What is Cederberg?
Cederberg Local Municipality is a local municipality that governs an area of the Western Cape province of South Africa stretching from the Cederberg mountains through the middle valley of the Olifants River to the Atlantic coast.
Where Is Cederberg In South Africa
The Cederberg lies some 250km north of Cape Town. This vast region, encompasses some 182 000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain, stretching from the Pakhuis Pass in the north to Grootrivier in the south.
The Cederberg may be accessed from the N7 at Kriedouwkrans approximately 28 km from either Citrusdal or Clanwilliam. Alternative gravel roads exist from Clanwilliam and Citrusdal when the Olifants River is in flood.
The Cederberg can also be accessed from Ceres via the Koue Bokkeveld via a good gravel road. The road that runs through the Cederberg Conservancy is a public road and there is no charge to travel on this road. Permits are required to gain access to specific sites and hiking trails.
During winter the local tourism offices or accommodation facilities can be contacted to enquire about the conditions of roads and rivers before departing for the Cederberg.
How to get there
The Cederberg can be accessed from the N7 or from Ceres via the Koue Bokkeveld side – via a good gravel road. On the N7 approximately 28 km from either Citrusdal or Clanwilliam, you will find the Cederberg turn-off. The area can also be accessed from Wupperthal.
Alternative gravel roads exist from Clanwilliam and Citrusdal when the Olifantsriver is in flood. During winter contact your accommodation destination to enquire about the conditions of roads and rivers before departing for the Cederberg.
Although roads in the area are generally dirt roads they can be traveled on by normal sedan cars. The condition of the roads and river crossings may vary depending on the time of the year.
The road between Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve and Wupperthal is very rocky and it is advised that this road is attempted with a bakkie (pick-up) rather than your sedan car.
Where are the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa?
The Cederberg mountains are located near Clanwilliam, approximately 300 km north of Cape Town, South Africa at about 32°30′S 19°0′E.
The mountain range is named after the endangered Clanwilliam cedar (Widdringtonia wallichii), which is a tree endemic to the area.
Why is it called Cederberg?
The name ”Cederberg” comes from the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis).
This is an extremely rare and endemic tree of the region which typically grows at an altitude of over 1 500 meters. Its wood is fine-grained and very beautiful when it is worked properly.