November 2020

This is the hike that the Cederberg is famous for, the Arch on top of the Wolfberg Mountain. The route follows on from the Wolfberg Cracks, if you are starting from Sanddrif. Most visitors combine the 2 hikes together as you have done all the hard work getting up to the cracks, and the walk across to the Arch is relatively flat and easy going. There will still be some elevation gain, but it doesn’t feel nearly as tough as summiting the mountain. Visiting the Arch does add a few more kms, ±10km there and back (plus the ±6km up and down to the Cracks), so it will be a long day out. People with a moderate fitness level can quite easily complete the hike, if they take it slow, rest regularly and stay hydrated.

Once you’ve made your way through the cracks, follow the sign which points to the Arch. There will be numerous cairns along the route, but occasionally you have to stop and look. You never really feel like you are lost though as you will quickly find a new cairn. An added bonus is that the Arch becomes visible fairly soon after exiting the cracks. It does look small from a distance, and not quite the same shape as the pics you have seen online. This is because you are looking at it from the back. So dont get confused and think that its not the Arch, it is! 

The terrain on the Wolfberg Mountain is mostly rock and sand, with not much vegetation around. You will also be exposed to the wind and sun, so be prepared for both hot and cold conditions. The walk leads you through wide open plains, over undulating hills and through sections of jagged sandstone rock and boulders. Depending on the time of day you will have to search to find shade amongst the giant boulders, and wind worn rocks and cracks. But the sight of the Arch in the distance will be enough motivation to keep you going.

Once at the Arch find a comfy spot to relax, rest and rehydrate. There are a couple of “sites” created over the years by hikers who have spent the night gazing at the impressive rock formation. So if one of those spots is available go and rest there, as they are generally out of the wind. When its time to leave, follow the same route back and look out for the directional sign when you get to the cracks. Remember to take the wide open crack, “Adderley Street”, and not the narrow crack. Read the Wolfberg Cracks review here for more details. 

Side note: It will be extremely hot and tough going during the height of summer, so extra water is a must. We recommend carrying an absolute minimum of 2 litres per person in summer. We were recently in the Cederberg in late November and the conditions were actually cold and windy. So be prepared for all conditions no matter the season. Please do thorough planning before you go, take a first aid kit, extra food, warm clothing even in summer, a space blanket, and let someone know when you are expected back. There is no cell phone signal on the mountain so if something happens you will need to send for help. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst.