The near, but feels far Cederberg Mountains are famous for its spring flowers, ancient rock art, delicious wine, spectacular mountain drives and hiking.
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The Cederberg & West Coast – Untamed, Unexpected, Unmissable
These two areas are often put together and visited together. But in fact, they are very different. The Cederberg Mountains feel gloriously remote—despite being just 2½ hours from Cape Town. That’s its magic trick: wildly scenic isolation without the endless driving.
Once over the Piekenierskloof Pass, the country has changed. It's wilder, warmer with a raw, dramatic beauty. The towering Cederberg mountain range, brilliant purple in the late afternoon light, presides over a fruit-filled valley laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring.
The Cederberg happens to be our home. So we have an expert knowledge of the Cederberg accommodation and touring options. From self-drive itineraries to walking holidays, to rock art and spring wild flower tours.
The Cederberg is an outdoor playground for hikers, boulderers, and wild swimmers. You can walk, hike or climb in the mountains, swim in waterfall rock pools, or simply laze under big skies with mountain views.
Follow a winding trail to ancient San rock art, where every painting tells a story—some over 2,000 years old.
The Cape West Coast also lies north of Cape Town, an area of dramatic ocean landscapes, wild spring flowers and a birding hotspot. Here you can choose from charming fishing villages such as Paternoster and Langebaan. And there’s loads to do from the West Coast National Park, Fossil Park, Kite-surfing to the fascinating Ittu San Cultural centre.
It’s easy to combine together with the Cederberg, along with the Winelands and Cape Town. There's also a very scenic drive to the Route 62 and Swellendam (3+ hours).
The West Coast is from 1-2 hours drive away. The Cederberg is approx 2½ hours drive, along what we call the best main road in the country. Scenic, little traffic and no traffic lights!
Best Time to Visit the Cederberg?
You can visit the Cederberg year round. The best time to visit the Cederberg depends on whether you prefer wild flowers, serious sun worship, spring hikes, or mild winter walks. See later…
Where to stay in the Cederberg?
Not sure where to stay in the Cederberg? From luxurious mountain lodges to cosy guesthouses, we’ll guide you. (Note: we are not so hot on self-catering or camping. It’s just not our jam! We recommend either Cederberg Ridge or Bushmanskloof.
Cederberg Spring Flowers?
Spring – think AUGUST - is wildflower season, and the Cederberg spring flowers can rival those of Namaqualand, though less extensive.
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