Cederberg hiking: Wolfberg Cracks, the Arch and Maltese Cross
The Cederberg Wilderness Area is CapeNature land about three hours north of Cape Town. The two day routes we list are the ones the reserve page describes with times and permit desks: Wolfberg Arch via the Wolfberg Cracks and the Maltese Cross. Wolfkop Nature Reserve at Citrusdal is a private lodge reserve, not these Sanddrif walks.
Wolfberg Arch via the Cracks
CapeNature: about eight hours, strenuous, not for beginners. The walk eases toward the Arch after the Cracks. Permit from Sanddrif, 027 482 2825. Published tariff: R170 per adult, R100 per child (Cederberg Wilderness Area tariffs).
Maltese Cross
CapeNature: about five hours, well-marked, mild uphill out and the same path back. Permit from Sanddrif. Published tariff: R100 per adult, R65 per child.
Rules that catch people out
- Minimum of three adult hikers on Cederberg wilderness day and overnight trails.
- No pets. No fires in the mountains, including gas cookers.
- Algeria Campsite is closed after flood damage. Do not plan these two day hikes as an Algeria walk-up — collect the Sanddrif permit CapeNature names on the reserve page.
- CapeNature reservations: 087 087 8250 · reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Overnight wilderness blocks, Stadsaal Cave, Truitjieskraal and Rocklands have separate permit points. They are not listed on Hikeza yet. The Cederberg hub stays honest about that gap.
Official overview: Cederberg Wilderness Area (CapeNature).
- Do you need a permit for Wolfberg Cracks?
- Yes. CapeNature says hikers need a valid permit from Sanddrif for the Wolfberg Arch route via the Cracks. The published adult tariff is R170 (R100 per child).
- How hard is Wolfberg Arch?
- CapeNature calls it a strenuous walk that is not for beginners or the unfit, estimated at eight hours, easing as you approach the Arch via the Cracks.
- Can you take dogs hiking in the Cederberg Wilderness?
- No. CapeNature’s Cederberg hiking rules say pets are not permitted.