WUPPERTHAL

Wupperthal is a small town in the beautiful Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape.  It was founded in 1830 by two German missionaries of the Rhenish Missionary Society – Theobald von Wurmb and Johann Gottlieb Leipoldt, grandfather of the famous C. Louis Leipoldt. In 1965, Wupperthal became part of the Moravian Church of South Africa.

Wupperthal consists of 15 different communities and covers about 36 000 hectares. The main economic activity of Wupperthal is agriculture, with Rooibos tea as the main agricultural product. Wupperthal can be seen as the homeland of Rooibos tea.

For many Wupperthal is the “JEWEL OF THE CEDERBERG” with its very secluded location in the Cederberg. The uniqueness lies in its exceptional scenery and impressive rock formations, as well as the culture and way of life of the small number of inhabitants. Here it literally feels time has stood still for 100 years. The Cederberg is famous for its spectacular rock formations that was sculpted by glaciers, wind, and water over many millions of years. The Cederberg was a prominent feature since before the breaking up of Gondwanaland 130 million years ago. The earliest written mention of the Cederberg was when the explorer Bartholomew Dias saw these mountains from the Atlantic Ocean. He called them the “Sierra dos Reis” (meaning mountains of the three wise men of the East). Presumably these are the three mighty peaks of Sneeuberg, Sneeukop and Tafelberg. The name Cederberg come from the Cedar Tree and is extremely rare.

2024 Wupperthal Hike Dates:

• 04 – 08 October 2024

The Trail:

This brand-new trail is also over a duration of 4 days as the Wupperthal66 Hike, but with shorter daily hiking distances. One word that aptly describes the Wupperthal66 Hike is REMOTENESS, but the Wupperthal Cedar Trail will focus more on the amazing rock formations that will mesmerize hikers. Hikers will also see quite a few Cedar trees and even spend one night close to a plantation. Another focus of this shorter hike will be the exceptional rock paintings along the route.

The Clanwilliam cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis), is one of only two indigenous conifers in southern Africa, and one of 43 endangered cone-bearing subspecies globally. It is one of four subspecies of Widdringtonia, which belongs to the Cupressaceae family of trees, commonly called conifers. These trees are confined to 250 km² of the Cederberg mountains and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Once groves of Cedar trees were so abundant in the Cederberg that the whole region was named after it. Centuries of exploitative harvesting and frequent fires means their survival is now threatened. With the proclamation of the Cederberg Wilderness in 1973, their exploitation was finally halted. Repopulating the cedar tree has proven to be a monumental task. A new nursery in Heuningvlei could give them a fighting chance. During the hike, our groups will plant a cedar tree to contribute towards this restoration project, and you can be a part of it!

True to the Live the Journey Way you will experience hearty hospitality and world-class effort from our support team during this approximately 50km hike.

Only a limited number of times as year, a restricted number of hikers will get the opportunity to do this exceptional hike. Each day of the Wupperthal hike promises its own unique charm and offers a wide variety of landscapes and experiences.

ITINERARY – WUPPERTHAL CEDAR TRAIL

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & WELCOME

Arrival at Drakie Camp from 15h00 (please do not arrive earlier). We also ask that you arrive no later than 17h00 for the first night of wild camping.

ecial site between beautiful rock formations was identified for the first night’s camp, guarded by a dragon, after which the camp was named. The shelter that the beautiful rocks provide, bordered by Rooibos tea plantations, will give you a true wilderness feeling and is one of the reasons why the Wupperthal hike is so special.

The logistical team awaits your arrival and during the evening a short briefing will be given regarding the trail, safety measures and what to expect in the days to follow. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a glass of wine or juice/soft drink around the campfire.

O/N Drakie Camp – Wild camping

DAY 2: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 14 KM)

Elevation 157m

Breakfast will be served. No need to pack a lunch today. The day starts with a hike in a northerly direction towards Suurrug, one of Wupperthal’s outposts. Early morning you will be greeted by unbelievably beautiful rock formations, and it will continue for the rest of the day. We will walk through the Menskraal community, and after that start to climb uphill to reach our special lunch spot. Today’s lunch stop is a surprise but be ready for a real treat. After lunch we will descend slightly on a single mountain track that only locals know of, sometimes through thick bush. The reward will be beautiful natural swimming pools with fresh flowing water, and you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the crisp and clean mountain water. From here, Heuningvlei is just a 20 – 30-minute hike away. It’s quite a beautiful sight approaching the Heuningvlei community, seeing it from a distance and realising just how secluded some of these communities in the Cederberg are. One can’t help but feel the peace & tranquility of this special place. Tonight’s camp is at Heuningvlei, close to a cedar tree plantation where you can pitch your tent right in the middle of them if you like! Enjoy a delicious dinner inside or under the stars.

O/N Heuningvlei Backpackers – camp outside the Backpackers or stay in the Backpacker rooms (sharing) with full ablution facilities.

DAY 3: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 8-10 KM)

Elevation TBA

Breakfast will be served. Pack your own lunch with food provided. Start the morning with a visit to the Heuningvlei Cedar Seedling Nursery. Here your guide will show you the cedar tree plantation and explain how they know which seeds are viable to be planted. Slowly they have started re-populating this almost wiped-out species of tree which once was so abundant. You will also have a demonstration on how they distil Buchu oil.

Set off for the day’s hike. From Heuningvlei hike a circular route to Middel Krakedouw (the name given by the locals to this area) before returning to the lodge. From August to December you will encounter a very specific species of Protea which flowers beautifully during these months. Although the route is an upward climb, it is a very comfortable hike. Don’t be fooled by the short hiking distance either, the route can take up to six hours to complete.

