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Unearthing the Rich History of Kleinvlei Farm in the Cederberg

Cederberg mountains

The story of Kleinvlei Farm is a captivating journey through time, deeply intertwined with the region’s history and Simbavati Cederberg Ridge’s owning family’s heritage.  A Legacy Born in 1807  Kleinvlei Farm, nestled within the picturesque Cederberg Mountains, has a history dating back to the arrival of Irish settlers in Clanwilliam in 1807. Clanwilliam itself stands … Read more

The History of the Cederberg

The Cederberg, a ruggedly beautiful region of South Africa with a remarkable history, tells a story that traverses through time. It spans from the original inhabitants, the San and Khoikhoi people, to colonial explorers, early settlers, and later conflicts and triumphs. The Original Inhabitants  Long before European settlers arrived, the Cederberg was home to the … Read more

Why Choose Full Board and Activities

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge - walking

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge owner, Kate Bergh, shares the benefits to selecting our Full Board and Activities option When Simbavati Cederberg Ridge opened its doors, we naturally wanted to accommodate people who were passing through the Cederberg, as well as those coming to spend a few days at our wilderness lodge. So we offered a Dinner, … Read more

The Joys of the Cederberg inWinter

We compare the Cederberg to the rest of the Western Cape during winter, sharing the top reasons to visit this wilderness in the cooler months of the year. IT’S WARMER Daytime temperatures are typically 5°C warmer than Cape Town with a sunny Cederberg winter’s day averaging at around 21°C-23°C. Cederberg’s winter is much shorter than … Read more

Uncovering the Timeless Paintings of the San People

Sevilla rock art

Nestled in the heart of the Cederberg Mountain range, one of the richest areas for rock art in Southern Africa, remarkable rock art created by the San people has stood the test of time for approximately 2000 years, if not more. These ancient paintings have captured the imaginations of all who encounter them. Most of … Read more

A Tale of Rooibos Tea

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge - rooibos

The renowned South African tea, called Rooibos, is a favourite at Simbavati Cederberg Ridge and in many households throughout the world. Only grown and  produced in the Cederberg region, this extraordinary tea is intricately connected to our lodge and our location.   The Beginnings of Rooibos Over 300 years ago, the indigenous Khoisan people harvested the … Read more

Bouldering in the Cederberg

If you’re ready to embark on a thrilling adventure, bouldering in the Cederberg is a must-try experience. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that doesn’t require ropes, and it usually takes place relatively close to the ground. The idea is to tackle short, technical climbs with a focus on skill and precision. While expert … Read more

A Recipe to Remember

Childhood memories lead to the greatest inspiration “South African cuisine is all about heart and home,” says Simbavati Group Executive Chef, Garth Davids, whose passion is creating good honest food in a farm to table style. He shared a favourite personal recipe with us, representing his journey from humble beginnings as a young boy growing … Read more

Spring Flowers in the Cederberg

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge - wild spring flowers

There’s a spring in everyone’s step, the bees start buzzing, temperatures start rising and the rains are almost done. It’s that time of year again here in the Western Cape when the days eyes (Daisy’s) are abundant and there are so many more flowers. Murphy (famous for his ‘law’) may be happy because this time … Read more

Visit the remote Moravian mission village of Wupperthal

Cederberg Mountains - Wupperthal

The picturesque, though dilapidated mission station of Wupperthal was founded in the early 19th century. Yet it remains quiet and seemingly untouched by the 21st century. Indeed some villagers still travelling by donkey and cart. (Though you do see a fair few satellite dishes hanging from the old white-washed thatched cottages as well.) Wupperthal Mission … Read more