The Best Places to Stay in the Cederberg – Overnight in the Heart of South Africa’s Sandstone Mountain Sanctuary
These options for Cederberg accommodation are particularly varied and exciting – the Cederberg, it seems, goes out of its way to provide places to stay that include retreats, glamping and campsites, hotels, self-catering cottages and guest houses.
If you can imagine it, these places to stay in the Cederberg probably have it.
The Cederberg, roughly three hours’ drive from Cape Town, is is about 350 million years old and is a wilderness sculpted from Table Mountain sandstone.
The Cederberg is a weekend haunt for Capetonians; a hiking paradise with rock formations, trails and over 2 500 rock art paintings left in caves and shelters by the Khoi and San people.
Legend has it that the Cederberg was first sighted by Bartholomeus Diaz from his ship in the Atlantic Ocean, and named the Sierra dos Reis (mountains of the three wise men).
It’s named for the Cedar (different spelling) tree, a now fiercely protected species virtually extinct (unsustainable harvesting), but which used to grow prolifically in the area.
Look through our best places to stay in Cederberg – you’ll be inspired to plan a weekend away!
Situated between magnificent rock faces and lovely vineyards in the Agter-Pakhuis Valley, this AfriCamp is 26 kilometers from Clanwilliam, in the center of the Rocklands in Cederberg Wilderness Area.
Set in an idyllic region of the expansive Cederberg, the glamping camp invites adventure seekers, boulderers, and anybody just wishing to unwind in the great outdoors.
Details:Sleeps 5 guests in 2 Bedrooms, fully self catering with bathroom.Highlights: Lux glamping with hot tub, pet-friendly, wifi, solar power, braai faclities.Price Range? $$$
The off-grid Rocklands Eco Retreat is situated atop a cliff and provides incredible views of the Rocklands. The cabin has a King-size bed, a bathroom, and a studio-style layout.
Adventure seekers can effortlessly move the bed to the deck area, where they can relish stargazing or relax in the outdoor bathtub while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Details:Sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom with one bathroom (Outdoor tub, shower, toilet & basin).Highlights: Wifi, outdoor shower, a big deck, solar-powered, natural spring water.Price Range? $$$
The Lodge has the genuine atmosphere of a contemporary African farmhouse. With their vaulted ceilings and cozy interiors, the huge French windows lead to a large deck and stoep that look out over the garden.
The hotel rooms include a TV with DStv, air-con and underfloor heating. Make use of the mountain bikes or hike the trails.
Details:The hotel sleeps 26 guests in 12 rooms. Breakfast & dinner are included in the rates. Highlights: #BathWithAView in the Luxury suite! Luxury rooms, Wifi, terrace, swimming pool, activities on site, ask for a “sleep-out” to sleep under stars. On-site Spa, restuarant & bar.Price Range? $$$$
Situated in a natural sanctuary of timeless beauty, holistic health, wellness, rich heritage, and conservation, the Bushmans Kloof natural Reserve in Cederberg offers all of these amenities.
Explore prehistoric San rock art, a plethora of flora and fauna, friendly service, magnificent lodging, and exceptional dining that is enhanced by delicious organic cuisine.
Details:Luxury suites for up to 32 guests. Highlights: Fine dining, luxury accommodation, 5-star facilities, guided rock art excursions, sunset and evening nature drives and much more!Price Range? $$$$$
Escape to the comfort and beauty of a cave suite for a completely novel way to rejuvenate body and mind. Although they have been integrated into the raw sandstone of the mountains, these suites are stylish and well-equipped.
There is also an open-air suite perched on an isolated outcrop for guests that want to sleep under the stars.
Details:The hotel sleeps 40 guests in 15 units, from comfortable to luxury.Highlights: Sleep-out suite on request, all meals snd guided game drives included. Malaria-free area, lots of activities available.Price Range? $$$$
A cute self-catering cottage in Citrusdal sleeping two guests, there is a sitting area with Wi-Fi and a basic kitchenette.
Outside there is a patio with braai facilities a dining table and two chairs with magnificent views. This cabin features a private Wood-burning Hot tub and access to a communal pool shared with two other cabins.
Details: Sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom.Highlights: Pet-friendly, wood-fired hot tub, braai ad patio. Shared pool.Price Range? $$
The gardens of Yellow Aloe are enough reason to book a room in this guesthouse in Clanwilliam.
But we think you’ll love the historical longhouse garden rooms too. And if those fail to please, there are the thatch house rooms, or the family rooms.
Details:The guesthouse sleeps 30 guests in 12 rooms. Highlights: Solar-powered, Wifi, Breakfast included, beautiful gardens, numerous attractions and activities in the area.Price Range?$$$
In a valley surrounded by the Cederberg and Koue Bokkeveld Mountains you’ll find Grootrivier farm, with its perennial river and beautiful scenery.
Choose from 12 farm cottages (guests particularly like Klipbokkop and Waboomhoek), and three private campsites.
Details: Overnight in self-catering holiday homes or cottages spread over the farm. Highlights: Licensed restaurant on site, WiFi, mountain climbing, bird watching, walking, horse riding, and mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and swimming in clear river pools.Price range? $$
Perched at the top of the pass, overlooking the town of Citrusdal, Piekenierskloof delivers uninterrupted views of the spectacular Cederberg and genuine country hospitality.
It is modern, yet cozy, with a choice of private suites and self-catering chalets overlooking lush lawns and a sparkling outdoor pool.
