Four Amazing Cederberg Peaks

If you’re into peak-bagging, the Cederberg offers a host of options. What makes some of these peaks remarkable is that, in addition to the fantastic summit views, they also offer scenic walk-ins and a wonderworld of rock features that can be explored. These are my top four Cederberg peaks.

For more information regarding access, permits and maps, please read our article Introduction to the Cederberg.

Most Accessible and Must-Do: Wolfberg and the Narrow Crack (Day Trip)

Not a peak in the classic sense, but Wolfberg is definitely conspicuous with its 150m high, sheer, red sandstone cliffs looming over the Sand River Valley. Within this rock massif there is a wonderworld of geological features that look like they came straight out of an Indiana Jones-type movie. So, if you ever find yourself in the vicinity, do not pass up the opportunity to explore the Wolfberg Narrow Crack with its crawls, scrambles and mind-boggling rock formations. It is highly recommended!

The Wolfberg cliffs towering over the Sand River Valley.

The path up to Wolfberg starts at a parking area, about 2km from the Sanddrif campsite. One has to obtain a permit from the Cederberg Wines office, as well as the code for the gate to access the parking area.

From the carpark there is a clear and well-marked path up to Wolfberg. It is a committing walk with some 350m of vertical ascent to the base of the cliffs, but the path is well constructed and does not pose any technical difficulties – that is until you enter the cracks, where the terrain is much more challenging and interesting!

The walk-in towards Wolfberg.

The best direction to go through the Narrow Crack is from bottom to top. Shortly before the main trail enters the Large Crack, there is a path splitting off to the right (keep an eye out for cairns). The trail takes you to a short scramble or a crawl through some boulders to gain a ledge. Follow the ledge southward until you can turn and go left, facing the impressive Leaning Tower. From there the entrance to the Narrow Crack is obvious.

Inside the Narrow Crack at Wolfberg.

The crack hosts many spectacular rock features, including rock arches and a natural stone bridge (aka the bridge of Khazad Dûm). There is a crawl-through section, underneath a wedged boulder, through almost pitch-black darkness, and another steep, technical scramble near the end. None of the scrambles are high enough to pose a serious safety risk though, but do take care. It is recommended to go back via the Large Crack – a much easier walk down with some spectacular features of its own.

The Knobless Robot standing proud in the Large Crack.

The Most Striking: Tafelberg and Spout Cave (2+ Days)

When crossing Uitkyk Pass, into the Driehoeks and Sand River Valley, one cannot but notice the impressive flat-topped and sheer-sided Tafelberg, perched on a rising slope, high above the surrounding peaks to the north. Tafelberg is most easily accessed from Driehoek, from where the trail going up Welbedacht Kloof to Welbedacht Cave starts from a parking area underneath a cluster of oak trees next to the Driehoeks River. As part of a multi-day hike, it can also be accessed from Crystal Pools/Sleeppad Hut or Wolfberg/Sanddrif.

The iconic flat top of Tafelberg seen from the valley.

For weekend trips, it is worthwhile to try and get to Welbedacht Cave the evening of your arrival, as it halves the 6.5km walk-in. The trail to Welbedacht Cave is clear and easy to follow in low light – a hard but pleasant walk of approximately 3.5km with 450m elevation gain.

Starting the hike up Welbedacht Kloof. Proper hiking shoes are recommended!

Getting to Spout Cave from Welbedacht Cave requires a further 3km of walking with 500m elevation gain. The trail to Spout Cave turns left off the jeep track, approximately 800m down from the top of Welbedacht Kloof. The trail heads up the slopes to the north-west of Consolation Peak, before crossing the small plain below Tafelberg proper and then heading up again.

The final push – approaching Spout Cave in the gap between Tafelberg and Spout.

Tafelberg is a flat-topped sandstone monolith approximately 700m long with 150-200m high cliffs – a rock climber’s paradise. Perched high above the surrounding valleys, it offers a rare quality of solitude and incredible views. The top of Tafelberg is a surreal, moon-like landscape with crazy rock formations, sculpted by millennia of wind and rain.

“Sputnik”, one of Tafelberg’s famous rock formations.

Sundowners and views from Spout Cave’s deck.

The Highest: Sneeuberg Peak (2+ Days)

Sneeuberg is the highest peak in the Cederberg at 2027m, towering approximately 700m above the plain on which the Maltese Cross and Sneeuberg Hut rests. On a clear day, one can see Table Mountain from the summit, 170km away. Sneeuberg Hut is the ideal base from which to embark on the summit walk.

Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the Cederberg.

Sneeuberg Hut’s shortest access route is from the parking area next to the main road, more or less in line with the Driehoek campsite. From there it is a 6.3km walk up Sederhout Kloof to Sneeuberg Hut.

Sneeuberg Hut at the base of the peak.

From Sneeuberg Hut, follow the trail towards the Maltese Cross for approximately 3km until you find the path that leads to the summit. The trail leads up an indent in the mountainside, then follows the ridge to the top.

Views for days from the Sneeuberg summit. (Image: Matt Sterne)

The Mind-Boggler: Krakadouw Peak (2+ Days)

There’s not much that one can compare to the super-sized, otherworldly landscape on Krakadouw Peak. It’s no less accessible than Sneeuberg or Tafelberg, but somehow feels more remote and adventurous.

The “super-sized” landscape near the top of Groot Krakadouw.

The sheer side of the mountain looms over Clanwilliam Dam, but the peak is accessed from the “friendlier” back-side via Heuningvlei Hut. From Heuningvlei Hut there is 4.6km of trail, boulder-hopping and mini-scrambles, with nearly 800m ascent to reach the peak.

The boulder-strewn slopes of Krakadouw as seen from the Heuningvlei side.

The path keeps to the right of a gully with a clear stream and many fallen Cedars. Near the top, the path crosses the stream, from where it makes some twists and turns to find a way through the maze of oversized boulders and steep gullies.

An ancient Cedar – survivor of many fires – high on the slopes of Krakadouw.

The mountain flattens near the top, and there are multiple places to camp on the flat rock beds underneath large boulders, in grassy gullies or the impressive Krakadouw Summit Cave.

Camping under rock and stars.

One can easily spend a day exploring the moonscape at the top, with its deep chasms, crazy rock formations and the dizzying drops of the southern and western amphitheatres.

The vast amphitheatre near the summit of Krakadouw.