Things To Do in CederbergWolfberg Arch Trail
Hiking Trails Sports & Leisure Cederberg Olifants River Valley
Where? Start and finish at Sandrif farm in the Cederberg.
How much? Free
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Cederberg, in Western Cape
Start: Sandrif Farm
Finish: Sandrif Farm
Duration: 7+ hours, or over 2 days
Fitness: fit, it is challenging
Our tip: older children who are used to hiking will manage the hike, although you might want to head out early to avoid the heat
To reach the Wolfberg Arch, via Wolfberg Cracks some hikers start from Dwarsrivier farm, others from Sandrif holiday resort. The two lie fairly close to one another and either will supply you with maps and permits.
The trail to Wolfberg Cracks is steep, but the path is good. But in the heat of the day it can feel difficult, so start early. There are two routes you can take, once you reach the base of the rocky cliffs. Most people opt for the main crack off to the left as the easiest route (but it involves some scrambling).
The small crack, or third crack (the alternative route), involves a little manoeuvreing up a chimney and beneath a boulder (a bit of a squeeze), although there is way over the top.
Whichever route you take, it helps to have a map. Views up here are rather lovely.
From the crack there are a number of routes to the arch. It takes roughly another 6km along relatively flat terrain to reach the arch. But there is little shade and no water. From about halfway along, the arch becomes visible.
Once there, one realises how spectacular this rock formation really is. Hikers are free to spend the night here and return the following morning. Sunrise and sunset in amongst the red and yellow rocks of the Cederberg has to be experienced to be believed.
There is a return route via Gabriel's Pass, but it is not well marked. Safer to return the same way you went up.
