Wupperthal Cedar Trail

A slack-pack hike traversing the unspoilt Cederberg Mountains
Ancient rock formations, ochre-coloured valleys, mountains and canyons
Listen to local stories and embrace age-old cultures
Enjoy Live the Journey hospitality from our excellent support team
Wild camping and fire-side dining under a billion stars

Overview

Hiking through the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg

For many Wupperthal is the known as the “Jewel of the Cederberg” and is in a very secluded area of the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. Its uniqueness lies in its remote location, exceptional scenery and impressive rock formations, as well as the culture and way of life of the small number of inhabitants. Here it literally feels like time has stood still for 100 years.

The Wupperthal Cedar Trail

This brand-new trail will also stretch over 4 days like the Wupperthal66 Hike, but with shorter daily hiking distances. One word that aptly describes the Wupperthal66 Hike is REMOTENESS, but the Wupperthal Cedar Trail will focus more on the amazing rock formations and guests will be mesmerized by them for all four days of the hike. Hikers will also see quite a few Cedar trees and even spend one night close to a plantation. Another focus of this shorter hike will be the exceptional rock paintings along the route.

Once, groves of Cedar trees were found almost everywhere in the Cederberg – so abundant that a whole region was named after it. Their survival is now threatened due to several centuries of exploitative harvesting and frequent fires. All forms of exploitation ended in 1973 with the proclamation of Cederberg Wilderness. Returning the Cedar tree has proven to be a monumental task with an army of conservationists and volunteers spending decades trying to regenerate the population by planting trees. This new nursery in Heuningvlei could give it a fighting chance. During the hike, our groups will plant a cedar tree to contribute towards this restoration project, and you can be a part of it!

True to the Live the Journey Way you will experience hearty hospitality and world-class effort from our support team during this approximately 50km hike.

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The Wupperthal trail is a new initiative from Live the Journey and the Wupperthal community and special permission was granted to develop this hike. Launched in 2022, this hike is truly unique for this part of the world and is growing from strength to strength. The trail will take you through one of the most unspoilt areas in South Africa.

Group size: 18 -24 hikers (tailor-made options available for private groups)

Duration: 4 nights, 5 days (of which day 1 is arrival and welcome and days 2 to 5 are spent hiking)

Distance: Approximately 50 km

Rating and Fitness: This multi-day hike takes place in rugged mountain areas and can be strenuous and challenging. The hiking surface differs from single track to gravel roads. Some surfaces are quite rocky and stability and good hiking shoes are required. Hikers need to be healthy and hiking fit for the duration of the hike.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & WELCOME

Arrival at Drakie Camp from 15h00 (please do not arrive earlier). We also ask that you arrive no later than 17h00 for the first night of wild camping.

A very special site between beautiful rock formations was identified for the first night’s camp, guarded by a dragon, after which the camp was named. The shelter that the beautiful rocks provide, bordered by Rooibos tea plantations, will give you a true wilderness feeling and is one of the reasons why the Wupperthal hike is so special.

The logistical team awaits your arrival and during the evening a short briefing will be given regarding the trail, safety measures and what to expect in the days to follow. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a glass of wine or juice/soft drink around the campfire.

O/N Drakie Camp - Wild camping

“Coals under your chair, rock formations that look like dragons, mermaids and building blocks made for a giant, strong winds, rain out of a blue sky, river crossings to no end…unforgettable!” – Henriëtte, Paarl (translated)

DAY 2: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 14 KM)

Breakfast will be served. No need to pack a lunch today. The day starts with a hike in a northerly direction towards Suurrug, one of Wupperthal’s outposts. Early morning you will be greeted by unbelievably beautiful rock formations, and it will continue for the rest of the day. We will walk through the Menskraal community, and after that start to climb uphill to reach our special lunch spot. Today’s lunch stop is a surprise but be ready for a real treat. After lunch we will descend slightly on a single mountain track that only locals know of, sometimes through thick bush. The reward will be beautiful natural swimming pools with fresh flowing water, and you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the crisp and clean mountain water.
Tonight’s camp is at Heuningvlei, close to a cedar tree plantation where you can pitch your tent right in the middle of them if you like! Enjoy a delicious dinner inside or under the stars.

O/N Heuningvlei Backpackers – camp outside the Backpackers or stay in the Backpacker rooms (sharing) with full ablution facilities.

