Cedarberg rock art — permit requirements and the best sites to visit
Everything you need to know about this one, based on 4 personal experiences.
Distance / Duration: 10km return day hike. Grade: Moderate.
Booking: CapeNature permit required — book at capenature.co.za. Algeria Campsite is the base for most hikes.. Do not leave this to the last minute — popular dates go many months ahead.
The trail: The Maltese Cross is 9km return from Algeria and takes 4–5 hours. The rock formations in the Cedarberg are extraordinary — Cederite sandstone weathered into shapes that look engineered. Wolfberg Arch is a longer route and arguably more impressive.
What to carry: Minimum 3L water per person between refill points. A proper waterproof — weather changes fast in the mountains. Headlamp even on a day hike. High-energy snacks. If you are going multi-day, a lightweight sleeping bag rated to -5°C handles most SA mountain conditions year-round.
Safety: A Garmin inReach Mini or SPOT tracker is strongly recommended for any route where you will be out of cell signal. Mountain Rescue does charge for private rescues — travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is worth having.
Best time: Avoid peak summer — afternoon thunderstorms are dangerous on exposed terrain.
Questions welcome — happy to share more detail on any section of this route.
5 Replies
The medical certificate requirement for the Otter Trail is real. I watched a couple get turned away at Storms River Mouth because one of them had an outdated form. They were devastated. Get it stamped by your doctor, not just signed. And bring the original — they check.
— jannie_swanepoel
Solo hiking safety: a Garmin inReach Mini is the standard now for any serious mountain hiking in SA. R7,000 device plus satellite subscription. Mountain Rescue charges for private rescues and helicopter evacuation is expensive. The inReach is cheap insurance.
Useful breakdown, thanks. The booking situation is the thing that most people underestimate — I missed a chance at the Sentinel permit because I started looking too late. Set a calendar reminder 12+ months ahead and book the moment slots open.
Solo hiking safety: a Garmin inReach Mini is the standard now for any serious mountain hiking in SA. R6,000 device plus satellite subscription. Mountain Rescue charges for private rescues and helicopter evacuation is expensive. The inReach is cheap insurance.
The medical certificate requirement for the Otter Trail is real. I watched a couple get turned away at Storms River Mouth because one of them had an outdated form. They were devastated. Get it stamped by your doctor, not just signed. And bring the original — they check.
Useful breakdown, thanks. The booking situation is the thing that most people underestimate — I missed a chance at the Giant's Cup because I started looking too late. Set a calendar reminder 12+ months ahead and book the moment slots open.