieuwoudts at dwarsriver farm.
Original image from the guide book wolfberg cracks a climbers guide by tony lourens with permission. The cederberg mountains, burnt orange by iron oxide, dominate the landscape. The farm lies in the heart of the cederberg wilderness area, which is well known for its spectacular rock formations, expansive vistas. The ideal time for walking in the cederberg is between mid march and mid december. Wolfberg cracks is the adventurous hike to do in the cederberg natural area. Wolfberg arch in snow, cederberg wilderness, south africa. Try out one of the classic walks to the maltese cross or the wolfberg cracks, or along the heuningvlei jeep track near clanwilliam. May 10, 2012 once you pop out at the top, you will find a martian landscape which you must cross to get to the wolfberg arch. Climbing at wolfberg, sanddrif cederberg, south africa. Mount ceder is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains on the farm grootrivier, next to the main route through the cedarberg, approximately. The big hike of the weekend was on monday when we went up the wolfberg cracks. Apr 12, 2012 walk up to the wolfberg cracks from sanddrif in the cederberg, about 3 hours. Most people who visit the cederberg mountains do so for the hiking opportunities it provides. He is a really great guy that loves adventure more than anyone or anything.
But in the heat of the day it can feel difficult, so start early. Most huts are situated between approximately 900m and 1500m. Climb up a few meters to some small crimps in a thin rail. Through the wolfberg cracks to the arch, across to the welbedacht cave and down the mountain. The 100 km cederberg mountain range consists of table mountain sandstone, richly coloured by iron oxides and eroded into curious shapes such as the wellknown wolfberg. Once you reach the summit of wolfberg mountain, look for a path leading to wolfberg arch.
Permits cederberg conservancy, south africa, western cape. This route explores some of the most iconic places in the cederberg and is one of the best 5day hikes i have done anywhere. Apr 19, 2012 cederberg wolfberg cracks hiking pictures the easter weekend stumbled upon us and it was a tough decision of where to go or what to do. Cape rock, by julian fisher, nomad mountain publications, 3rd edition, 1999. Further along the wolfberg crest, there is a natural arch feature that draws adventurers. Video documentary of 4 friends hiking one of the most spectacular natural site of south africa.
Wolfberg cracks western cape, south africa alltrails. Whether going for a weekend or one week, it is a place difficult to leave. Permits to the maltese cross and the wolfberg arch via eikeboom and gabriels pass are sold at driehoek. Wolfberg cracks and arch this is one of the highlights of any trip to the central cederberg. The cederberg is a special place and should be on everyones bucket list to. Sanddrif holiday resort is situated on the farm dwarsrivier, home of cederberg private cellar, approximately 250 km north of cape town. The weather was perfect for us late september, with a crisp breeze blowing the whole day, the hot sun to keep us warm, and the most beautiful blue sky. However, we can now enjoy climbing again at two of the best trad venues in.
Wolfberg mountain in the cederberg wilderness area is home to. The table mountain sandstone creates ideal conditions for spectacular routes. Cederberg stock photos download 1,051 royalty free photos. Keep your eyes open for a view of the wolfberg cracks in the mountain on your left, which is about in the middle of the image of the sheep above. In those days you went straight up the mountain, but nowadays there is a path, still fairly steep though. This epic formation can be reached by traversing a set of monumental clefts in the mountain known as the wolfberg cracks. Does anyone know if the hike to wolfberg arch via the cracks is open yet and if not, if there is a planned date for that to be the case. There are two routes you can take, once you reach the base of the rocky cliffs. Wolfberg arch and cracks the arch is a long way from the cracks, but worth the effort, maltese cross, tafelberg, sneeuberg, sneeukop and krakadouw peak make for real mountaineering attractions, whilst the notasfit still gain a lot of pleasure from maalgat pool and stadsaal caves. Jun 06, 2018 the highest peak in the cederberg is sneeuwberg at 2027m above sea level, with other notable peaks being tafelberg 1969m, krakadouw 1744m, middelbergsouth 1623m and wolfberg 1450m.
