Step back in time and visit some of the Cederberg’s remarkable examples of San and Khoi rock art. These paintings, found in rocky overhangs and caves, vary between 300 and 6 000 years old. They are an integral part of the wilderness area's value. More than 2 500 sites have been found, and many of them are easily accessible.

Elephant Paintings

Up the Uitkyk Pass, only 45km along the dirt road from Algeria campsite, lies the famous Elephant Paintings site.

The first stop after you turn off the main road is the site of the Elephant rock art (pictured above). Estimated to be at least 1 000 years old (the San began the practice of painting on rocks and in caves around 5 000 years ago), the paintings depict three groups of people and a herd of elephants (below).

Painted with materials made from ochre rock (which makes the orange, red and yellow paint), as well as charcoal and white clay (for the now faded black and white paint), the paintings are remarkably well-preserved. This is thanks to the staying power of the orange ochre ‘paint’, as well as more recent conservation efforts, though you’ll notice the humans look ‘headless’ due to the fact that the black paint used for their heads has faded over time. It is truly a privilege to be able to stand in the presence of such ancient artwork and know that the Khoisan people also stood at this very spot, over a millennium ago.

Rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act (1969) and vandals who deface rock paintings face fines of up to R10 000 and/or two years imprisonment. 

Located in the Matjiesriver Nature Reserve, 45km up the road from Algeria camp in the Cederberg Wilderness, the Stadsaal Cave is a unique and special part of South African history.

Just a few hundred feet from the Elephant Paintings rock art site is another landmark, though this one has more recent ties to South African history. Called Stadsaal (Afrikaans for City Hall), this cavernous dome has been carved out of the rock by thousands of years of wind erosion and other weather factors.

The name Stadsaal was officially given to the cave after the National Party’s head honchos held a planning meeting there just before coming to power in 1948. However, it was used as a community meeting place well before that. There is historically significant graffiti preserved in the cave featuring some famous political names, including that of DF Malan, dating back to the late 1800s.

Besides the main cavern area, there are many smaller openings and unique formations to be witnessed, all of which are accessible thanks to a trail that goes around the entire rock formation, starting and ending at the parking area. It takes about 30 minutes to walk around at a leisurely pace, though you might find yourself taking much longer to absorb and appreciate the wonder of these unique rock formations.

The next time you’re out in the Cederberg, make sure to put these two attractions on your list of must-do activities.

*A permit is required to visit these attractions, available for purchase from CapeNature’s offices at Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve and Algeria or any tourism office in the Cederberg Conservancy.

This part of Matjiesrivier has arguably the most impressive Sandstone formations and is highly recommended by rock climbers practicing their sport and love for the area.

Follow the path through Truitjieskraal and read the information boards along the way while immersing yourself in stories of great history depicting the lives of the Khoi and San who used to live in the area many years ago.

*A permit is required to visit this attraction, available for purchase from CapeNature’s Matjiesrivier office.

The rock formations at Truitjieskraal are ideal for sport climbing and the Mountain Club of South Africa has developed approximately 37 routes in this area.

Permanent rawl bolts have been placed for safety along these routes but should only be used by experienced climbers.

Additional types of rock climbing, such as bouldering and traditional climbing, are practised in other areas of the Cederberg.