Zuid Afrika en Namibië : Kaapstad, West Coast National Park, Cederbergen,Namibwoestijn, Fish River Canyon & Augrabies Falls

The Cederberg Mountains rise majestically above the vineyards and citrus groves of the Oliphants River valley. Most of the mountain range is part of the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve and remains one of the most pristine areas of South Africa. Ancient mountain trails, originally cast by woodcutters, take you past curious rock formations and pristine fynbos, such as the rare Snow Protea and Clanwilliam pincushion.

Apart from the occasional “boulderer”, (free-style rock climbers), it is rare to see other walkers in the northern Cederberg. You can join one of our guided walks, or you can walk independently. It is up to you!

Wish you could get to see more Stars and stare at them for hours? The Cederberg is star-gazing heaven. Our night skies are beautiful with little or no cloud cover year round. And very little light pollution. And yet we are a mere 2½ hours from Cape Town. (Yes Sutherland may have a slight edge. But we are much less of a drive!)

Cederberg is the only place in the world where the remarkably healthy Rooibos tea is grown. Rooibos (‘red bush’) is a major industry in the Cederberg. This region happens to be the only place in the world where rooibos, (actually not a tea, but a broom-like shrub) can be successfully grown. So this indigenous, healthy caffeine & tannin-free herbal tea is exported throughout the world to Europe, Japan and the USA.

We offer a fascinating Rooibos excursion to one of the local Rooibos farms. This happens approximately twice a week on a Tuesday and a Saturday. Here you can see how they grow and then process the earthy-tasting tea. Afterward you enjoy a tea-tasting.

Enjoy guided walking trails both right from the lodge or in the adjacent Cederberg Wilderness

Reserve. Trails range from an easy 45 minutes to a 3-4 hour hike. Why not try our very own

Spitzkop peak with its iconic views?

The Sevilla rock art trail is a collection of nine rock art sites about 30 minutes’ drive from Cederberg Ridge. The 5km walking trail consists of 9 different rock art sites and will take about 3 hours to complete, depending on how long you stay at each site, so it’s a 4+ hour trip in total.

Our guides introduce you not only to the life and culture of the San but also to the natural beauty of their homeland. Our guides are passionate and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the San people.

Note that in summer we head out very early at 6.30am in the relative cool of the day, armed with some snacks to ward off hunger. Then we come back for a late breakfast/brunch.

Cederberg Ridge offers a semi-full day excursion into the High Cederberg (Stadsaal and Cederberg Cellars) every three days, which is highly recommended.

Enjoy the sights of the High Cederberg on a guided excursion to Stadsaal caves, rock at and wine-tasting at Cederberg Cellars.

Cederberg Ridge offers a semi-full day excursion into the West Coast for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach at Muisbosskerm. Generally we offer this excursion in the summer months when it’s enjoyable to escape the heat and head to the cooling sea breezes.

En-route we unique Bird Island with its vast array of gannets and cormorants.

Please note: Our guided excursions follow a set program so we cannot guarantee any particular excursion during your stay. This excursion is typically on a Sunday.

Most people prefer to enjoy a mountain bike ride independently. (Though you can ask for a guide if you prefer.) Our mountain bike trails also range from an easy track (less than an hour) to something more challenging for the more experienced.

The easier trails on the farm can be done independently. As with walking, we provide maps and signs to guide you.

The Clanwilliam dam provides a stunning setting for our sunset boat cruises. These come into their own in the hot summer months from November to February. With the mountain as your backdrop, soak up the fiery sky at dusk on our 1½ hour sundowner cruise. We offer this typically every other evening in the summer months.

We generally offer this tour from generally October to March when the water is nice for swimming off the back of the boat. But timing may be less frequent.

To pay homage to our unparalleled cultural heritage, we bring you traditional African massages. Indulge in a selection of Africa’s authentic and traditional massage techniques with our highly skilled therapists.

We offer a selection of treatments in our spa and adjoining relaxation room, which will relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. A massage is especially recommended after an adventurous hike in our mountains. But you really don’t need an excuse to treat yourself!

If you want to explore the flora and fauna of the Succulent Karoo desert on your own you have five different hiking trails to choose from. They are well marked and take you through the wildly romantic scenery of the Aus Mountains. Duration: between 2 and 5 hours

These drives in the late afternoon present an opportunity to experience the incredible scenic beauty of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park at dusk. (min. 3 persons per excursion)

Discover the delights of the desert: guided tours through the impressive scenery of the Succulent Karoo desert.

Lüderitz is just 120 km away and the ghost town of Kolmanskop only 115 km (tar road). Klein-Aus Vista is the ideal starting point for a trip to both places. Only 20 km from Aus, on the way to or back from Lüderitz, visit the Garub water hole where the wild horses and several other animals of the desert plains can be found. The Wild Horses of the Namib have roamed this harsh habitat since 1915 and are an experience one should not miss.

There is a choice of different routes on well-marked trails, varying from 18 km to 35 km - mostly single track trails - recommended for riders with intermediate skills. Dual suspension bikes available for rent.

Experience the wild expanse of the Gondwana Canyon Park where the fences of ten farms were dismantled to recreate a Namibian Eden. Take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon to be inspired by new perspectives. Celebrate sunrise amidst the quiver trees and sunset from a hillock, overlooking spectacular scenery. The Canyon lodges are comfortable havens to take a break from the road. Explore and discover the ancient wonderland, or simply luxuriate in the peace, lounging at the poolside, snoozing in the coolness of your chalet or sitting on the terrace dipping into a book.

This hike (about 6 km) takes you right into Gondwana Canyon Park. You are accompanied by a guide who will gladly share his knowledge about the fascinating desert landscape around the canyon. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon. (Approx. 3 hours)

We drive you to a spot with a grand view. Watch the sunrise while enjoying coffee and tea. Then we walk back the short distance to the lodge. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon. (Approx. 1 hour)

A hiking trail takes you from Canyon Village up to a mountain plateau. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the vast plains adjacent to the canyon. At ‘Archway Rock’ you start to make your way back into the plain and to the lodge. (2 - 3 hours)

Especially for guests who want a break from the wheel or those on a fly-in safari. You are taken to the two major lookout points along the Fish River Canyon. Our guide will tell you all about the canyon's fascinating geology. (Approx. 3 hours)

The 3 hour drive is the perfect opportunity for you to acquaint yourself with the geology, flora and fauna of the Gondwana Canyon Park. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon. It starts at Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village. Approx. 3 hours

All guests are invited to wrap up the day with a short excursion to our very own ‘local’ mountain. Have a drink and watch the sun go down.