Cederberg Ridge

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If you're yearning for an escape that rejuvenates both body and soul, look no further than the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape, South Africa. This enchanting region, renowned for its stunning landscapes and serene ambiance, offers the perfect antidote to the pressures of modern life. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or a deeper connection with nature, the Cederberg Mountains are the perfect place to recharge.



A Journey Through Time and Nature



The Cederberg Mountains stretch over 71,000 hectares, boasting a landscape that is both rugged and breathtakingly beautiful. As you enter this wilderness, you'll be greeted by dramatic sandstone formations, including the iconic Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross, which have been sculpted by nature over millennia. The warm hues of the rocks, the lush green of the fynbos, and the clear blue skies create a visual feast that captivates the senses.



This area is named after the Clanwilliam cedar tree, an endangered species that adds a unique touch to the already diverse flora. As you hike through this pristine environment, you'll discover a world where time seems to stand still, and nature's beauty reigns supreme.



Embrace the Silence



In a world filled with constant noise and digital distractions, the Cederberg offers a rare gift: silence. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the gentle murmur of streams. This profound silence provides a perfect setting for mindfulness and meditation, allowing you to reconnect with your inner self.















Imagine waking up in our luxurious Simbavati Cederberg Ridge lodge, sipping your morning coffee as the first light of day illuminates the landscape. The tranquility envelops you, and you begin to feel the stresses of everyday life melt away. In the Cederberg, you can truly disconnect from the world and find peace in the simplicity of nature.



...But for Those Seeking Adventure



For those who crave adventure, the Cederberg Mountains are a playground of outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts will find trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, each offering its own unique rewards. As you traverse these paths, you'll encounter awe-inspiring vistas, hidden rock pools, and ancient San rock art that provides a glimpse into the lives of the region's earliest inhabitants.















Rock climbing and bouldering are popular activities here, with the rugged terrain offering plenty of challenges for climbers of all levels. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, the crystal-clear rivers and streams are perfect for swimming and fishing. The cool, refreshing waters provide a welcome respite on a warm day, leaving you feeling invigorated and refreshed.







A Stargazer's Paradise



When the sun sets, the Cederberg Mountains reveal another of their treasures: a night sky filled with stars. Far from the city lights, this region offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in a dazzling display, and with the help of a telescope, you can explore planets, constellations, and distant galaxies.















Stargazing in the Cederberg is a profoundly humbling experience. As you gaze at the vast expanse of the universe, you gain a sense of perspective and wonder that is both awe-inspiring and deeply calming. It's a reminder of the beauty and mystery that exists beyond our everyday lives.







Year-Round Destination



The Cederberg Mountains are a destination for all seasons. In spring, wildflowers carpet the valleys in vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Summer offers warm days for exploration and cool nights perfect for stargazing. Autumn's mild temperatures and clear skies make it an ideal time for hiking, while winter's occasional snowfall transforms the landscape into a serene and magical retreat.



Breathtaking Accommodation



Simbavati Cederberg Ridge is situated in one of the most picturesque regions of South Africa. The lodge is perched on a ridge, providing panoramic views of the Cederberg Mountains and the Oliphants River Valley. The landscape is a breathtaking mix of rugged mountain terrain, vast open spaces, and vibrant flora, offering a visual feast for guests at any time of the day. 



Sunrises and sunsets here are particularly stunning, painting the sky in a symphony of colors.















This Cederberg mountain accommodation features a range of luxurious options, including spacious suites and private villas, each designed to provide maximum comfort and privacy. The interiors are elegantly decorated with a blend of modern and rustic elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large windows and private terraces ensure that you can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.















Here, dining is an experience in itself. The lodge offers gourmet meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy a variety of culinary delights, from traditional South African dishes to contemporary international cuisine. Meals can be savored in the elegant dining room, on the terrace with stunning mountain views, or even as a picnic in a scenic outdoor setting.















