Cederberg Mountain accommodation: 10 cosy houses in a nature reserve

There’s hiking trails, jacuzzi’s & hot tubs, splash pools and much more

Last updated: 28 November 2024 

These mountain houses sit on 450 hectares of private nature reserve pristine land with towering rock formations, ancient San rock art, sweeping fynbos plains and abundant animal life. And they come with hot tubs or jacuzzi’s, splash pools and 180 degree views of the Olifants River as they cascade down the kloof.

It’s at Wolfkop Nature Reserve where you can start your day with early morning mountain hikes, and end it with starry evenings with your special someone.

You can see some of the best sunsets in the Cape from your private deck at Wolfkop. Image: Wolfkop Nature Reserve

CEDERBERG, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 

This family-owned reserve has an interesting history. “The Wolfkop name came from the Dutch word jakkals when the European settlers mistook a jackal for a wolf. It’s been named that ever since the first encounter took place between the local tribes and the Dutch settlers,” says Werner Rontgen, owner of Wolfkop Nature Reserve. 

The reserve has been in the same family for two generations and remarkably, the reserve has never been farmed. Animals like leopards, baboons, klipspringers, duikers, caracal, genet, porcupines and tortoises are common on the property and there’s an abundance of plants at your doorstep. There are 10 self-catering houses on the sprawling property, all 200 metres apart, ensuring total privacy. 

The area has been on UNESCO’s world heritage list since 2004 and is one the world’s great centres of terrestrial biodiversity. Image: Wolfkop Nature Reserve

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION FOR 10 PEOPLE

The houses are named after different plants and animals you’ll find in the surrounding mountains. Some, like Tolbos, Boegoe and Rooibos are two-bedroom houses, while Kokerboom and Leopard Rock are three-bedroom. Four-and-five-bedrooms are available too. 

Each of them is a charming blend of modern and homey, with brown leather couches, plush Moroccan carpets and granite counter tops. They all come with an open-plan living area, en-suite bathrooms, indoor fireplaces, aircon, DSTV and wifi. 

Huge sliding doors lead to a private deck and splash pool. There’s also an outdoor braai area and hot tub, where you can spend an evening stargazing. 

No dogs are allowed. Image: Wolfkop Nature Reserve

HIKING, SWIMMING, KAYAKING & MORE

Time feels suspended here, partly because there’s so much to do without having to venture far. There are three hiking trails (3km and 10km routes), all with panoramic views across the Olifants River and Citrusdal Valley.  

The toughest trail, Wolfkop, takes roughly 3.5 hours and ascends high into the mountains, leading to caves filled with paintings dated 10 000 years old. You can also see breathtaking waterfalls and over 500 species of fynbos like the boegoe leaf (nice for brewing tea) and rooibos plants (tiny yellow flowers) along the way. 

If you’re lucky, you might even spot the tracks of the Cape leopard - thus far only captured by motion cameras. 

The houses have stunning views of the surrounding nature reserve. Image: Wolfkop Nature Reserve

A 15-minute drive from the reserve will take you to Wolfkop Camping Villages, where you can swim, rent floaties and kayak down the crisp cola-coloured Olifants River. Or you can explore the Citrusdal Valley on horseback or try a guided body board tour (these happen off-site).  

Citrusdal is also filled with many other discoveries like ziplining at Piekenierskloof and Cederberg, and tea, wine & gin tastings at De Tol Padstal. 

Wolfkop is an ideal getaway for solitude and silence in nature. Image: Wolfkop Nature Reserve

CAPETOWNMAGAZINE.COM READER SPECIAL 

Right now, Wolfkop Nature Reserve is offering 50% off accommodation rates for stays from Sunday to Thursday for two people and four people. To make a reservation, visit Wolfkop Nature Reserve’s website. 

But CapeTownMagazine.com readers can book a two-bedroom cottage for two people and get a free stay for two additional guests. Find out how to book and receive your discount at Wolfkop Nature Reserve. 

To select your dates and finalise your booking, please contact their offices directly. Image: Wolfkop Nature Reserve

STAY OVER AT WOLFKOP NATURE RESERVE 

Wolfkop Nature Reserve is open: Daily
Find it: Keerom Road, Citrusdal
Book: Via Wolfkop Nature Reserve’s website
Contact on: info@wolfkopnaturereserve.co.za, 083 260 5071 

By Khadeeja Adams

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MORE TO DO IN THE WESTERN CAPE 

Try glamping at Wolfkop Camping Villages.  

Or spend an evening at Mardouw, a 19th-century farmhouse. 

Check out these getaway spots around Cape Town.  

There’s always 7+ things to do this week(end).  

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