|
Cederberg travel info The Cederberg is famous for its staggering rock formations and endless vistas. It is an ecological wonder - an area where two biomes, fynbos and the succulent karroo, converge. Both biomes, named biological hotspots by Conservation International, are extraordinarily rich in plant diversity. The snow protea, the Clanwilliam Ceder (after which the area is named) and the armadillo lizard are but three examples of the areas precious endemicity. The Cederberg region is reputed to harbour more Khoi/San rock paintings per square kilometer than any other region in Southern Africa. Landowners of the region proclaimed the Cederberg Conservancy, a conservation initiative spanning 162 000 hectares of rugged terrain.
The Cederberg lies 200 km north of Cape Town, in an area that is easily accessible by car. The nature lover can enjoy numerous activities in the conservancy: hiking, climbing, swimming, fishing, mountain biking and horse-riding. The area has 245 km of unmarked yet well maintained footpaths. The most popular areas in the Cederberg are the Wolfberg Cracks and Arch, and the Stadsaal Caves. The Wolfberg Cracks are 20 m high pillars of stone, whereas the Stadsaal Caves are adorned with a multiude of bushmen paintings, depicting various animals as well as assorted bushmen ceremeonies, huntings scenes and entoptic shapes - all of which range in age from 8000 to 100 years. The sandstone and shale wer deposited 500 to 345 million years ago.
Seasons
Winters (Jun-Aug) in the Cederberg are cold and wet, while summers (Nov-Mar) are warm and dry. The most rain falls between May and September, and it often snows in the higher parts. In winter, night temperatures drop and heavy frost may occur. In summer temperatures may reach 40°C.
Wildlife
100 bird species.
You should see: baboon, dassie, grey rhebok, klipspringers, duiker, grysbok, mongoose, polecat
You may see: leopard, porcupine, honeybadger, bat-eared fox, otter, aardvark
back to Cederberg top
|
