Wupperthal Cedar Trail
Multi Day Hikes, In the Mountains, Western Cape
About Wupperthal Cedar Trail
The Wupperthal Cedar Trail is the shorter companion route to Wupperthal66, but it is not simply a shortened duplicate. Its focus is the rock-country around Heuningvlei, Cederberg cedar restoration, mountain pools, fynbos and carefully guided access to the cultural landscape around Wupperthal.
The route uses local paths, single tracks and gravel roads through remote valleys. It is a guided itinerary with vehicle-supported camp logistics, so access, camps and exact walking lines are not available as an independent trail.
Hike Directions
The hike opens with a wild-camping arrival night at Drakie Camp.
Day two is around 14 km, heading north toward Suurrug and through the Menskraal area before a climb and descent on a narrow mountain path to the Heuningvlei area. Natural pools may provide a rest stop when conditions allow. The group sleeps at or near Heuningvlei.
The following day uses a roughly 8–10 km circular walk from Heuningvlei to Middel Krakedouw and back. The distance is modest, but the uphill terrain and rough surfaces can make it a long day. This stage includes the cedar nursery context and the wider fynbos landscape.
The return to Drakie Camp is about 14 km, crossing streams, passing rock formations and following a steady climb through protea country. The final day is approximately 15 km toward Kleinvlei and then Wupperthal, descending through Speelkloof and the Tratra River gorge. This last gorge section is weather-sensitive and must only be walked with the operator’s current local guidance.
What to expect
Expect mixed ground: narrow trails, rocky slopes, thick brush, gravel and occasional stream crossings. While daily distances are shorter than Wupperthal66, the route is still in rugged, isolated terrain and requires fitness, sure-footedness and good pacing.
Carry sturdy trail footwear, water capacity, sun protection, warm layers, a day pack, personal medical and blister-care supplies, trekking poles if useful, headlamp, personal eating equipment and sleeping gear as required by the current package.
Camps
Drakie Camp provides the first and third night in a wild-camping setting. The middle two nights are based at Heuningvlei, with camping and shared-room arrangements subject to the current trip setup. Temporary washing and sanitation are part of the organised camp logistics; confirm all current arrangements before booking.
About the area
The Cederberg cedar is an exceptionally threatened part of this mountain environment, and restoration work near Heuningvlei is an important feature of the route. Rock-art sites and community areas must be treated with particular care: never touch, mark or enter sensitive sites without the guide’s specific direction, and respect residents’ privacy and private land throughout.
Address & Contact details
Start: Drakie Camp, Cederberg, Western Cape.
Finish: Wupperthal village, Cederberg, Western Cape.
Confirm meeting instructions, access permissions, weather contingencies, camp arrangements and booking contact directly with the operator.
Location Map
OpenStreetMap service required
to load this map.
OpenStreetMap service required
to load this map.







































