The open road, expansive wilderness, and sense of peace are what you'll find on a journey through the Cederberg Mountains.
This wondrous region in the Western Cape boasts unparalleled beauty in the form of geological wonder, cascading waterfalls, ancient rock art, and fascinating fynbos vegetation.
The Cederberg Catchment Area neighbours the town of Clanwilliam and forms as part of a protected wilderness area. Within the margins of majestic natural splendour, numerous activities and chances of adventure and exploration are on offer.
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, discover a new realm within South Africa, or simply want to embark on an epic adventure, then the Cederberg might just be the ideal place for you. With this one-week itinerary, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the Cederberg and visit many unique places within its borders.
Use this itinerary as a guide – follow it to the tee or pick two or three locations and prolong your nights at each. Make this journey your own, find what feels right for your adventurous and outdoor needs.
Contents
- Januariesfontein
- De Pakhuys
- Enjo Nature Farm
- Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
- Beaverlac
Day 1 - Januariesfontein
Januariesfontein is an escarpment of flourishing flora and undulating hillsides. This farm, run by a man named Tony, fosters a sense of serenity and a humble relationship with your natural surroundings.
The campsites are modest, with a fireplace, comfortable seating area, wooden tables, a cooking fire station, a washing basin, and an outdoor shower with a compost bathroom.
This camping spot encourages sustainability with all eco-friendly ways of living. If you want a hot shower, all you have to do is light a little fire under the makeshift geyser and wait for the water to warm up. Everything is perfectly balanced with nature, and you truly feel at home in your rustic, rugged, magical campsite.
You can begin your journey from Cape Town or any area surrounding the city. Plugin your desired destination and follow the route towards Piketberg. You'll go over an incredible mountain pass with commanding vistas and into the valley below. Once you reach the farmhouse, you've arrived at your destination. Tony will likely meet you outside, hop onto his quad bike, and lead you to your campsite.
NOTE: Only 4x4 vehicles can reach this farm.
If you want to find out more about 4x4 vehicle hire from Cape Town, read the full adventure story here.
Bookings can be made here.
Day 2 and 3– De Pakhuys
Our next venue is a rock climber, waterfall lover, and hiker’s paradise. Cloaked in natural wonder with pockets of erupting waterfalls, curious caves, and impeccable starlit skies, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing this place.
Enjoy a morning shower and steaming cup of coffee at the Januariesfontein campsite before packing up and making your way to your next destination.
Plug ‘De Pakhuys' into your GPS and lead the way. It's about a two-hour drive if you want to take the fastest route; otherwise, I recommend taking the coastal route towards Elands Bay – a quaint surfer's town with a laidback coastal style. If you decide to visit this humble hamlet, stop and have a bite to eat at the Wit Mossell Pot, a quirky surfer's restaurant.
Suppose you left Januariesfontein early and have some time to spare. In that case, I highly recommend you embark on the Seville Rock Art hike, a two-three hours hike through the rocky terrain where you can witness some of the oldest and most exquisite rock art.
Otherwise, continue towards Clanwilliam. If you need to purchase fresh supplies and food, Clanwilliam is the place to do it. Once done, journey over another mountain pass, past unbelievable, twisted rock formations, and into the next valley. A dirt road will lead you to the reception of De Pakhuys.
There are numerous types of accommodation on offer, including chalets, cabins, cottages, and camping. I recommend you camp as the camping sites are extremely immersive and tranquil. It’s also much more affordable than the other accommodation options if you’re on a budget.
Camping is first-come-first-serve, so remember to peruse the area before picking a site. The only additions the campsites have are fireplaces. Make yourself cosy, light a fire, and watch the incredible scenery as it changes from day to dusk.
There is a shop on site with firewood and necessities, as well as communal bathrooms with showers.
Activities include hiking, bouldering, rock climbing, rock pool and waterfall swimming, and rock art viewing.
I suggest you stay here for two days to fully explore the thrilling and rejuvenating surroundings.
If you want to find out more about De Pakhuys, read my easy-to-digest guide on Instagram.
You can make a booking for De Pakhuys here.
Day 4 – Enjo Nature Farm
Enjo Nature Farm is a haven of bliss, peace, and serenity. It's a lush oasis amidst a seemingly barren land. The farm has a river that flows only after the rainy season, a dam which you can swim in, sheltered and homey campsites and cottages, and myriad hiking routes. Many animals call this sanctuary home, and you'll often be greeted by a friendly wandering cat, dog, or horse.
Pack up your things at De Pakhuys and put Enjo Nature Farm into your GPS. Although the journey is relatively short and sweet, most of the road is gravel, and it's recommended that you take it slow to avoid popping a tire.
You’ll pass some small farms until you reach a gate. These must be opened and closed manually and are just to prevent the animals from running out. Follow the signs until you reach Enjo.
Check-in at reception, where the kind and friendly owners of the farm will show you around.
The campsites have a communal eco bathroom that relies on borehole and rainwater, and solar power to heat up the water. This bathroom block is situated perfectly in the middle of all the campsite areas.
Enjoy a blissful afternoon and evening gazing at the skies, watching and listening to a diversity of birdlife, and wandering around the peaceful farm. Tranquillity is the word that comes to mind when I think of Enjo Nature Farm.
To make a booking, click here.
