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Let nature wash away the city.
Rondegat River rock pools
The Rondegat River is home to prestine Rock Pools in the Cederburg.
© Cape Nature
Did you know?
The Cederberg holds the highest possible conservation status, which accounts for the pure river water.
What could be more pleasurable than basking on a boulder until you're warmed through by the sun, then slipping into the cool, refreshing depths of a natural rock pool? Where in the world do you still find rivers clean enough to swim in, where you can even safely drink the water? At the Rondegat River rock pools in the Cederberg, these simple pleasures still exist.
There are so many pristine rock pools in this wilderness area that you can take your pick. Proclaimed a wilderness area in 1973, the Cederberg holds the highest possible conservation status, which accounts for the pure river water and unspoilt rock pools that make swimming here so memorable.
Cederberg rock pools come in all kinds. Whether you want a quick dip in a pond surrounded by tall grasses, a shallow paddling pool for your toddler, or to leap off a ledge into a majestic pool surrounded by rocks and fed by a sparkling waterfall, you'll find your favourite in one of the rivers that crisscross the 71 000 hectares of the reserve.
The Cederberg is also renowned for its unusual rock formations, spectacular landscapes and its plant and animal life. It's a favourite place for hikers and climbers, who enjoy cooling off in the rock pools before tackling another challenge. Rock art enthusiasts find it a rich source of ancient rock paintings, created thousands of years ago by the San people who once lived in this area.
The Cederberg stretches between the towns of Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, and is an easy morning's drive from the city. For those who want to truly experience the wilderness, and even take midnight dips in a natural rock pool, Cape Nature has a camp site at Algeria Forest Station right on the banks of the Rondegat river.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Open Africa:
National callers: 0861 CAPENATURE (227 362 8873)
International callers: +27 861 227 362 8873 / +27 21 659 3500
How to get here
Clanwilliam is 3 hour's north of Cape Town along the M7.
Tours to do
Find details of hikes, places of interest and day trips at www.cedarberg-travel.com
Where to stay
Algeria Forestry Station camp site, one of the many privately-owned options - information is available at www.citrusdal.info
Best buys
Peace of mind and restoration of the soul and body.