What truly sets Simbavati Cederberg Ridge apart is its personalized service. The attentive and friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure that each guest has a memorable and enjoyable stay. Whether it's arranging a special activity, catering to dietary preferences, or providing insights into the local culture and environment, the team is dedicated to making your experience exceptional

    [post_title] => The Cederberg Mountains: The Perfect Place to Recharge
    [post_excerpt] => If you're yearning for an escape that rejuvenates both body and soul, look no further than the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape, South Africa. 
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Cederberg Ridge

The Cederberg Mountains: The Perfect Place to Recharge

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The History of Cederberg Ridge



Cederberg Ridge is nestled on Kleinvlei Farm, one of the most historic farms in the region. Irish settlers, led by William Parker, arrived in the fledgling town of Clanwilliam in 1807, making it the seventh oldest town in South Africa. Interestingly, this area had been explored in the late 17th century by one of Anton's ancestors, Oloff Martinus Bergh.



William Parker was granted land in the Kleine Valley (1,600 morgen), now Kleinvlei Farm. However, Parker, accustomed to Ireland's rainy climate, found the hot and dry Mediterranean weather of the Cederberg less appealing and soon returned to Ireland. Fortunately, the Shaw family chose to stay and made their home in Shaw's Kloof. Today, one of our most picturesque farm walks takes you through this beautiful valley, where you can see the remnants of their old cottages.















Farming at Kleinvlei has always been challenging due to the minimal rainfall, classifying the area as semi-arid with less than 200mm of rain annually. Despite this, the valley's river made farming just feasible. The settlers moved further down the valley, building a white-washed thatched house as their home. In the 1840s, descendants of Oloff Bergh returned to the area, purchasing a farm on the other side of the Cederberg Mountains, which you can visit on a rock art excursion to the Sevilla Rock Art Trail. Later, they moved to a farm at the top of Pakhuis Pass, now the headquarters of Cape Nature, where some of Anton's ancestors' graves still lie. In 1907, the Bergh family bought Kleinvlei Farm and extended the original 1820s house into a four-bedroom residence.



Anton’s grandfather and father developed a series of irrigation channels to divert river water into the orchards, marking the beginning of water irrigation on the farm. Anton's father, Denis, later built a large dam, expanding the farm’s agricultural capabilities.



In 2013, tragedy struck when the original 1820s Cape Dutch homestead, where Anton’s widowed mother resided, burnt down. The fire, fueled by the thatched roof, consumed the house within half an hour. Despite the swift arrival on the scene, it was too late to save the home. Fortunately, Anton's mother was away at the time, and no one was harmed. She then moved to a smaller house, and rather than rebuild the farmhouse, we decided to fulfill our long-held dream of creating a lodge.















Thus, Simbavati Cederberg Ridge was born, transforming a significant loss into an opportunity to share the beauty and history of this little-known area with others. This lodge now stands as a testament to resilience and vision, offering a luxurious retreat that celebrates the unique charm and natural splendor of the Cederberg region.







When to Visit Simbavati Cederberg Ridge















Simbavati Cederberg Ridge can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what activities and experiences you are looking for.



Spring (September to November)



Best for: Wildflowers, Hiking, Pleasant Weather 



Spring is an ideal time to visit the Cederberg for its spectacular wildflower displays, particularly in September. The weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the scenic landscapes​.



Summer (December to February)



Best for: Warm Weather, Water Activities, 



Stargazing Summers in the Cederberg are warm to hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is the best time for water activities such as swimming and tubing in the rivers. The clear summer nights are also excellent for stargazing. However, it can be quite hot during the day, so early morning or late afternoon activities are recommended​​.



Autumn (March to May)



Best for: Mild Weather, Hiking, Cultural Excursions 



Autumn offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures compared to summer, making it another great time for hiking and outdoor excursions. The landscapes remain green and lush from the recent summer rains, and it’s also a wonderful time to explore cultural and historical sites, such as the ancient rock art of the San people​.



