This is what makes Cederkloof Retreat so magical

Hiking, river swimming, fynbos gardens, 125 bird species. All in complete silence 

Last updated: Monday, 24 March 2025

Friends of ours have got this magical place in the Cederberg mountains. Dotted along the kloof of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are cottages with free coffee beans; jacuzzis filled with hot springs water; meditative trails through the Wise Woods; and that’s just some of the seven special things our team found at this oasis. And we’ve organised a special for you.

1. COFFEE BEANS IN EVERY COTTAGE

There are 10 self-catering cottages (six bachelor-style and four two-bedrooms) cascading down the kloof with 180 degree views of the Olifants River.

Each of them are a charming blend of chic and cosy - think leather couches, plush Moroccan carpets and large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding fynbos gardens.

All the cottages have king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, aircon, wifi and DSTV. What makes them extra special is the complimentary fresh coffee beans and grinder that greet every guest.

Every cottage also has wifi and a generator, in case of power cuts. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

2. JACUZZIS FILLED FROM HOT SPRINGS

Each cottage has French wooden doors that open onto a terrace with a braai and jacuzzi. The jacuzzis, as well as the pool and showers, are filled from the natural hot springs nearby.

The water temperature of 29 degrees Celsius creates a spa-like experience. It’s the perfect spot for sundowners or to soak after a hike.

You don’t even need to bring wood or ice; they’re available for sale on-site. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

3. 125+ BIRD SPECIES, LEOPARDS & BABOONS

The incredible Cederberg Wilderness area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.

It’s considered one of the world’s great centres for biodiversity, with over 125 bird species like blue cranes and sugarbirds, duiker, steenbok, baboons, and even leopards. Listen for their calls at night–but don’t worry, the cottages are a safe distance away.

The retreat offers visitors the chance to explore this world-renowned landscape. You can hike, swim in a nearby rock pool and explore lush valleys by kayak on the Olifants River.

The retreat is dog-friendly. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

4. CAVE FILLED WITH KHOISAN ROCK ART

At Wolfkop Nature Reserve, a 15-minute drive away, you can do a 20km guided hike to the Stadsaal caves. These caves contain Khoi San rock art, some of which is estimated to be up to 8 000 years old and shows the majestic elephants that used to roam freely in Citrusdal.

You can also see breathtaking waterfalls and spot over 500 species of fynbos like the boegoe leaf (used for brewing tea) and rooibos plants (tiny yellow flowers) along the way.

The region is home to some of the best-preserved rock engravings and paintings, which date back thousands of years. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

5. MEDITATIVE TRAILS

There are also two hiking routes on the Cederkloof property.

The Feetjie (fairy) Trail is a 20-minute stroll halfway up the kloof and descends along the length of the cottages. There’s a lovely stream with signs like “balance”, “truth” and “love” guiding you through the fittingly-named Wise Woods.

Klein Olifants is more challenging. It’s a two-hour (5km) hike that leads you to vistas over the Olifants River valley and majestic Cederberg Mountains. You’ll end up by the Clanwilliam cedar restoration project, where you can see 28 of these trees being nursed through their first years.

There are also stunning pit stops along the way for a picnic. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

6. THERE’S DJs, GIANT JENGA, JUMPING CASTLES…

If you rent Cederkloof out. Opstal (the main house) becomes your central gathering space. It has five bedrooms sleeping 10 people, a built-in bar, and a large lounge that opens onto a wrap-around veranda.

With the twinkling lights hanging on the stoep, it’s a beautiful spot to throw a weekend birthday party or even host a wedding. Families and friends can gather to celebrate a 30th, 40th, or 50th; Cederkloof can organise a DJ and lawn games for you.

The communal pool is shared with the other cottages. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

7. FAIRY TALE TENTS IN THE FOREST

A wooden bridge across from Opstal leads you to an indigenous forest with fairy tale bell tents. These are a great option if you want to host an event at Cederkloof and need space for additional guests.

Each tent has a double bed, carpet, kitchenette, lights, and electricity. Lemon verbena and lavender are planted near the tents to naturally deter bugs.

It also has two outdoor showers with a cheeky sign on the door saying “5 minutes per person (or double up and make it more fun)”.

This is great for additional accommodation for bigger groups and events. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat

CAPETOWNMAGAZINE.COM READER SPECIAL

Cederkloof Botanical Retreat has discounted rates for stays from Sunday to Thursday for two people (R950 per night) and for four people (R1 400 per night).

On top of that, CapeTownMagazine.com readers can book a two-bedroom cottage for four people at a rate of R950 per night, Sunday to Thursday.

See the details of the specials for Cederkloof Botanical Retreat.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CEDERKLOOF

Cederkloof Botanical Retreat is open: Daily
Find it: R303, Regional Road (The Baths), Citrusdal
Book: Via Cederkloof Botanical Retreat’s website
Contact on: 083 260 5071

By Khadeeja Adams

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