Cedarberg mountains
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The Cedarberg mountains and eponymous nature reserve are located near Clanwilliam, approximately 300 km north of Cape Town, South Africa at about 32°30'S 19°E. The mountain range is named after the endangered Clanwilliam-cedar tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis), which is endemic to the local area. The mountains are noted for dramatic rock formations and Bushman (San) paintings.
Cederberg Wilderness Area is administered by Cape Nature Conservation: Tel: +27 21 426 0723 Fax: +27 21 426 4266 Email: cncinfo@cape-town.org. This is not a malarial area.
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Geography
The Cerdarberg mountains extend about 50 km north-south by 20 km east-west. They are bordered on the West by the Sandveld, the north by the Pakhuis Mountains, the East by the Springbok flats and the south by the Kouebokkeveld mountains and the Skurweberge. The main access road, the N7, runs to the west of the range. The nearest towns are Citrusdal to the southwest and Clanwilliam to the north.
The area is sparsely populated. There are several notable peaks in the range, including Sneeuberg (2025 m) and Tafelberg (1969 m). Tafelberg (Table Mountain) should not be confused with the Table Mountain in Cape Town. Notable landmarks include the Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks.
The dominating characteristic of the area is sharply defined sandstone rock formations, often reddish in color. There is very little arable land. The few farms that do exist are predominantly tourist destinations. There is no mining.
Climate and Vegetation
The summers and very hot and dry, while the winters are wetter and cold with typical annual rainfall in the low lying areas less than 700 mm. The higher peaks receive a dusting of snow in winter. The predominant vegetation is Mediterranean Fynbos in the wetter south and west, changing to semi desert scrub in the north and east. Summer days are typically clear and cloudless.
Animals
The area's apex predators are Leopards and Caracals (the African Lynx). Other mammals include the Rock Hyrax (Dassie), larger antelopes including Bontebok and Oryx and the rare Mountain Zebra, meerkats and mongooses. There are also many birds, small mammals and insects.
Human Activity
As a wilderness area, the primary activity is tourism, including rock climbing and hiking. The area is also home to a local amateur astronomical observatory. The main campsite, Algeria, is operated as part of the South African National Parks system.
External links
- The Cedar Tree (http://www.globaltrees.org/reso_tree.asp?id=16) and its conservation status.