“This was my first hike ever, but definitely not my last. The team is special.” – Marelize, Boshof (translated)

DAY 4: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 14 KM)

Breakfast will be served. Pack your own lunch with food provided. From Heuningvlei you head back to Drakie Camp following a totally different route. Today’s hike is IN the true Cederberg. Start a steady climb along a track that criss-crosses through spectacular rock formations and protea trees. Your stops today include visits to rock paintings that few people have seen, a stop at the spot where cedar tree saplings have been re-located to from the nursery, and a lunch stop is next to a stream where you can refill your water bottle. Hikers will also pay a visit to the communities of Wittewater and Agsterstevlei en route to the last night’s camp. The logistical team will be awaiting your arrival, along with a surprise before dinner.

O/N Drakie Camp - Wild camping

DAY 3: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 8 - 10 KM)

Breakfast will be served. Pack your own lunch with food provided. Start the morning with a visit to the Heuningvlei Cedar Seedling Nursery. Here your guide will show you the cedar tree plantation and explain how they know which seeds are viable to be planted. You will also have a demonstration on how they distil Buchu oil. Set off for the day’s hike. From Heuningvlei hike a circular route to Middel Krakedouw (the name given by the locals to this area) before returning to the lodge. early afternoon. Go swimming at the rock pools you encountered the previous day, go explore the beautiful community of Heuningvlei and its beautiful houses, or just relax at the lodge. Dinner is again enjoyed inside or around the campfire.

O/N Heuningvlei Backpackers – camp outside the Backpackers or stay in the Backpacker rooms (sharing) with full ablution facilities.

“…living this amazing journey, unforgettable experience, simply memory-making ingredients. Efficiency, logistical excellence, friendly support staff, gastronomically excellent cooking. What an experience. Friendships forged in a safe space where nature allows for deep conversations. I feel part of a family, your family – Live the Journey.” – Shirley, Mossel Bay

DAY 5: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 15 KM) & DEPARTURE

Today’s hike is through tea plantations to reach Kleinvlei. You will descend through a rocky but extremely beautiful valley known as Speelkloof, with incredible views of the Cederberg in front of you. This is a special route, also only known by locals. At the bottom of the valley we will reach a dirt track that will take us all the way to Kleinvlei. Enjoy roosterkoek made by the community whilst overlooking the houses of the community, nestled in between the majestic mountains. Grazing donkeys, chickens, sheep, and the community dogs might come to keep you company!

After lunch, the hike may only be approximately 5 km, but it is 3 km filled with exceptional natural beauty. Wupperthal is mainly located along the banks of the Tratra River. This seemingly small stream can become a mighty river when in flood. Recent evidence of this was in June 2023 when the river was at its fullest in more than 100 years. The Tratra River winds its way through a DEEP gorge from Kleinvlei to Wupperthal, and it is through this gorge that you will be hiking. The rock formations are amazingly beautiful, and the river is filled with potholes, which make fantastic swimming pools – a hidden gem only known to Wupperthallers. The hike ends on a special note at the church in Wupperthal. Hikers can expect to depart from 16h00 onwards. Consider extending your stay by a night or two in the area.

“Something that strikes every time I do a hike in the Wupperthal Cederberg area, is the contact with the unforgettable local communities. Their joys and challenges, their sense of humour, their generosity and hospitality. And every time I fall in love all over again with the rocks, smells, clouds, plants and clear water of this wonderful piece of wilderness. Thank you Live the Journey for making this possible.” – Susan Dekker, Mossel Bay (translated)

END OF TOUR

Dates

2025 Dates:

01 - 05 April 2025

Rates

TOUR PRICES VALID FROM 01 JANUARY 2024 UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2024:

Standard Package – includes hike cost & you bring your own camping equipment.

Single: R11,870
Sharing - per person: R11,870

Premium Package – includes hike cost, Dome tent rental (2.4 x 2.4) fold-up mattress, Live the Journey puts up and takes down your tent and gift pack filled with local products. *

Single: R14,950
Sharing - per person: R13,950

Platinum Package – includes hike cost, Dome tent rental (2.4 x 2.4), fold-up mattress, Live the Journey puts up and takes down your tent, gift pack filled with local products, and Wupperthal66 coffee table book (1 per couple). *

Single: R16,450
Sharing - per person: R14,700

*Limited amount available.

TOUR PRICES VALID FROM 01 JANUARY 2025 UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2025:

Standard Package – includes hike cost & you bring your own camping equipment.