Winter (June to August)



Best for: Cozy Lodge Experience, Quieter Time, Scenic Beauty 



Winter in the Cederberg can be quite cold, especially at night, but this is the time to enjoy the cozy interiors of the lodge with its warm hospitality. The days are cooler but often clear and sunny, perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying the serene, quieter atmosphere of the region​.



Overall, the best time to visit Simbavati Cederberg Ridge depends on your preference for weather and activities. Each season offers a unique experience, from vibrant spring blooms and summer adventures to the tranquil beauty of winter and the colorful hues of autumn.



Rooms & Suites 















Classic Rooms: Located in the main homestead, these rooms (32 sqm) are perfect for those who prefer being close to the lodge's central facilities. The Classic View room offers stunning garden and mountain views from the main terrace, while the Classic Courtyard room overlooks a tranquil courtyard and is wheelchair accessible​ ​.



Luxury Suites: These spacious (52 sqm) and airy rooms feature stunning views over the Cederberg Mountains. They come with cozy window seats, air conditioning for summer, and wood-burning fireplaces for winter. Each suite includes a free-standing bath, an indoor shower that leads to an outdoor shower with mountain views, and a charming stone terrace perfect for alfresco sleep-outs​.



Superior Suites: Slightly larger (64 sqm) than the Luxury Suites, these suites offer additional amenities such as a large walk-through shower and built-in day beds on the terrace. The Superior Honeymoon Suite (67 sqm) features a separate sitting room and a generous terrace, ideal for those seeking more privacy and space. This suite can also be combined with an adjacent Luxury Suite to form a two-bedroom villa, perfect for families​.



Superior Pool Suites: These suites provide exceptional privacy and luxury with added features such as a wood-fired plunge pool (heated in winter) and a queen-sized day bed for sunbathing or star-gazing. One suite includes a small sitting area with a sleeper couch, making it ideal for families​.












Why we love it













Activities



Various walking routes and mountain bike trails start from the lodge, and a firepit is available for star-gazing evenings​ ​.









Spa



Includes a relaxation room and a small curio shop.









Pools



The lodge features a large main pool, a solar-heated sunset pool, and indigenous gardens with a croquet lawn.









Great Food



Enjoy dining with a picturesque view that overlooks the breathtaking mountainous landscape.














Special Occasions



For those celebrating special occasions, the lodge offers romantic setups such as private dinners on the terrace or pool deck, and even a sleep-out on your private terrace under the stars. Special honeymoon offers and arrangements can also be made to ensure a memorable experience​







Experiences Around Simbavati Cederberg Ridge









































Family-Friendly Adventures at Cederberg Ridge



We take older kids from 8 years upwards, (and sometimes 6 or 7 years only with prior arrangement), as we feel that Simbavati Cederberg Ridge and the farm are the perfect environment for older kids. 



The reserve offers the perfect location to discover and immerse your child into a wilderness wonderland.



Generally our rugged mountain environment is not ideal for very young kids, as we don’t have child-minding facilities.



Fill your days with walks on the farm or in the mountains, or swimming & tubing on the Clanwilliam dam in summer. Kids also love visiting the farm. At the lodge itself, you can make the most of the swimming pool, croquet and board games.















There are no TVs in the rooms. But there is a Smart TV in the library if it’s a rainy day. Or if your children want to escape the restaurant before you do.



Child Accommodation



Children (8 to 11 years) pay 50% of per person sharing rate if sharing with parents. Teenagers (12 to 17 years) pay 75% of the per person sharing rate if accommodated on an extra bed/ But ONLY in the below room types.



The following rooms can take extra children of eight and older:




Luxury Suites can accommodate one extra child (8-11 years) on the window seat which can be converted into a bed. (It is 175cm by 85cm so slightly smaller than a regular bed).



One Superior suite can accommodate one extra child (8-11 years) on the window seat as above. Plus an extra bed can be placed in the sitting room for a child or teenager.



