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Venture outside into the countryside, to where the most incredible wilderness awaits. The Cederberg Wilderness Area and the semi-arid Klein Karoo are two such areas, each with their own unique beauty and attractions.
North of Cape Town lies the scenically splendid mountains of the Cederberg Wilderness area. These mountains can be scorchingly hot during summer, and bitterly cold during winter, when snow falls on the highest peaks.
Features of this 72 000ha conservation area include unique flora and fauna, ‘primitive’ wilderness outdoor recreation opportunities, and some very unusual rock formations – namely the Wolfberg Arch, the Wolfberg Cracks, the 20m tall Maltese Cross and the Tafelberg are the most well-known formations.
Rare endemic plant species such as the Clanwilliam ceder and the Snowball protea grow in isolated habitats in the area. Cape Nature Conservation manages the wilderness, and conducts special management programmes to protect the Ceder Tree, eight endemic fish species and the Cape Mountain Leopard. The area is also a birdwatchers paradise as black eagles, jackal buzzards and other birds of prey glide and swoop in the sky above.
Interesting San (Bushman) rock art can be viewed in the Stadsaal and Elephant Caves, as well as at the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, the Retreat recently being voted Travel and Leisure Magazine reader’s Number 1 Hotel in the World.
The mountain range is a must for hikers, rock-climbers, campers, 4x4 drivers, mountain bikers, fly-fisherman, paragliders and skydivers.
North-east of Cape Town, a 3.5 hour scenic drive takes you through the spectacular Cogman’s Pass and along the R62 Wine Route, which takes in the towns of Worcester, Robertson, Montagu and Barrydale. This wine route is best known for its first class ports and other fortified wines.
This route will lead you to the 54 000ha Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Here wildlife and rock art combine with luxurious accommodation and cuisine, for a completely unique experience in the Klein Karoo.
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