Cederberg

OVERVIEW

Cederberg Mountains: Wilderness within reach…

The Cederberg Mountains lie 2½ hours north of Cape Town and the Winelands. Yet this is like no other area of the Western Cape. Here, there are no manicured gardens, glitzy shops or boldly- marketed attractions teeming with tourists. Rather, you experience a raw, rugged beauty and a sense of peace and tranquillity. The Cederberg feels like it is far away. But in fact it is surprisingly easy to get to. It is truly wilderness within reach.

As you arrive in the Cederberg, you realise the landscape has changed. It’s wilder and warmer. The Cederberg Mountains, brilliant purple in the late afternoon light, tower over the fruit-filled valley which is laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring.

Why we love it

Spectacular Views

Untamed wide open spaces and spectacular views

Beautiful Nature

Famous for its hiking, unusual rock formations, Bushmen rock art & stunning spring flowers

Great Bouldering

One of the world’s top 5 bouldering destinations

Wine Region

Up-and-coming wine region

LoCATION

Getting to the Cederberg…

It takes an easy 2½ hours from Cape Town or the Winelands to get to Clanwilliam in the northern Cederberg (all on well-maintained tarred roads).

Similarly, Swellendam and Robertson (great stopping points for the Garden Route) are only 3 to 3½ hours away. Whilst the West Coast (Paternoster and Langebaan) is only 2 hours away.

For exact driving directions to Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, see How to Get There on our lodge page.

Closest Airport

Cape Town

Drive time from Cape Town

2½

Hours

Dry Season

Nov/Mar

Wet Season

May/Aug

(sporadic & low rainfall)

Best Time to visit the Cederberg

If you are a sun-lover then the Cederberg climate is for you! We have a much warmer climate than Cape Town, even though we are only 2½ hours’ north. Plus our winter climate is also noticeably warmer and drier. But we do have big seasonal differences…

Nov-Mar
Mar-May
May-Aug
Aug-Oct

Summer in the Cederberg

Our summers are hot, but dry, (so you don’t get sticky!) Perfect for the northern Hemisphere visitor keen to get some sun. If you want to be active, the ideal is to get up early, then come back for a late breakfast/brunch, and then do something less strenuous in the morning. In the afternoons you can relax around the pool or in your suite.

It generally cools down pleasantly in the evening and you can dine outside throughout the summer months. The Cederberg climate in early summer (November to December) tends to be less hot than January and February. Average daytime temperatures are typically 30-38°c. Evening temperatures are 25-30°c.

Some days can be very hot. But you can always either head up into the mountains where the higher altitude lowers the temperature. Or you can head to the Atlantic Coast. As, even though it is only 40 mins drive away, the sea breeze makes it remarkably cooler. It is usually only 25-28°c in summer..

Autumn for the Active

Our spring and autumn months are our favourite time of year. The day time temperatures are warm to hot, but you can still be active. The evenings are cooler but you can dine outside as long as you’ve got something warm to put on. Average daytime temperatures are typically 24-30°c. Evening temperatures are 15-20°c.

Daytime temperatures are such that hardy people try a dip in the pool. But we’ve built a heated pool at Cederberg Ridge to make the most of this time.

Winter sunshine

There is a lot going for the winter climate in the Cederberg. Daytime temperatures can reach a pleasant 20-24°c, (much warmer than Cape Town!) So you can be active for the whole day, and still enjoy sitting outside for lunch. But our mornings and evenings are cold so this is the time for a long lie-in in bed, and red wine around the fire in the evening. Thus usually our activities start after breakfast. We are still a winter rainfall region, (like all of the Western Cape), so it can rain for a day or two. But we are officially a semi-arid region (less than 200mm per year) so you’re not likely to see much rain.

See our article on Reasons to Visit in Winter

Spring flowers & fynbos

Spring is one of the best times to visit. The day time temperatures are warm, rather than hot, so you can still be active. As with most Spring weather, it can be quite variable, with some cooler days, some rain perhaps and some warmer days.

Early spring (August and early Sept if you are lucky) is the time of the wild spring flowers. Later on, the fynbos continues to flower into October. And everything is green, compared to the Mediterranean dryness of summer.

HIGHLIGHT 1

Unique in the Cape

We think that the Cederberg is the most African in feel of all the Cape destinations. What do we mean by that? Cape Town and the Winelands have a slightly Mediterranean feel to them. The Whale Coast and Garden Route are lush and verdant. They are all stunning destinations to visit. But the Cederberg feels very different even though it is only 2 hours to the north. Much wilder, much hotter, and very few people.

HIGHLIGHT 2

Amazing Hiking

The Cederberg Mountains rises majestically above the vineyards and citrus groves of the Oliphants River valley. There are a number of stunning hiking trails in the Cederberg.