Situated in the cederberg mountains, the cederberg chalets are located in wide open spaces of unspoilt wilderness and tranquillity, spectacular rock formations, rock art, hiking and game viewing. Well take a winding road from cape town through the hottentot holland mountain range, hike to rock pools, then set up camp and have a braai dinner cooked over an open fire. After traversing the cracks, we emerged from the depths and the warm summer sun greeted us back. The cederberg is a special place and should be on everyones bucket list to go and explore. If there is one adventurous hike to do in the cederberg wilderness area, this is it. Hiking wolfberg cracks and wolfberg arch cederberg south africa. Whinge direct 25rx an alternative third pitch to whinge taking the blank face left of the arete. The cederberg range is known for bouldering, hiking, and ancient rock art. These hikes are moderate and your personal level of fitness should guide you in deciding which route to follow. The hike across the top to wolfberg arch is still closed, as the vegetation in that area has still not recovered sufficiently.
A comprehensive pocket climbing guide, by jayson orton, 2000. Spectacular rock formations including the maltese cross, wolfberg cracks, wolfberg arch, tafelberg, sneeuberg and lots wife attract mountaineers and hikers alike. The trail is fairly easy to follow, and there are signs and cairns, especially important when you return to the top of the cracks and must find your way into them to descend. Hiking wolfberg cracks and wolfberg arch cederberg south. The cederberg mountains and nature reserve are located near clanwilliam, approximately 300 km north of cape town. Approximately 1,2 km from sanddrif, at the foot of the wolfberg, there is a parking area under the oak trees.
Stadsaal caves to see some ancient rock art from the bushmen who thrived in the area for centuries, the stadsaal caves is a great stop. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. The cederberg area is renowned for its fantastic and surreal rock formations that have been created over the millennia by erosion of the quartzitic sandstone. The trail to wolfberg cracks is steep, but the path is good. One not to miss is the fullday hike through the towering, ochre rock formations known as the wolfberg cracks, to the famous wolfberg arch. Dec 05, 2016 the main event of the weekend was, of course, the wolfberg cracks. The cederberg in general is known for is fantastical rock formations, and the cracks will not disappoint. Detailed slingsby maps show the main walking trails maintained by cape nature. The cederberg mountains are 3 hours north of cape town. Wolfberg overview wolfberg lies within the awesome cederberg wilderness area, which is situated about 200km north of cape town. Great scenic drives particularly when you get to the gravel road that goes through the cederberg wilderness area. Remember to stop at the sandrift farm to get your permits during office hours. Wolfberg lies within the awesome cederberg wilderness area, which is.
Different options on walks through the cracks at the end, need experience to get through some of them. The 100 km cederberg mountain range consists of table mountain sandstone, richly coloured by iron oxides and eroded into curious shapes such as the wellknown wolfberg arch, stadsaal caves and the dramatic maltese cross. Always carry enough water, warm clothes and snacks when embarking on any hike. It can take anything from 4 to 7 days, depending on how many of the side trips one undertakes. Landscape of wolfberg cracks in the cederberg, republic of south africa approaching cederberg mountains in south africa. See south africas natural wonders, from wolfberg cracks to maltese cross. The wolfberg cracks is one of the best known and spectacular parts of the magnificent cederberg. Purchase permits and a map from the office at dwarsrivier or algeria forest station cape nature hq for the cederberg wilderness. Jagged sandstone rock formations, like the maltese cross and the wolfberg arch, and ancient san and khoi rock art, make this area truly spectacular. To reach the wolfberg arch, via wolfberg cracks some hikers start from dwarsrivier farm, others from sandrif holiday resort. Once you have reached the top of the uitkykpass, you will be about 20km from the wolfberg cracks.
There is no such thing as a boring hiking route when you are hiking in the cederberg. Most people opt for the main crack off to the left as the easiest route but it involves some scrambling. A mountain landscape in the cederberg mountains of the western cape province. Camping at sanddrif holiday resort and wine tasting at cederberg wines. Permits to the maltese cross and the wolfberg arch via dwarsrivier and the wolfberg cracks are sold at dwarsrivier. Three cracks can be viewed, of which the first two are easily recognisable. Cederberg wolfberg cracks hiking pictures the easter weekend stumbled upon us and it was a tough decision of where to go or what to do. Wolfberg cracks and arch, cederberg wilderness area. Permits to visit the stadsaal caves on matjiesrivier nature reserve can be obtained at any of the tourism offices. Weve headed towards these beautiful mountains on a long weekend in september to camp at sanddrif near dwarsrivier farm. From there you can either hike another 5km to the wolfberg arch an iconic cederberg landmark or return down the mountain via a big, easy crack. The cederberg is renowned for its quality of rock climbing routes particularly around the krakadouw and tafelberg peaks. Most of the hike is in full sun so its best to start at 06. Take this j ourney to breathtaking rock formations and pools in south africas cederberg mountains.
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