Mid-February means the snow proteas are in bloom in the Cederberg. These beauties are only to be found at elevations greater than 1600m above sea level and are really worth the slog in the February heat.
Sixteen of us set off from Eikeboom, two along the scenic Duiwelsgat route and the rest of us along the jeep track up Sederhoutkloof. As usual, we rewarded ourselves with a swim just short of the Sneeuberg hut and were delighted to find some Disa uniflora alongside the stream.
In the afternoon, some went to visit the world-famous Maltese Cross, whilst others wandered off along the Duiwelsgat path to take in the stunning views.
After an uneventful night camping around the Sneeuberg hut, we were met by a beautiful clear morning with just a touch of cloud. An ideal day to summit Sneeuberg peak.
On the nek we found around 20 snow protea blooms, the plants recovering well after the fire 2 years ago. Sneeuberg peak, at 2027m above sea level, is the highest peak in the Cederberg. And one of the most fun to climb as it involves a chimney, crawling through some wormholes, a few careful climbs and a few squeezes. But the views make it worth it all.
Don’t forget to have a swim on the way back to the cars. And if you finish earlier, cold drinks and beers (for the passengers) are available at Dwarsrivier when they open at 16h00. A great way to finish a classic weekend in the Cederberg.
Photographs: Chris Vynbos, Tanja Bosch, Liza Serfontein, Alex le Roux.