Return to the lodge early afternoon. Go swimming at the rock pools you encountered the previous day, go explore the beautiful community of Heuningvlei and its beautiful houses, or just relax at the lodge. Dinner is again enjoyed inside or around the campfire.

O/N Heuningvlei Backpackers – camp outside the Backpackers or stay in the Backpacker rooms (sharing) with full ablution facilities.

DAY 4: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 14 KM)

Elevation 372m

Breakfast will be served. Pack your own lunch with food provided. From Heuningvlei you head back to Drakie Camp following a totally different route. Today’s hike is IN the true Cederberg. As you leave Heuningvlei, cross a stream with crystal clear water – true natural spring water! Start a steady climb along a track that criss-crosses through spectacular rock formations and protea trees. Your first stop is at an unassuming rock overhang but be surprised by the rock paintings inside. Continue along a winding path, stopping often to learn more about the plants of the area and hear the interesting stories your guide has to tell about the communities of the area and its rich history. Stop at the spot where cedar tree saplings have been re-located to from the nursery and take in the beautiful views around you. The lunch stop is next to a stream where you can refill your water bottle. After the break, prepare for a bit of a climb higher in between the beautiful rock formations, but the effort will be rewarded with even more exceptional rock paintings that only few of the locals know about. A steady climb down along the same path you just hiked up before turning and heading off along more level terrain crossing rocky formations and sometimes through thick brush, eventually crossing tea plantations to get to the last pit-stop before reaching the camp. Hikers will also pay a visit to the communities of Wittewater and Agsterstevlei. The logistical team will be awaiting your arrival at camp, along with a surprise before dinner.

O/N Drakie Camp – Wild camping

DAY 5: HIKING (DISTANCE APPROXIMATELY 15 KM) & DEPARTURE –

Elevation 123m

Today’s hike is through tea plantations to reach Kleinvlei. You will descend through a rocky but extremely beautiful valley known as Speelkloof, with incredible views of the Cederberg infront of you. This is a special route, also only known by locals. At the bottom of the valley we will reach a dirt track that will take us all the way to Kleinvlei. The dirt track is mostly flat, passing communities and friendly local faces along the way. You will be amazed by the simplicity in which the local communities make their living. Traditional farming methods are still widely used. Enjoy roosterkoek made by the community whilst overlooking the houses of the community, nestled in between the majestic mountains. Grazing donkeys, chickens, sheep, and the community dogs might come to keep you company!

After lunch, the hike back to Wupperthal might only be approximately 5km, but 3km is filled with exceptional natural beauty. Wupperthal is mainly located along the banks of the Tratra River. This seemingly small stream can become a mighty river when in flood. Recent evidence of this was in June 2023 when the river was at its fullest in more than 100 years. The Tratra River winds its way through a DEEP gorge from Kleinvlei to Wupperthal, and it is through this gorge that you will be hiking. The rock formations are amazingly beautiful, and the river is filled with potholes, which make fantastic swimming pools – a hidden gem only known to Wupperthallers.

The hike ends on a special note at the church in Wupperthal. Hikers can expect to depart from 16h00 onwards. Consider extending your stay by a night or two in the area.

END OF TOUR 

Tour Dates:

2024

• 04 – 08 October 2024

Group size: 18 -24 hikers (tailor-made options available for private groups)

Duration: 4 nights, 5 days (of which day 1 is arrival and welcome and days 2 to 5 are spent hiking)

Distances: Approximately 53 km

Rating and Fitness: This multi-day hike takes place in mountainous areas with hiking surfaces ranging from single tracks to gravel roads. Some surfaces can be quite rocky and stability and good hiking shoes are required. Hikers need to be healthy and hiking fit for the duration of the hike.

Rates:

TOUR INCLUDES

• 4 nights’ wild camping with your own or LTJ camping equipment.
• Local guides and support team.
• Transport and logistics of your luggage and camping gear to the overnight camps. Please make sure to pack light and use a soft duffle bag.
• All meals included – from arrival dinner on day 1 to all breakfasts, lunch packs and scrumptious veld dinners with local specialties and spoils prepared by our local team on hiking days. Breakfast on day 5 will be included.
• You will pack your own lunch pack every morning. We will provide a variety of breads, cold meats, and snacks for you to choose from. Remember to bring your own lunch box with.
• Coffee, tea, and soft drinks with meals plus limited wine at dinner every evening.
• Drinking and shower water.
• Showers and chemical toilets, set up each evening.
• Camping chair.

TOUR EXCLUDES

• All pre and post travel to Wupperthal (travel by road, flights, accommodation).
• Tent, mattress, sleeping bag and pillow (standard package).
• Hiking cutlery and crockery set.
• Day pack and hiking gear like walking sticks, water bottles, lunch box container, first aid and blister kit, own medications.
• Drinks not mentioned.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.

Voluntary Community fee – R380 per person.

Community Fee:

Although it is a voluntary fee, we would like to urge you to make this contribution. You will experience firsthand what we are trying to achieve with the hike and community fee.

At present the Wupperthal Hikes are acting as the custodians of, and supporting two cultural traditions of the Wupperthal community, the ‘Riel’ dancers, and the brass band. Both are focused on upholding traditions from the past and the funds the Wupperthal Hikes collect help to keep these two traditions alive, especially for the youth of the area. The communities in and around Wupperthal struggle and the funds we invest in these projects do go a long way.

If you feel you want to contribute in any way after you have done the hike, you are welcome to do so. It doesn’t have to be the amount specified above. It can be at your own discretion – any contribution is valued.

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.