Details:Private suites or self-catering chalets sleep up to 140 guests. Highlight: Kids play area, games room, restuarant, bar, plenty of activities and free Wi-Fi.Price Range? $$$
This holiday house is the perfect combo of a picturesque retreat and a fun family holiday spot. It’s secluded at the foot of the mountains, guaranteeing gorgeous views from every angle.
Curl up in front of the fire or head outside for a barbecue with friends and family. Explore the trails, look out for the impressive birdlife, or cool off in the river waters.
Details:Sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 1 bathroom. (1 bedroom is a loft). Highlights: Hot tub, well priced, braai, fireplace, air-con and free parking. On site restuarant.Price Range? $$
Klipbokkop House offers magnificent 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape. The exclusie use holiday home has a wide wooden deck that wraps around the front and sides of the house where one can relax and enjoy the vast and relaxing view.
A Jacuzzi is nestled at the end of the wooden deck, perfectly positioned to enjoy watching the sun slip behind the Kettlekop mountain, ending another beautiful day in the Cederberg.
Details: Sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms.Highlights: The views the jacuzzi, peace and quiet and … again the views and the activities. On site restaurant.Price Range: $$$
These lux tents are the ultimate in glamping in the heart of this rustic splendour.
They share an outdoor kitchen, deck, braai facilities, and a wood-fired hot tub outside. Inside, there are cosy beds and home comforts that set them apart.
Details:Each of the 2 glamping tents sleeps a family or group of 4.Highlights: Pet-friendly strictly by arrangement. Braai facilities are available and there is a private wood-burning hot tub. Please note that the tents share a bathroom.Price Range? $$
We’re willing to bet that there isn’t one person here that wouldn’t love a getaway to this eco-cabin in the Cederberg!
The outdoor tub is the ultimate #BathWithAView. There’s also a private reservoir to swim in, and a patio and braai area outside with stunning mountain views. It’s a gorgeous romantic getaway and a peaceful retreat for couples.
Details:The cabin sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom with a bathroom.Highlights: The cabin has all the comforts of home, including Wi-Fi, a secret bathtub under the stars and has access to a communal pool shared with two other cabins.Price Range? $$
Wait until you see the long cool verandah and Cape Dutch antiques of Longhouse Guesthouse in Clanwilliam. This is the perfect base for exploring the Cederberg Wilderness Area and San Rock Art in the area.
The house dates back to 1810 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in town.
Details:Choose from four double en-suite rooms.Highlights: Breakfast in the dining room or at the fish pond. All rooms have mini fridges, tea / coffee facilities and hairdryers. Lovely old oil lamps provide a romantic touch.Price Range? $$
Petersfield is a working citrus and Rooibos tea farm overlooking the town of Citrusdal. There are four mountain cottages on Petersfield, all set extremely privately in a 2000-hectare wilderness reserve of pristine fynbos and still teeming with indigenous wildlife.
Please Note: These cottages are booked up way ahead – if you want to stay here, please plan way ahead!
Details:4 private cottages sleeping 2 or 6 guests each. Highlight: Each cottage has a private plunge pool, 2 have outdoor bath tubs for a #BathWithAView and of course the views and privacy are what you go for!Price Range? $$
These two-sleeper private mountain cottages are perfect for a weekend retreat. They’re in the heart of a fynbos and citrus farm on the slopes of the Olifants River Mountains and neighbour to the Cederberg Wilderness area.
Details:A choice of 2, 4 or 6 sleeper chalets.Highlights: You’ll have your own hot tub, fireplace and veranda with fynbos views.Price Range: $$$
Enjo Nature Farm 🔦
If you’re looking for different, intimate and scenic then head to Enjo. It’s in the Biedouw Valley (secret venue for wild flowers in season) with an incredible landscape and a multitude of night stars.
Choose from a series of cottages, chalets and a campsite, feed the lambs in season, and there are a couple of horses who wander freely from house to house (don’t be surprised to find them on the verandah!
Details:9 separate units (cottages and chalets) sleep about 30 guests.Highlights: Wifi (but you are in the mountains!), braai, generator, spring-fed dam for swimming, farm animals for kids to interact with, 4×4 and hiking trails …Price Range? $
ou don’t expect to find hotel standards in country towns, but the Clanwilliam Hotel more than meets expectations with its long light wooden corridors, elegantly furnished generous en-suite single, double and family rooms.
Details: It’s a typical small-town country hotel. 38 rooms sleeps 80+ guests. Highlights: Wifi, pet-friendly and a restaurant on site. Price Range? $$
Cute, comfortable farm accommodation in the Boskloof Valley, an unspoiled area that borders on the Cederberg Wilderness. The farm is named for a favourite river pool (swemgat).
Details:Choose from eight white washed, thatch-roofed and prefab cottages.Highlights: The accommodation is set along the river banks so guests can enjoy swimming and fishing in the clear, unpolluted river.Price Range? $$
There’s a touch of French flair to this pretty guest house’s décor. They’re in Porterville, an ideal base for a weekend in the Cederberg, and regarded as one of the best paragliding places in the world.
Choose from six double rooms, a family room and a lovely honeymoon suite. Their restaurant is renowned for its pizzas.
Details: Sleeps 17 guests in 7 rooms. Highlights: Free Wifi, parking, on site restaurant. Price Range? $$
Explore The Cederberg
