Cape Town Trip Overview
The Cederberg lies 200km north of Cape Town, stretching from the Middelberg Pass in Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam. The wilderness area encompasses about 71 000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain, making it a top spot in the Western Cape for cycling with its dramatic views.
The Cederberg is a World Heritage Site and is a well-known mountain bike destination. There are many gravel roads, jeep tracks and single tracks to challenge riders of all abilities. Due to the fairly high elevation and rolling hills, an ebike is ideally suited to riding in this area.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Cape Town, South Africa
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Nature & Wildlife
Explore Cape Town Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The Cederberg lies 200km north of Cape Town, stretching from the Middelberg Pass in Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam. The wilderness area encompasses about 71 000 hectares of rugged, mountainous terrain, making it a top spot in the Western Cape for cycling with its dramatic views.
The Cederberg is a World Heritage Site and is a well-known mountain bike destination. There are many gravel roads, jeep tracks and single tracks to challenge riders of all abilities. Due to the fairly high elevation and rolling hills, an ebike is ideally suited to riding in this area.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town – Piketberg – Citrusdal – Algeria – Sanddrif
Stop At: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, 19 Dock Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa
We will meet you at the V & A Waterfront where we depart on our 2 day eBike expedition.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Piketberg, Piketberg, Western Cape
We’ll stop at Piketberg for a comfort stop and to get refreshments.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Piekenierskloofpas, South Africa
Also known as the Greys Pass, the Piekenierskloof Pass is a vital crossing of the Oliphants River Mountain chain.
Stop At: Citrusdal, Citrusdal, Western Cape
20km North of Citrusdal we find the turn-off to Algeria where we climb up the Niewoudts Pass first. This is the gateway into the Cederberg Wilderness area. From the summit, you will see a spectacular valley below, with Algeria resort in the distance.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Cederberg, Cederberg, Western Cape
After the long descent, and a quick pit-stop at Algeria, we climb the short, but steep Uitkyk Pass. The e-bike will make the climb a breeze, but conserve battery for the last 20km push to Sanddrif along the often corrugated road.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Sanddrif, South Africa
Sanddrif is a welcome oasis, with green lawns, comfortable chalets and camp-sites, and a sparkling stream to cool down in. The nearby wine cellar offers wine tasting, craft beer and a small shop.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Dinner: Traditional South African braai (BBQ)
• Lunch: Packed lunch en-route
Accommodation included: Sanddrif Resort in comfortable chalets
Day 2: Sanddrif and surrounds
Stop At: Cederberg Private Cellar, Dwarsrivier, Cederberg 8136 South Africa
There is plenty to do in the area around Sanddrif. You can explore some of the local single track and jeep trails that winds its way through interesting rock formations, take a hike up to the Wolfberg Cracks or even to the famous Maltese Cross. Take a dip at the Maalgat rock-pools and enjoy some wine tasting at the Cederberg Cellars, or just enjoy the peaceful surrounds form your chalet or camp-site. The choices are yours!
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Stadsaal Caves, Cederberg Wilderness Area, Cederberg South Africa
We’ll explore the Stadsaal caves and other sites in the area featuring ancient San rock art. Many of the paintings are estimated to be at least 1 000 years old.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Maalgat, Citrusdal, South Africa
Maalgat (grind hole), often called Malgat (mad hole), or Hippo Pool, by locals is a natural pool in the sandstone below Sanddrif. This effortless walk into the unusual cliffs at Sanddrif is about its aesthetic appeal rather than any hiking challenge. The reward: fantastic swims and cliff side jumps!
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Packed lunch
• Dinner: Traditional South African Potjie
Accommodation included: Sanddrif Resort in comfortable chalets
Day 3: Sanddrif – Cederberg Oasis – Ceres – Cape Town
Stop At: Kromrivier, South Africa
Starting out from Sanddrif, the route will take you over the Kromrivier Pass where we can stop for refreshments and craft beer tasting at Kromrivier. From there, the gravel road winds its way through interesting little valleys with rock formations typical of the area, Joining up with the main gravel road, you head south toward the Grootrivier Pass, with a thrilling decent to Mount Ceder. We’ll stop off for refreshments here.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ceres, Ceres, Witzenberg Municipality, Western Cape
The rolling gravel road take you out of the main Cederberg area and the surrounding landscape begins to change as you head up onto the escarpment. There is still time to stop and admire the rock formations along the roadside that have been weathered over the millenniums.
At the tar road, we load the bikes, where will continue by minibus to Cape Town, after stopping in Ceres for refreshments.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
