Cederberg Wilderness Cycling

Rainfall in the Cederberg ranges from an average of 800 mm per annum at Algeria to an average of less than 250mm/annum around Matjiesrivier, Cederberg Oasis, Nuwerust and Mount Cedar. The west of the Conservancy is mostly wet and cold during the winter while the eastern area is very cold with less rain. The most rain falls during winter between May and September. It often snows on the higher parts. Summers are very hot and dry and can reach temperatures as high as 40° Celcius.

The holiday can be booked any time of the year but the best time of the year to visit the area is the cooler months of Spring and Autumn .

Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid). GPS and/or cellphone and maps for navigation.

Wear thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer. A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. Also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Take warm clothes for the evenings. Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting lunches), first-aid kit, an extra plastic bag for litter.

Pack options for carrying your gear on your bike, such as some of the following: front and rear racks with panniers, saddle bags, frame bags, handlebar bags, top tube bags and a light trail backpack. Food and water, a small stove, fire starting supplies, a tent and sleeping bag (for emergency), lights on your bike and a torch for your tent, repair kit with at least a flat kit, inflation, chain tool, multi-tool and extra chain links, extra first aid supplies, cable ties, duct tape and straps. Make sure that you are aware of exactly where water can be found each day and note that mobile phone is not available in some areas. Consult your Route Manager.

Water & Food

Take lots of water, especially for the longer days, where distances between water sources are large. Food and supplies can be found at the starting point in Citrusdal, Clanwilliam and Op-Die-Berg village with limited supplies at points indicated in the route description.

Road Conditions

You will be riding primarily on roads with no bike lanes and car and truck traffic. You should be comfortable riding in some amount of traffic. Please ride responsibly and stay alert. Most of the route is on gravel roads, so make sure that you have the appropriate MTB for the terrain.

Refer to How our cycling holiday works for details about a Bikepacking holiday.

Overall rating of Cederberg Wilderness cycling is Moderate/challenging. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to cycle between 50 and 70 km per day and able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along dirt roads, often with corrugations and occasionally with deep sand or gravel. See Cycling grades for more details about Moderate rating.

Day 1 – arrival: Day 2 – Moderate: Day 3 – Moderate/challenging: Day 4 – Moderate: Day 5 – Moderate: Day 6 – Moderate: Day 7 – Moderate: Day 8 – Moderate: Day 9 – Easy

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/cycling holiday offered by Trails and Travel in South Africa- “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details, go to Reviews

Cederberg Wilderness Cycling is a self-guided cycling holiday to explore the Cederberg Wilderness.

Cederberg Wilderness Cycling was structured to offer the best of the area. For more information about the area, go to Read more

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

Our detailed route notes, maps and description allow you to ride self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery. We provide a file which can be imported to a gps or cellphone for navigation. There is not always mobile reception. Make sure that you have downloaded an off-line map on your phone and have battery support. As soon as we have finalised your booking we will specify your accommodation schedule. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. Our notes include information on places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival.

The Cederberg is in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Citrusdal is about 180 km, 2 hours drive from Cape Town.
For international visitors:
Fly to Cape Town International Airport and from Cape Town to the Cederberg by car.
Route from Cape Town:
Take the N7 (Cape Namibia road) Continue for 171 km to the Citrusdal turnoff
When we confirm your booking more details will be given as well as suggestions about places to visit along the way from Cape Town