Cederberg Mountains & West Coast

The Cederberg is famous for its spring flowers, ancient rock art, delicious wine, spectacular mountain drives and hiking.

Overview

These two areas are often put together and visited together. But in fact, they are very different. The Cederberg Mountains lie only 2+ hours drive north of Cape Town, but it feels like a different world. 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 mountains also provides a natural arena for adventure lovers. It is a perfect area for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. On foot, there are great hiking opportunities. On the water, the rivers offer glorious crystal clear water for swimming and canoeing.  Follow a walking trail to some ancient rock paintings. Enjoy hiking in the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve and swimming in waterfall rock pools. Or simply relax in one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of South Africa.

Klipspringer in the Cederberg Mountains

The Cape West Coast also lies north of Cape Town, an area of dramatic ocean landscapes, wild spring flowers and a birding hotspot.

The Cape West Coast and Cederberg are easy to combine together, alongside the Winelands and Cape Town. There's also a very scenic drive to the Route 62 and Swellendam (3+ hours).

But the Cederberg FEELS much further than it is. And that is its secret attraction.

Beach at Langebaan, Cape West Coast

Features

Why you may love it

  • Ancient rock paintings of the Bushmen people
  • Hiking in the Cederberg mountains with its fynbos and dramatic rock formations
  • Carpets of wild flowers in Spring (August)
  • Wine-tasting at the Cederberg Cellars, the highest wine estate in South Africa, as well as other leading cellars of the area
  • Enjoy an alfresco seafood lunch on the beach on the West Coast
  • Learn about Rooibos tea on farm & fynbos tour
  • Spectacular star-gazing. The Cederberg has its own observatory.
  • Fantastic weather for most of the year

When to visit Cederberg Mountains & West Coast

Nov to mid-March

Summer in Cederberg

Though only 2½ hours north of Cape Town, the Cederberg has a remarkably different temperature. It shares the dry Mediterranean climate but it is much hotter. Think Andalucia or southern Italy. So for serious sun-seekers, the Cederberg ticks the boxes For some it may be too hot in January and February but you can always escape the heat (if you wish) by heading up into the mountains which are noticeably cooler or indeed visiting the West coast which is only 40 mins drive away.
AVG RAINFALL 6.8 mm
MAX TEMP 34 ℃ / 93 ℉
MIN TEMP 16 ℃ / 61 ℉

Mid-March to mid-May

Lovely autumn weather

This is a great time in the Cederberg. Though it stays warm and sunny, it’s a great time to be active - so perfect for walking.
AVG RAINFALL 27 mm
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 10.5 ℃ / 51 ℉

Mid-May to July

Winter in the Cedarberg

This is our “winter” but this is where the unique Cederberg climate comes into its own! Yes, the mornings and evenings are cold but the afternoon temperatures are often a very pleasant 21-23C. It is also technically a semi-arid area with less than 200mm (2.5 times less than Cape Town) so rain won’t be much of a factor for most visitors. It’s also a beautiful time to visit the Cederberg, when it is at its greenest! Indeed, this is the most popular time for bouldering as the daytime temperatures are mild.
AVG RAINFALL 36 mm
MAX TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉
MIN TEMP 6 ℃ / 43 ℉

August to October

Best time to visit

Spring is probably the best time to be in the Cederberg (though lots of people love the summer as well). And the Cederberg is one of the best places to be in South Africa during August and September. Depending on the timing and duration of the rains, August (or even late July) sees the start of amazing wild flower displays in the surrounding countryside. As the temperatures start to increase in September, the mass fields of delicate flowers fade. But there are plenty of later flowers throughout September, the countryside is green and the temperatures are warm and sunny. It starts to heat up during October but it’s still a great time to enjoy walking and mountain biking.
AVG RAINFALL 14 mm
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 82 ℉
MIN TEMP 10.5 ℃ / 51 ℉

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Thank you for arranging such an excellent trip

"Nancy and I would like to thank you for arranging such an excellent trip to see the wildflowers in the Cape. As for the flowers, we couldn’t have picked a better year or a better time, and your itinerary got us into some of the most spectacular scenes, better than we had ever imagined! Thank You!! " Mr Bell
Did you know
  • LandmarksThe tallest mountain is 'Sneeuberg' or Snow Mountain
  • SizeCederberg mountains are 710 km², and stretch for 200km

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