Region: Cedarberg

Cedarberg Region

Cedarberg

Weather in Cedarberg

Summer (November – March) the climate will be dry and very hot (up to 50C).

Spring (September/October) the temperatures (up to high 30C) are less intense but the risk of rain increases and night temperatures can fall to near freezing.

Autumn (April/May) the temperatures (up to high 30C) are less intense but the risk of rain increases and night temperatures can fall to near freezing.

Winter (June – August) tends to be wetter but with some beautiful days and cold, crisp nights (daytime temperatures between 15 – 22C). Snow is rare but can fall on the mountains in July and August.

Internationally, this region of South Africa is best known as the location that grows and produces  Rooibos Tea. The region is named after the ‘cedar’ trees that grew in profusion over the wild mountains although they are now considered an endangered species. Only a 2 ½ hour drive from Cape Town, the typically South African accommodation range from luxury hotels to affordable bed and breakfast lodges.

Mountains & Hiking  This is a hiker’s paradise although in summer (December to March) the temperatures tend to be too hot for strenuous exercise. Spring brings a profusion of flowers that literally provide an amazing colourful carpet.  Ancient Bushman rock art can be found all over The Cedarberg. The mountains are spectacular with incredible features carved out of the sandstone mainly by the wind. The Cedarberg has some excellent hiking trails but this a remote location so you will need to hike into the wilderness as part of a group or with a qualified guide.

Towns  Clanwilliam and Citrusdal have attractive historic town centres with many quaint, houses and buildings. Clanwilliam has interesting links with the final stages of the Boer War. Lambert’s Bay is interesting to visit for its bird life (gannets and penguins) and excellent seafood. The coastal villages have some excellent seafood restaurants.

Villages  The small, quaint village of Nieuwoudville is one of the best places to see wild flowers in August and early September (most years!). Wuppertal is wonderfully remote with an interesting history.

Agriculture  This is the centre of Rooibos Tea cultivation and is also one of South Africa’s prime locatrions for citrus fruit production.

 

Accommodation in Cedarberg

Infrastructure is not as well developed as some other regions so there are fewer options for good places to stay but the ones we have included we believe you will enjoy. These range from the ultimate luxury at Bushmanskloof to the simple yet exceptional standards of the B&Bs.

Bushmanskloof

Bushmanskloof, Clanwilliam, Western Cape

Superlatives just don’t do justice to Bushmanskloof and its location. 

It is almost difficult to describe the quality of Bushmanskloof’s accommodation, the complete tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings. The location is remote, approximately a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. Your every need will be catered for. The lodge has 16 luxurious rooms and stunning suites which are among the most comfortable we have encountered.  There are two ‘infinity’ swimming pools overlooking the surrounding wilderness for you to relax around. The restaurant provides exquisite cuisine and all meals are included. There is a very well stocked wine cellar and to burn off those calories, there is a well equipped wellness centre. The evening game drive will show you some of the indigenous species that have been reintroduced over the last few years. The morning nature walk will fascinate you.  You will be introduced to the fascinating plant life. These will include the amazing and surreal kokerboom (quiver tree) to the tiny stone plants occupying seemingly inhospitable rock faces. There is also an extraordinary range of bird life and the experienced rangers will provide you with detailed information. Access from Clanwilliam is an hours’ drive along a gravel road that can be variable in condition.

About Bushmanskloof’s Location

Clanwilliam is an attractive historically significant village. A look at the cemetery will tell you of the important role the village played in the closing stages of the Boer War. This  is the heart of the Rooibos (Redbush) tea industry which is unique to a small region based on Clanwilliam. guided tours to the tea plantations can be arranged. Guided hikes can be arranged in the rugged Cedarberg to see some of the extraordinary geological shapes in these stunning mountains. In late August and early September  you will experience this semi arid location burst into colourful bloom.