Single: R11,900
Sharing - per person: R11,900

Silver Package – Includes hike cost and Dome tent rental (2.4 x 2.4). *

Single: R13,890
Sharing - per person: R12,895

Premium Package – includes hike cost, Dome tent rental (2.4 x 2.4) fold-up mattress, Live the Journey puts up and takes down your tent and gift pack filled with local products. *

Single: R15,050
Sharing - per person: R14,070

Single: R16,850
Sharing - per person: R14,970

*Limited amount available.

Rates are subject to increase and may be changed without prior notice.

Please enquire for child rates.

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Voluntary Community fee – R380 per person

**Community Fee:**

Although it is a voluntary fee, we would like to urge you to make this contribution. You will experience firsthand what we are trying to achieve with the hike and community fee.

At present the Wupperthal Hikes are acting as the custodians of, and supporting two cultural traditions of the Wupperthal community, the ‘Riel’ dancers, and the brass band. Both are focused on upholding traditions from the past and the funds the Wupperthal Hikes collect help to keep these two traditions alive, especially for the youth of the area. The communities in and around Wupperthal struggle and the funds we invest in these projects do go a long way. If you feel you want to contribute in any way after you have done the hike, you are welcome to do so. It doesn’t have to be the amount specified above. It can be at your own discretion - any contribution is valued.

Included

4 nights’ wild camping with your own or LTJ camping equipment.
Local guides and support team.
Transport and logistics of your luggage and camping gear to the overnight camps. Please make sure to pack light and use a soft duffle bag.
All meals included – from arrival dinner on day 1 to all breakfasts, lunch packs and scrumptious veld dinners with local specialties and spoils prepared by our local team on hiking days. Breakfast on day 5 will be included.
You will pack your own lunch pack every morning. We will provide a variety of breads, cold meats, and snacks for you to choose from. Remember to bring your own lunch box with.
Coffee, tea, and soft drinks with meals plus limited wine at dinner every evening.
Drinking and shower water.
Showers and chemical toilets, set up each evening.
Camping chair.
Wood.

Excluded

All pre and post travel to Wupperthal (travel by road, flights, accommodation).
Tent, mattress, sleeping bag and pillow (standard package).
Hiking cutlery and crockery set.
Day pack and hiking gear like walking sticks, water bottles, lunch box container, first aid and blister kit, own medications.
Drinks not mentioned.
Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Indemnity & Emergency Evacuation Insurance:

Participants require a good level of fitness. An indemnity form must be completed by all hikers.

Hikers will also be required to have emergency medical evacuation insurance, whether through your medical aid or travel insurance, proof of which will be required prior to the hike.

Special Dietary Requirements

Our guide team will walk the extra mile to cater for your needs. However, given the conditions under which this tour/hike is operated it is not possible to cater for all dietary requirements. Also, variation and availability of supplies in the area is very limited. We can cater for vegetarians, pescatarians, and gluten free diets. If you do not fall within these categories, we would like to recommend that you discuss your requirements with us and where possible, make provision for your own meal requirements. We can discuss a possible discount off your hike price in these cases.

Weather

Our hikes take place during Spring (mid-March to mid-May) and Autumn (mid-August to mid-October), which are favourable times of the year for this region. The day-time temperatures are warm to hot, but you can still be active. The evenings are cooler, but you can dine outside, providing you have something warm to wear.

*Average daytime temperatures are typically 24-30°C. Evening temperatures are 15-20°C.

Pack list

A complete list of what to pack will be provided after your booking is confirmed. Hikers must bring: a day pack; walking sticks (recommended); hiking gear; hiking cutlery and crockery set (plate, knife, fork, teaspoon, tablespoon, porridge bowl, mug), lunch box; water bottles for carrying water during the day; plasters and blister-care goods; all items of a personal nature; tent (pop-up recommended) and bedding.

Your hike includes coffee and tea with meals, and limited wine each night with dinner. Hikers may bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy, however keep in mind that space is limited as everything must be transported. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks to nibble on in between meals, but there is ample food to pack every morning. Remember to bring your own lunch box container.

Pre-travel arrangements and accommodation

Hikers are responsible for their own pre-hike travel and accommodation arrangements. You are, however, welcome to ask our consultants to assist with and to handle arrangements on your behalf.

Reservations

Fill out the form below to request a full itinerary.