Baviaanskloof Waterfall Hikes

This trail must not be missed!  Unbelievable, unique, stunning and a real Baviaanskloof hiking treasure are just some of ways to describe it.  The trail will take you through rare thick indigenous cedar groves, alongside clear flowing streams and deep inside the most beautiful kloofs.  The last section of the trail is closer to a mild kloofing adventure than a Sunday afternoon hike, so come prepared.

The trail starts and ends at the Cedar Guesthouse, and takes roughly 4-6 hours (including lunch and swim stops) depending on your fitness level, and should be considered as a half day outing.  For most of the trail a level path follows the stream up the Waterkloof, although there are several rocky sections where you hop over the rocks on the side of the river.  As you near the end of the valley a large red cliff looms ahead of you, seemingly cutting off the valley. However at the base of the cliff the river takes a sharp right turn into a narrow gorge, leading you into the remote and hidden Cedar Valley.

At this point the gorge is 4 meters wide, and the river flows through this gap from one cliff to the other, forcing you to wade waist high for a few meters before you scramble out onto the side as the cliffs widen out again to 20 meters.  This narrow river entrance is the mouth of the remote Cedar Valley, and has protected it from human access and exploitation.

From this point on you feel as if you are in a fantasy world, with steep gorges on either side covered by gigantic cedars, densely packed.  Within a space of 600 meters you walk the river on  your way past two rock pools with a fair amount of clambering over rocks and boulders before being finally stopped by vertical cliffs closing out the valley.  At the foot of the cliffs a waterfall flows into a deep pool (you cannot see the bottom in the crystal clear water!).  A great place to swim and have lunch before starting your return journey.

The narrow entrance to the Cedar valley with the river running through it has served to protect the valley and its cedars in pristine condition.  With almost all of the cedar groves in the Baviaanskloof having been harvested over the last few centuries, this valley offers a very rare glimpse of what the area was like when this endemic cedar dominated the landscape.  Combined with the beauty of the steep cliffs and pools, this is an incredible gift to all who can visit.

Due to the unique and sensitive nature of the Cedar Valley, we manage it for future generations to enjoy in its pristine state. Fires and overnight camping are not allowed.

Bring shoes that you can walk in through water, and long pants to protect your legs from being scratched by the vegetation.

This hikes are exclusive and accessible from the doorsteps of those staying at the Cedar Guesthouse, Just for Two Cottage, Cob Cottage and Camping Chalets.

Baviaanskloof Hikes to the Waterfalls

Baviaanskloof Waterfall Hikes

Cedar Fall Valley from above

Baviaanskloof Cedar Trees with Cedar Tourism