If you'd like to learn more about Enjo Nature Farm, check out my guide here.
Day 5 and 6 – Kagga Kamma
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is a retreat for the soul. In this mystical and almost archaic world, our San and Khoi ancestors once roamed.
Leaving their mark, myriad rock art can be founded peppering the escarpment today. Kagga Kamma is a luxurious yet down to earth resort that offers numerous lodging options. From cave suites and rustic cottages to elegant outdoor bomas and hardcore isolated camping sites, everyone is catered for.
There are many activities to choose from. Embark on one of the many rock art hikes or take a guided tour to glean knowledge of the past, join a stargazing excursion and learn about the planets from afar, or relish in one of the many rejuvenating spa treatments.
Note: While you do not need a 4x4 to reach the resort, it is recommended and required if you wish to explore the reserve and camp in the far-away, secluded camping sites. If you want to see the stars, be sure to book your stay over a new moon period and not a full moon.
Since there is so much to do and explore, I recommend you spend two nights here.
The GPS will tell you that there is a road through the mountains from Enjo Nature Farm to Kagga Kamma that will take you a two and a half-hour drive. This is NOT TRUE. That road is actually a harsh 4x4 track, and only comfortable 4x4 drivers are equipped to handle it. If you feel you're up for the challenge, the scenery is like nothing else you'll ever see. The journey is absolutely breathtaking but can get stressful due to the intensity of the rocky roads. This route will take about 7 hours to complete.
If you’d like to see some captures from this road, click here
If you don’t want to take this route, you will have to go back up the dirt road and rejoin the tar above. This route will take around three to four hours to complete.
Once you’ve arrived at Kagga Kamma, incredibly friendly and helpful staff will lead you the way. If you want to take to the wild and camp again this night, I recommend you ask for campsite 1 or 2 (closest to reception). Beside the campsites sit a bathroom with hot showers and a refreshing pool surrounded by mesmerizing rock formations and caves.
We decided to get the full camping experience and spent one night at the close campsites and another night at the furthest campsite.
If you want to completely escape civilization and immerse yourself in the rugged nature, I recommend booking one of the furthest campsites. It will take you about 1 – 1.5 hours to reach the campsite from reception. Only 4x4s can take these routes.
Marvel at the craggy outcrops, golden and emerald-hued landscape, and witness the stars glimmer before you. Completely switch off from the outside world and find solace between rough-hewn boulders and open skies.
To make a booking at Kagga Kamma, visit their website here.
Day 7 – Beaverlac / Home
If you have to end your trip here, a gentle three to four-hour drive will take you back to Cape Town. However, if you have an extra day or two to spare, I highly suggest you make your way to Beaverlac, a labyrinth of woodlands and majestic rock pools in a verdant mountain valley.
Beaverlac is situated approximately 1.5 hours from Cape Town. It sits next to the town of Porterville, over a narrow and steep mountains pass, and nestles the rugged, lush valley below.
There are cabins and camping sites on offer, with communal bathrooms and hot showers. There is a convenience shop on site should you forget something before you arrive.
NOTE: While you do not need a 4x4 to reach this venue, drive very slowly and carefully up the mountain pass. It is extremely narrow and has a large drop off on the one side with no barriers for falling protection.
Also note: Booking is required in advance, and you have to pay upfront on arrival. They only accept cash, so be sure to draw some beforehand. There is a very strict no loud noises and music rule, so keep that in mind and remain respectful to other guests who come here to seek peace and quiet.
From Kagga Kamma, journey for about 3 hours towards the town of Ceres. You can stop here for a spot of lunch and shopping before making your way to Porterville. Follow the GPS up and over the mountain pass and along the gravel road until you reach the entrance.
Camping is, again, first-come-first-serve. Remember to peruse the area before making your final decision on your camping spot – there are so many delightful spots to choose from!
Beaverlac is acclaimed for its closely located rock pools. Glorious mountain rivers and waterfalls sculpt a labyrinth of natural wonder as the towering mountains, and commanding vistas create a refuge of exploration and magic. There are many rock pools to experience, some extremely close to the campsites and some further away, so every fitness level is accounted for.
I recommend staying two days to revel in the whimsical rock pools, formations, and undisturbed beauty.
How to plan a road trip
If you’re keen to embark on an epic road trip, there are a few things you need to consider beforehand.
- Your mode of transport: If you have a normal city car, be sure to research your desired accommodation and destinations as some may call for only 4x4 drive. (Remember to check if your drivers license is still valid!)
- If you wish to experience a proper 4x4 journey, you can always rent a vehicle! I rented a Hilux 4x4 from Bushlore, which had the option to come equipped with everything one could possibly need for long journeys and camping life. View this hiring company here.
- Plan your route a handful of weeks prior to your trip. Do some research, look up places of interest, and read some blog posts and stories about destinations. Mark each place along your route, so you don't miss a thing! (Pro tip: Plan your journey on Excel. Mark where you're going, what activities you want to do, and maybe even make a meal plan! This will make your trip less stressful as you never know what can happen when you're out there.
(If you’d like to read the adventure story about my Cederberg road trip, click here.)
- Make sure you all the camping equipment you need. Camping chairs, teapot, tent, bedding, cooking utensils, you name it – set everything you have out and make a checklist before leaving.
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