Superior Pool Suites can also accommodate one extra child (8-11 years) on the window seat.  (It is 175cm by 85cm so slightly smaller than a regular bed).  One suite can also accommodate one child/teenager up to 17 on a sleeper couch.




We have several rooms where two rooms are adjacent to each other under one roof, sharing a covered outside foyer (One Superior/Superior Pool Suite with One Luxury Suite). We recommend families with older children/teenagers may like to request these. Together these two bedroom units can accommodate up to four adults and 2-3 extra children.



Please note that children occupying their own rooms pay adult rates.





    [post_title] => Exploring the Wonders of Simbavati Cederberg Ridge: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
    [post_excerpt] => Simbavati Cederberg Ridge is a luxurious wilderness lodge offering delicious food, warm hospitality and adventure. It overlooks the panorama of the Cederberg Mountains with its raw, rugged beauty.
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Cederberg Ridge

Exploring the Wonders of Simbavati Cederberg Ridge: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

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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 elsewhere in the Cape, typically spanning from mid/late May and ending in early August.







IT'S DRIER



Cederberg rains do fall in the winter but its classified as a semi-arid area, with only 180mm of rain per year.  The region gets only one third of the amount of rain Cape does Town, at most.











IT'S GORGEOUSLY GREEN



Winter in the Cederberg is beautiful and green. It's described as a rejuvenating time of the year, where the landscapes seems to flourish. Colours change from browns to vibrant greens, the flowers bloom, and crisp air adds to the refreshing sense that winter brings.

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge owner, Kate Bergh says, "The jagged sandstone rock formations of the Cederberg, with their burnt orange colour, are even more striking at this time of the year surrounded by the vibrant veld. It is quite simply, a beautiful place to visit."



STARGAZING







The Cederberg is renowned for its clear night skies, making it a perfect destination for stargazing. Winter nights are particularly crisp and clear, offering spectacular views of the Milky Way and constellations.



ACTIVE DAYS



During a Cederberg winter your days are not ruled by the hot African sun and its limitations on your schedule.  The milder, temperate climate means time can be spent comfortably exploring the great outdoors.



Savour a lie in followed by a leisurely breakfast and then head out for a long walk. Alternatively, you can enjoy an excursion in the morning and a bike ride in the afternoon sun.



You may also opt to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Cederberg, with its numerous San rock art sites. The cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to visit these ancient paintings, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region's earliest inhabitants.











KEEPING COSY



Early mornings are cold, but Simbavati Cederberg Ridge is a lodge built to withstand both the summer heat and the winter morning cold. Underfloor heating and log-burning fireplaces make the suites very cosy. The main lodge also has a fireplace in the library, dining room and sitting room, for when it is a little chilly.











FLOWERS & FYNBOS 



Cederberg celebrates an early spring, compared to the rest of the Cape. Depending on the rains, the spring flowers bloom from late July to September, along with the early flowering fynbos. 



Winter in the Cederberg is a time of blooming for many endemic plant species. The fynbos comes alive with vibrant colors, and the cooler temperatures provide an excellent opportunity for spotting wildlife, including the elusive Cape leopard. There is a magic in experiencing the spring flower spectacle while the rest of the country is still in winter-mode.



Simbavati Cederberg Ridge overlooks the natural fynbos area of our 3,000h farm with the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve beyond. There’s a range of walking and mountain bike trails right from the lodge.











An escape to Simbavati Cederberg Ridge and the rugged splendour of Cederberg's wilderness is always a good idea, but is especially appealing in wintertime.



Explore more about Simbavati Cederberg Ridge and contact us to book your stay.







Find further reasons why the Cederberg winter is idyllic, here.

    [post_title] => The Joys of the Cederberg inWinter
    [post_excerpt] => Discover the magic of Cederberg Ridge in winter with Simbavati Lodge Collection. Enjoy cozy accommodations, stunning landscapes...
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Cederberg

Cederberg Ridge

Experiences

The Joys of the Cederberg inWinter