We spent a few days exploring the Cederberg recently and it was yet another reminder of just how spectacular South Africa is. The main reason for the visit was so Jack could boulder out in the wild.
The Cederberg has some of the best bouldering in the world and climbers travel many miles to climb the boulders of the Pakhuis. After seeing it first hand I understand why.
We stayed at Ronderberg Resort, which was about 40 minutes from the Pakhuis. We all loved it. It is set on a working farm and the accommodation is on the banks of the Bulshoek Dam along the Olifants River. Our little cottage was built into the side of the rock so one wall was literal rock and the bathroom had a tree growing through it. We also had a wood-fired hot tub on the deck which was such fun. I could definitely stay here longer than we did. There is a lot of the kids to do and it is safe for them to walk around without us.
We went searching for boulders at the de Pakhuys which has some amazing boulders. None of us where really sure what to expect, so it was a real adventure that did not disappoint.
If you also do not know – basically you walked along a route on the plateau of a mountain and look for boulders to climb. There are a lot that have chalk markings on where people have already climbed but there are no rules, really. If you see a boulder, you can try climb it.
We spent about 2 hours walking and exploring – it was breathtakingly beautiful. The climbing was a lot harder than Jack thought it was going to be but he still had a great time trying.
There is also a short but quite technical trail to a waterfall that was fun to walk together.
Some info if you are going climbing here for the first time.
You need a permit – you can only buy it online here. It allows you access to all the climbing areas.
Most of the base camps have crash pads to hire, it is a first come first serve basis so if possible book in advance.
Plan to spend the day. If we had known I would have packed a proper picnic.
Check the weather. Apparently May to October is the best time to go because it is cooler and drier.
Take someone with who has a little outdoor climbing experience. You can have fun alone but if we had someone who had climbed outdoors before I think Jack would have had a better experience because it is hard!
I would have loved to have stay here longer and explore more – there are some lovely little towns all around and a lot of hikes. We will definitely be back.
Oh that does sound fabulous! I am LOVING all these photos.