HIGHLIGHT 3

Rock Art

The Khoi-San were the first inhabitants of Southern Africa, present from the Stone Age. For many thousands of years, the so-called Khoisan (in fact, several tribes of both hunter-gatherers and herders) were the largest human population on earth. Much of what we understand of the culture and beliefs of these indigenous people comes from paintings and engravings hidden in the landscape.

With some 2,500 documented rock art sites, the Cederberg is one of the best area in world to see some of their ancient rock paintings. These are usually to be found in lower-lying areas close to rivers often in caves or deep overhangs.

HIGHLIGHT 4

Bouldering

The northern Cederberg, which is where Cederberg Ridge is situated, is one of the top 5 areas for bouldering in the world.

The epi-centre of the bouldering sites is Rocklands which lies approx 15 minutes easy drive from us. The best time for bouldering is May to August as this is our winter time so the days are usually sunny and warm. But not too hot.

Check out our article about Bouldering at Rocklands in the northern Cederberg

HIGHLIGHT 5

Spring Flowers

The northern Cederberg makes a great base to visit the wild spring flowers which bloom on mass during August (and early September if you are lucky.) The best displays are to be found in the Biedouw valley, the Doring River and Nardouwsberg which are all a scenic drive from Simbavati

HIGHLIGHT 6

Wine Tasting

The Cederberg is also an up and coming wine region, with a number of boutique wine estates joining the more established Cederberg Cellars. You can visit some of these wine estates, either en route to us. Or during your stay. Kromrivier, Cederberg cellars and Driehoek are all in the high Cederberg. Whilst Tierhoek and Piekenierskloof are en route to us. Yet more wine estates are to the north.

HIGHLIGHT 7

Rooibos

Rooibos is a major industry in the Cederberg. The Cederberg also happens to be the only place in the world where rooibos tea can be successfully grown. So this healthy caffeine & tannin-free tea is exported throughout the world to Europe, Japan and the USA for example. You can enjoy a Rooibos farm tour with us, or visit the House of Rooibos in nearby Clanwilliam.

OUR COLLECTION OF

Cedarberg Lodge(s)

Cederberg

Cederberg Ridge

DISCOVER

Into the wilderness, out of the ordinary…

Cederberg Ridge is a luxurious wilderness lodge offering delicious food, warm hospitality, and adventure. Enjoy panoramic views over the natural rugged beauty of the Cederberg Mountains and the range of excursions and activities we offer.

A stylish ‘away-from-it-all’ experience, yet it’s only a 2½ hour scenic drive from Cape Town or the Winelands.

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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 as the 7th oldest town in South Africa. One of our owner’s, Anton's ancestors, particularly Oloff Martinus Bergh, had explored this land in the late 17th century, marking the Bergh family's connection to the Cederberg.

Among these settlers was William Parker, the leader of the Irish Settlers. He was granted a portion of land to farm, known as Kleine Valley, which is today's Kleinvlei Farm. However, William Parker's longing for the lush, rainy landscapes of his Irish homeland prompted his return, leaving behind a unique Mediterranean climate that the Cederberg is known for today. The Shaw family, among the settlers, chose to make Kleine Valley their home instead.

One of our scenic farm walks offered at Simbavati Cederberg Ridge takes you through Shaw's Kloof, where the remains of their modest cottages can still be found. The settlers later relocated further down the valley, constructing a long, white-washed thatched house. It was in the 1840s that the Bergh descendants of Oloff Bergh returned to the area. They initially purchased a farm in the "Agter Pakhuis" area, on the other side of the Cederberg Mountains. Later, they moved to a farm atop Pakhuis Pass, where Cape Nature's headquarters now stand. In 1907, the Bergh Family acquired Kleinvlei Farm, which remains in the family to this day. Over time, the original 1820s house was extended to become a spacious four-bedroom home.

Water, the Lifeblood of Farming

The success of Kleinvlei Farm, like many in the Cederberg, depends on its water supply rather than the size of the land. Our region receives less than 200mm of rain annually, classifying it as semi-arid. However, a river flows through Kleinvlei, making farming viable. Generations of Berghs have played a role in shaping the farm's irrigation channels, which diverted the river to sustain our fruit orchards. Anton's father, Dennis, built a substantial farm dam, enabling Dennis and Anton to expand the farm's operations.

Tragedy struck in 2013 when the original 1820s thatched Cape Dutch homestead, where Anton's widowed mother lived, was lost to a devastating fire. The thatched roof made the fire consume the house in just half an hour. While it was a heart-wrenching loss, we are thankful that no one was hurt in the fire. Anton's mother chose to move into a smaller home, and we made the decision to build Simbavati Cederberg Ridge in place of the old farmhouse. It had long been our dream to showcase this little-known region through a lodge.

Farming on Kleinvlei Today

Our farm spans 3,000 hectares in the Cederberg area, and we primarily cultivate table grapes and citrus.

