Cederberg Wilderness Area update: Recovery underway after major wildfire!

last updated 28 January 2026 

CapeNature has provided an update on the current conditions in the Cederberg Wilderness Area in South Africa’s Western Cape. Following a significant wildfire over the 2025/26 festive period, efforts are now focused on ecological recovery and reopening visitor facilities, with CapeNature preparing to welcome nature enthusiasts back safely.

The Cederberg Wilderness Area is globally recognized for its unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. Wildfires expose soil, damage vegetation, and displace wildlife, making careful management essential for both ecological recovery and visitor safety.

CapeNature’s recovery plan
CapeNature has launched a comprehensive six- to twelve-month recovery programme, which includes:

• Assessing and repairing hiking trails, jeep tracks, and mountain huts
• Replacing damaged signage and improving safety infrastructure
• Managing erosion and removing invasive plant species
• Monitoring ecological recovery, including restoration of the critically endangered Clanwilliam Cedar, in collaboration with conservation groups and volunteers

The wildfire, which began on 22 December 2025 near Uitkyk Pass, burned approximately 53,000 hectares, affecting CapeNature-managed land and adjoining private properties. The fire was successfully contained on 05 January 2026.

Visitor access and safety measures
Although the fire is no longer active, extensive damage means that several hiking trails, wild camping areas, and recreational sites will remain temporarily closed to allow for rehabilitation and ecosystem recovery.

However, key sites remain accessible under monitored conditions:

• Northern Cederberg: Areas between Pakhuis Pass/Kliphuis, Heuningvlei, Langkloof, and Krakadouw are open to visitors.
• Wolfberg Arch (via The Cracks) & Maltese Cross: Day hikes only. Overnight stays are prohibited. Access via Sandrift with required permits.
• Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal Rock Art Sites: Structurally intact and open under limited access conditions. Bookings required online or at Matjiesrivier office (07:30–16:00 daily).
• Algeria and Bosherberge Cottages: Scheduled to reopen 27 January 2026, pending final safety checks.

“The scale of this fire has significantly impacted both the landscape and visitor infrastructure in the Cederberg. Our priority is to safeguard lives, support ecological recovery, and ensure reopened areas are safe and resilient for people and nature. Respecting access restrictions is critical for ecosystem recovery and visitor safety,” said Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.

Visitor guidance
CapeNature urges all visitors to:

• Respect closure notices and restricted areas
• Use only approved access points
• Obtain necessary permits before entering the wilderness
• Explore alternative accommodation options through the CapeNature Contact Centre if affected by cancellations

With these measures in place, the Cederberg Wilderness Area is on the path to recovery, ensuring that hikers, campers, and nature lovers can safely enjoy this iconic Western Cape destination in the coming months.

About the Cederberg Wilderness Area
The Cederberg Wilderness Area is one of South Africa’s most striking outdoor destinations, located roughly 250 kilometres north of Cape Town in the Western Cape. Known for its dramatic red sandstone mountains, ancient San rock art, and vast open landscapes, the Cederberg offers a true wilderness experience. As part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region, the area boasts remarkable biodiversity, scenic hiking routes, iconic landmarks such as Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross, and exceptional stargazing. Popular with hikers, climbers, photographers, and nature lovers, the Cederberg combines adventure, cultural heritage, and solitude in a uniquely remote setting. 

 

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Western Cape: CapeNature has closed some areas within its Nature Reserves due to the current adverse weather conditions!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has informed the public that the current adverse weather conditions in the province have affected operations at some of its Nature Reserves such as Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, Limietberg Nature Reserve and the Cederberg Wilderness Area. These adverse weather conditions are expected to continue for the next few days, so that CapeNature took the decision to close certain areas within the Nature Reserve mentioned above as these are compromised due to the heavy rainfall. We'll keep you posted!

Cederberg Wilderness Area (Western Cape): Algeria Campsite to temporarily close until March 2022! [update]

update (04 March 2022):  The Algeria Campsite in the Cederberg Wilderness Area will be closed until 14 April 2022!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that the Algeria Campsite in the Cederberg Wilderness Area has been temporarily closed to the public from 18 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The current low water bridge, which is the single point of access to the campsite, will be undergoing necessary infrastructure improvements. During the this time, CapeNature will also implement major repair work on all the bathrooms at Algeria Campsite.
Algeria Campsite is a peaceful, grassy area on the Rondegat River in the Cederberg Wilderness Area. It has 13 self-catering cottages and 48 campsites for tents and caravans.

Western Cape: Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area and the Cederberg Wilderness Area have been temporarily closed! [update]

update (08 July 2021): According to CapeNature, selected camp sites in Cederberg Wilderness Area as well as Peerboom Cottage have been closed due to the recent rains. The expected re-opening date is 16 July 2021.

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area and the Cederberg Wilderness Area have been closed due to adverse weather conditions. The situation will be continually reassessed. CapeNature is planing to re-open the Cederberg Wilderness Area on 06 July 2021, while the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area is expected to welcome visitors again from 12 July 2021.

The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area lies about 120km north of Cape Town, in the Grootwinterhoek mountain range north of Tulbagh and east of Porterville. Featuring extraordinary rock formations and popular hiking routes, it forms part of the greater Groot Winterhoek conservation area comprising 30 608ha, of which 19 200ha was declared a wilderness area in 1985.
The Cederberg Wilderness Area was proclaimed as a Wilderness in 1973. The 66 811ha of mountainous terrain is located in the Cape Floral Region about 250km north of Cape Town. It stretches from the Middelberg Pass in Citrusdal to north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam. The Cederberg has a range of hiking trails that vary in intensity, including routes to fascinating rock formations, like the Maltese Cross and Wolfberg Arch, or refreshing  waterfalls.