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Cedarberg Mountains

Just a few hours from the metropolis of Cape Town lies the mountainous Cedarberg. Features of this 72 000 hectare conservation area include soaring peaks, rugged ridges, pristine natural vegetation and some of the weirdest rock formations to be seen anywhere. Of these striking rock formations, the Wolfberg Cracks, the 20 metre tall Maltese Cross and the Tafelberg, are the best known.

The Cedarberg takes its name from the groves of Clanwilliam cedar trees that occur in patches on the rocky outcrops and mountain tops.

A specialty of the Cedarberg is the rare flora of the area in particular cup-shaped Snow protea, a high-altitude plant that clings precariously to life on the rocky ledges above the snow line, flowering between January and April. Endemic wildlife includes the Cape grysbok, Grey rheebok, Common duiker, klipspringer, steenbok, African wild cat and the Chacma baboon, and the entire wilderness area has been declared a conservation area for the shy nocturnal mountain leopards. Bird watchers will not be disappointed either as Black eagles, Jackal buzzards and other birds of prey wheel and swoop high above them.

The Cedarberg is particularly popular with hikers and nature-lovers, as well as those wishing to view the largest natural gallery of indigenous rock art in the world. Excellent San (Bushmen) rock art can be viewed in the Stadsaal and Elephant Caves, as well as on site at the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

Other popular activities in the Cedarberg area include wilderness drives in 4x4 vehicles, mountain biking, fly-fishing, paragliding, rock climbing and even sky diving.
The large and lovely Olifants River, which has its source in the Cedarberg Mountain range, nurtures the orchards around the citrus producing town of Citrusdal, providing much of the wealth of this immensely fertile region.

The Cedarberg can be baking hot in summer and bitterly cold during the winter months, when snow mantles the higher peaks.