Table Grapes:

The harvest season runs from mid-December to the end of February. Speed is of the essence to pick, pack, and store the grapes once they ripen. Our grapes are exported to the northern hemisphere during their winter season when local production is limited. Producing high-quality table grapes involves meticulous care, including pruning the vines and shaping the bunches for a classic appearance. In peak season, we employ approximately 100 people to pick and pack the grapes.

Citrus:

The citrus harvest begins in April and continues through September. Our farm yields several types of oranges, each serving a distinct purpose, whether for consumption, juicing, or jam-making. The freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast is sourced right from our farm.

A Modern Approach to Farming

Today, farming is an industrial process, with cold stores and packing sheds taking the place of picturesque outbuildings. The original farmstead was not rebuilt in its initial location for this reason. Kleinvlei boasts four large cold stores, two packing sheds (one for citrus and one for grapes), and a makeshift air cooling system due to the sweltering heat. We also collaborate with overseas supermarkets, packing produce with their labels, or offer our own brand when dealing with wholesalers. Farm tours are a part of our offerings, and we extend support to Lemoenland pre-school, an infant school we established for the children of our farmworkers and neighboring farms. It is an ongoing testament to the sense of community and history that Kleinvlei Farm represents.

Discover more about Simbavati Cederberg Ridge: https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/cederberg-ridge/

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Cederberg

Cederberg Ridge

Unearthing the Rich History of Kleinvlei Farm in the Cederberg

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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, Bed & Breakfast rate.



However, this does not suit most guests best, and many of them don't realise it until they stay. If you're staying for longer than 1 night and planning on enjoying some activities while you take in the Cederberg splendour, the Full Board and Activities option is ideal.











Benefits of booking Full Board & Activities




It’s the best value for money, if you plan on doing excursions during your stay rather than to book Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and pay for activities and lunch when you arrive



You get first choice in the activities



 There is less to pay when you’re on holiday, as you’ve paid more in advance. (We even have a drinks supplement so that you can pay for that ahead of time as well, if you wish)



Some Value Adds are included in the Full Board and Activity rate, such as the complimentary use of E-Bikes and ad hoc yoga classes



We take care of your stay. You don’t have to research what there is to do in the area. Simply select which planned activities you feel like doing each day. Fewer decisions makes for more down-time



The extra cost of booking Full Board and Activities is much less if you stay for 3 or 4 nights. Our long stay offers are 50% off your  3^rd night's stay or stay 4 nights but only pay for 3 nights












Linger a little longer



The lodge is an inviting place to relax and unwind. The Cederberg beckons to be explored and the views are an allure to stay and breathe for a while. That’s why we encourage longer stays of 3 nights or more.



Though we have enough activities to entertain guests for 4 night stays or longer, we will gladly swap out a morning or afternoon activity for a 30 minute treatment in the spa. 



Valid for stays of 3+ nights only. 









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Cederberg

Cederberg Ridge

Why Choose Full Board and Activities

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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."



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. 











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. 



There is a magic in experiencing the spring flower spectacle while the rest of the country is still in winter-mode.











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.

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Cederberg

Cederberg Ridge

Experiences

Cederberg

Cederberg Mountains: Wilderness within reach…

Read more

Why we love it

Spectacular Views

Beautiful Nature

Great Bouldering

Wine Region

Getting to the Cederberg…

Cape Town

2½

Nov/Mar

May/Aug

Summer in the Cederberg

Autumn for the Active

Winter sunshine

Spring flowers & fynbos

Unique in the Cape

Amazing Hiking

Rock Art

Bouldering

Spring Flowers

Wine Tasting

Rooibos

Cedarberg Lodge(s)

Cederberg Ridge

Into the wilderness, out of the ordinary…

Lodges

Regions

Information

Please add me to your subscription list

Cederberg

Cederberg Mountains: Wilderness within reach…

Read more

Why we love it

Spectacular Views

Beautiful Nature

Great Bouldering

Wine Region

Getting to the Cederberg…

Cape Town

2½

Nov/Mar

May/Aug

Summer in the Cederberg

Autumn for the Active

Winter sunshine

Spring flowers & fynbos

Unique in the Cape

Amazing Hiking

Rock Art

Bouldering

Spring Flowers

Wine Tasting

Rooibos

Cedarberg Lodge(s)

Cederberg Ridge

Into the wilderness, out of the ordinary…

Related Stories

A Legacy Born in 1807

Water, the Lifeblood of Farming

Farming on Kleinvlei Today

A Modern Approach to Farming

Unearthing the Rich History of Kleinvlei Farm in the Cederberg

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge owner, Kate Bergh, shares the benefits to selecting our Full Board and Activities option

Benefits of booking Full Board & Activities

Linger a little longer

Why Choose Full Board and Activities

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

IT'S DRIER

IT'S GORGEOUSLY GREEN

ACTIVE DAYS

KEEPING COSY

FLOWERS & FYNBOS

The Joys of the Cederberg inWinter

Newsletter

Lodges

Regions

Information