Rugged landscape, dramatic burnt orange mountain ranges and countless animals to discover, the Cederberg Wilderness is a captivating part of the Western Cape to visit.

 

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Exploring some archaeological sites in the Cederberg while taking a “day off” for the final week and a bit of fieldwork – Hollow Rock Shelter #cederberg #travellersrest #archaeology #rockshelter #stonetools #archaeologyexcavation

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The mountain range is aptly named after a tree endemic to the area, the endangered Clanwilliam cedar. Visitors are astounded by the rock formations and historically intrigued by the San rock art. Only three hours from Cape Town, the Cederberg stretches from the Middelberg Pass in Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam.

 

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The big rock monster and the penguin.. #cederberg #rockformations #loveformountains

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Unbelievable rock formations like the Maltese Cross and the Wolfberg Arch give the area a competitive edge to other tourist destinations in the Western Cape.

 

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The Stadtsaal caves are a series of ancient inter-leading caves in the #Cederberg Wilderness that hold excellent examples of !Xam (more often called San) rock art, in particular paintings of elephant.⠀ ⠀ The caves are called Stadtsaal (#Afrikaans for city hall) possibly for the impressively spacious domed cave, into which lead several small passageways and ‘foyers’ that easily remind one of a city hall.⠀ ⠀ The !Xam lived in the Cederberg for over 500 000 years, but stopped painting about 200 years ago, disrupted by European colonialists… #explore more and find out about the #Stadsaal Caves in Western Cape https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/stadsaal-caves.php⠀ ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #caves #cederberg #westerncape #stadsaalcaves #stadsaalcavescederberg #cederbergridge #cederbergwines #cederbergwilderness #westerncapetourism #westerncapeprovince #savenues #southafrica #exploresouthafrica #photoofthedays #photooftheday #travelphotography #travelgram #instasouthafrica #picoftheday

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Hikers, cyclists, bikers and campers flock here, which is roughly 71 000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain. And when the sun sets, the stars put on the show of a lifetime.

 

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Exploring the fascinating rock formations in the Cederberg at night ?

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Covered in mountain fynbos, the Cederberg is also part of the Cape Floral Region and enjoys World Heritage Site status. Home to the laurel protea, the red disa, rooibos, and the rare snow protea, lucky visitors might also catch a glimpse of the elusive Cape Leopard that lives in the area.

Other small animals include the Cape Fox, African Wild Cat, the Lynx and Aardwolf. Birdlife is prolific and is heaven for enthusiasts. Whether you are camping, glamping, visiting for the day or staying in a cabin, make sure you spend all day uncovering this magical part of the province.

Picture: Pixabay

Article written by

Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.