This mighty rock wilderness lies within the Clanwilliam district. Access to the Cedarberg is easy. There is a gravel turnoff 27km from Citrusdal. The next 16km is a rugged route with steep gradients through the difficult Kriedouw Pass, over the Nieuwoudt Pass. A magnificent view awaits you at the summit. To your left are the Krakadouw Mountains and in front is the high Middelberg ridge. Down in the valley below is the forestry station of Algeria.
Head east from Clanwilliam to climb the Pakhuis (Pack house) Pass. You will drive past amazing rock shapes and a grave within a Bushmen rock shelter. It is well worth stopping at the picnicking site to admire the gallery of Bushmen paintings. Eighteen kilometers after the summit of the Pass, there is a turnoff south to the Bidouw Valley and Wuppertal.
The Cedarberg derives its name from a species of cedar trees, which grows at an altitude of between 1067 and 1372 meters. Today the mountain range is a proclaimed wilderness area. It is a superb recreational area with caves, waterfalls, stunning view sites and astonishing formations such as the Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross.
The Maltese Cross is a pillar standing 9 meters high, resembling a worshipping pole of some forgotten religion. Climbing the nearby Wolfberg Cracks is a truly unforgettable experience.
The pride of the Cedarberg is the lovely white snow Protea (Protea cryophila) which grows only above the snowline and blooms around March.
The fiery colours of sandstone formations, crystal clarity of the air and magnificent wild flowers give the Cedarberg its truly unique atmosphere.
How to get there?
Either by tour-group or self-drive. Follow the N7 from Cape Town to Malmesbury (69km), Mooreesburg (39km), Citrusdal (70km) and 27km towards Clanwilliam find the turn-off to the mountains.
CLANWILLIAM
Clanwilliam, originally known as Jan Dissels Vlei lies within the well-watered valley of the Jan Dissels stream. In 1814, the name was changed to Clanwilliam. The town acquired municipal status in 1900 and now has a population of 2650.
Clanwilliam is a prosperous agricultural center, which produces citrus fruits, vegetables, tobacco, cereals and especially rooibos tea. This plant grows wild on the mountains. The tea is cultivated, dried and packed in Clanwilliam and widely exported.
During spring, visitors come from afar to admire the profusion of wild flowers, which cover the countryside, or to visit the wild flower garden in the town.
ALGERIA
George Bath, the first forester in the Cedarberg, founded Algeria Forestry Station in 1904. The general appearance of the area reminded him of the Atlas Mountains of North America.He built a number of mountain huts in the area and named the beautiful Crystal Pools in the heart of the range.
In the trees around Algeria, a fine camping ground is enhanced by the river, which forms a natural swimming pool. Many excursions into the range such as climbing Sneeukop, the Crystal Pools and strange Wolfberg Arch and Cracks begin here. Permits for all walks and hikes must be obtained in advance from the Nature Conservator's office at Algeria. (Tel +27 27 482 2812)
The wooded and open slopes surrounding the Algeria settlement are also home to more than 30 species of mammal, particularly baboon, Klipspringer, Reebok, steenbok, duiker, grysbok and dassie. Sightings of leopard and aardwolf have also been recorded.
WUPPERTAL
Wuppertal is a most attractive little oasis in a very rugged wilderness, 72km southeast of Clanwilliam. This picturesque little place has been a Moravian mission station since 1865, although its origins are actually Rhenish. The name "Wuppertal" derives from the Wupper River in Germany, from where two Rhineland missionaries, Theobald von Wurmb and Johan Gottlieb Leipoldt (grandfather of renowned writer C. Louis Leipoldt) arrived in the Cape in 1829 to spread the Word among the indigenous people.
The two missionaries settled among the seven Khoikhoi families in the valley and concentrated on their spiritual upliftment as well as to encourage farming. The population swelled shortly after slavery was abolished in 1838 and many freed slaves arrived from nearby farms.
The village today consists of an old thatched Church, a store, and three terraces of neat thatched-roofed little cottages and a meandering street with water flowing in furrows.
A great deal of productive activity takes place which surprises any traveler descending the steep pass into the valley.
Excellent velskoen (known throughout the country) are made and tobacco is dried and worked into rolls (roltabak). The other main products of the area are dried fruit, dried beans and rooibos tea. At Christmas time there is a festival of carol singing at the mission and the mountains echo to the voices of the people of Wuppertal.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Clanwilliam Tourist Bureau Box 5 Clanwilliam 8135
Tel +27 27 4822024
Fax +27 27 4822361
