Cederberg Wilderness Area, Nature reserve in Western Cape, South Africa
Cederberg Wilderness Area is a protected reserve featuring dramatic mountainsides with distinctive orange sandstone rock formations shaped by erosion over millennia. Hiking trails wind through valleys and across ridges, offering access to natural arches, towering rock formations, and forested ravines.
The area received protected status in 1973 as efforts grew to safeguard the region's exceptional plant life and geological features. Its designation as a wilderness area reflected growing recognition of the need to preserve South Africa's natural heritage.
Throughout the wilderness, visitors find ancient rock paintings made by San and Khoi people who once lived here. These artworks reveal how early inhabitants used these mountains and expressed their connection to the land.
Visitors need permits before hiking on the trails, and access is limited to protect the environment. Plan your visit during spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and daylight is sufficient for exploring the terrain safely.
The Cederberg cedar tree grows only on the cliff faces of these mountains and became so threatened that a dedicated reserve was established in 1987 just to protect it. This tree species gave the region its name and serves as a symbol of the area's role as a refuge for endangered plants.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
