West Coast District Municipality in 3 Days for Couples - Stadsaal Caves ancient Khoisan rock art
In Collaboration with Kayu Adventures. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A 3-day guided hiking and camping trip from Cape Town into the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Explore ancient Khoisan rock art at Stadsaal, hike the Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch, and finish with the Maltese Cross below Sneeuberg. Camping, all permits, meals (main meals & snacks), baggage transfers, shared camping equipment and a private guide are included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Kayu Adventures, inspired by the tour Cederberg 360 Discovery | Hiking, Wine & Rock-art. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Stadsaal Caves ancient Khoisan rock art
- Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch
- Maltese Cross and views of Sneeuberg
- Scenic multi-day hikes through sandstone formations
- Rustic nights camping under starry skies
Itinerary
Day 1
Midday pickup in Cape Town, transfer to Southern Cederberg, camp setup and late-afternoon visit to the Stadsaal Caves with a sundowner. Dinner at camp and overnight camping.
Pickup in Cape Town and transfer to Cederberg
Midday pickup from agreed accommodation in Cape Town and a scenic transfer north to the southern Cederberg (approx. 3 hours). Light roadside stops as needed; arrive at the chosen camp and settle in.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small daypack ready with sun protection, layered clothing and any personal items for the first night; main baggage is transferred separately.
- Mobile signal is intermittent on the route—download offline maps and share arrival ETA with the guide before departure.
- Bring a charged power bank for phones; vehicle charging may be limited between stops.
Camp arrival, orientation & rest
Arrive at the wilderness camp (camping accommodation; either Kromrivier Camp or Driehoek Camp as confirmed at booking). Time to set up, meet the guide, and explore the immediate surroundings before the afternoon outing.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect basic camping facilities; pack a warm layer for evenings (temperatures drop after sunset).
- Store valuables in a locked vehicle or with the guide; camps are remote and unattended items are discouraged.
- Confirm any dietary needs with the guide on arrival so they can be accommodated for the evening meal.
Stadsaal Caves visit and sundowner
Short drive/hike from camp to the Stadsaal Caves to view ancient Bushman rock art and enjoy a late-afternoon sundowner while the light softens on the sandstone.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect the rock art: do not touch or lean on painted surfaces and keep a small distance—photograph without flash.
- Wear sturdy shoes for short uneven approaches to the caves and bring a light headlamp if you plan to inspect darker recesses.
- Sundowners are best enjoyed with a light jacket; evenings can be breezy even after warm days.
Camp dinner & evening under the stars
Return to camp for a camp-style barbecue dinner and relaxed evening around the fire. Time for stargazing from the camp area.
Tips from local experts:
- Evening temperatures can fall quickly; have warm layers handy for post-dinner stargazing.
- If you use a camera for night shots, bring a tripod or stable surface for long exposures.
- Alcoholic drinks are excluded; if you plan to bring your own, store them safely in your luggage and check with the guide.
Day 2
Full-day hike through the Valley of the Red Gods to the Wolfberg Cracks with options to explore narrow fissures, continuing to the Wolfberg Arch for lunch and panoramic views. Return to camp for dinner and another night camping.
Full-day hike: Valley of the Red Gods to Wolfberg Cracks
Early departure from camp for a steep, sustained hike through the Valley of the Red Gods to the Wolfberg Cracks. Expect varied terrain, scrambling sections and narrow rock fissures. Guided route choices allow for Narrow Cracks or Gaper Cracks exploration.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a long day (approx. 8 hours walking); bring a minimum 2–3 litres of water in refillable bottles and high-energy snacks.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and a hat for sun protection; sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
- Pace is moderate to vigorous—communicate with the guide about any discomfort; there are natural resting points with views.
Lunch at Wolfberg Arch
Midday lunch with panoramic views at the natural sandstone formation of Wolfberg Arch. Time to rest, take photos and enjoy the outlook before returning to camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Lunch is a picnic-style meal; bring a light reusable container for any personal snacks you want to add.
- Wind can increase on ridgelines—carry a light windbreaker and secure hats and small items.
- Respect the environment: take all non-biodegradable waste with you and use designated disposal at camp.
Return to camp and dinner
After the day's hike, return to camp for rest, hot drinks and a hearty dinner prepared at camp. Evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect basic hot showers where available; bring a quick-dry towel and wash kit in a small day bag.
- Charge essential devices if charging is available at camp; power options may be limited and shared.
- Dry your hiking socks and gear near the fire to avoid dampness overnight.
Day 3
Morning hike to the Maltese Cross with a relaxed lunch beneath Sneeuberg, then pack camp and return to Cape Town by late afternoon / early evening.
Hike to the Maltese Cross (Sneeuberg area)
Set off with light daypacks on the loop to the Maltese Cross below Sneeuberg. Scenic route with rock formations and mountain vistas. Moderate hiking of about 4 hours.
Tips from local experts:
- Start the day with a good breakfast; the hike has several short steep sections—use trekking poles if you bring them.
- Carry at least 1–2 litres of water for the morning and refill where the guide indicates.
- Take time for photos at viewpoints but step back from edges and follow the guide's routing for safety.
Relaxed lunch beneath Sneeuberg
Post-hike picnic lunch in the vicinity of Sneeuberg, enjoying the mountain backdrop and a final period in the wilderness before packing for the return.
Tips from local experts:
- Lunch is a picnic; if you have specific dietary needs, confirm with the guide the evening before.
- Shade can be limited—bring a sunhat and move to shaded spots if available during peak sun hours.
- Collect all personal rubbish after lunch; the area is protected and leave-no-trace practices are observed.
Return transfer to Cape Town
Pack camp, board the vehicle and transfer back to Cape Town (approx. 3 hours), arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Trip concludes on arrival at the original pickup or an agreed drop-off point.
Tips from local experts:
- Check and collect all personal items from camp before departure; conduct a final bag check with the guide.
- Expect limited toilet stops en route; use restroom facilities before boarding for the drive.
- Mobile reception improves closer to the coast—set any onward travel communications for once signal is available.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Hotel, Attraction, Meal, Outdoor |