Brief summary of venue
Cedarberg Kloof is named after the unusual rock formations in the area that are reminiscent of those found in the Cape Cedarberg/ Rocklands area. The top end of the kloof is relatively flat, with lots of shade and a little stream, making it a great spot for children, while the further downstream one goes the steeper and more dramatic the terrain becomes.
Permit/ permission info
Land owned by the MCSA, so open to MCSA members and guests (1 guest per member) otherwise permits are required. Contact the MCSA Johannesburg Section for permits.- Contact admin@jhb.mcsa.org.za / tel: 061 461 8259 weekdays 3 – 6pm
Approximate travelling time from Johannesburg
1 – 1.5 hours.
Parking information
Entry through Mountain Sanctuary Park Safe parking is available at Mountian Sanctuary Park – parking fee payable to MSP, GPS: 25° 50.173’S (25° 50′ 10″S) 027° 28.564’E (027° 28′ 33″ E). Please map below for access via Mountain Sanctuary Park. Entry through Calabash Parking costs R40 per vehicle (members and non-members), payable to the Jhb MCSA office. Entry through Utopia Only MCSA members may park at Utopia, parking cost R60 per vehicle. contact MCSA Jhb for access information – there is a coded lock on the gate which is updated – details from MCSA JHB.
Info on walk in
The walk in from Mountain Sanctuary Park to the MCSA campsite and descent via Grey Gully takes about 15 to 20 minutes. From here you can choose how far you want to walk down the kloof. Walking to where Cedarberg Kloof intersects Lower Tonquani/ Boulder Kloof takes another 30 to 45 minutes of steep and strenuous (but very scenic) walking down river. An alternative to walking down Cedarberg Kloof, especially if you want to climb on the longer cliffs near the bottom of the kloof, is to abseil down Frog Gully – which is opposite the climb Boggle. Note: Frog Gully is very steep and slippery, especially when wet.
Accommodation
The MCSA camp-site is at the top end of Cedarberg Kloof above Grey Gully; there are no facilities apart from a cage to store food. Otherwise Mountain Sanctuary Park has camping and chalets, as well as ablution facilities and a small shop.
Availability of water for drinking
There’s water all year in the kloof, which is safe to drink.
Climbing route guide
The MCSA has published a route guide for Boulder Kloof, Cedarberg Kloof and Lower Tonquani, available on the “Routes” option on the home page, or here.
Climbing information
There are over 120 climbs in Cedarberg Kloof, mostly multi-pitch natural lines. The rock is generally good, especially at the lower end of the kloof near the intersection with Lower Tonquani, where routes of close to 100 metres high can be found. Grades vary from 5 to 30 with the bulk of the routes in the 17-20 range. Climbs on the true right tend to be the most sustained.
Child friendly
The upper section near Grey Gully is flat and shady with a stream that children can play in. The walk down Cedarberg Kloof is steep and strenuous so suitable for older children.
Swimming
Yes, lower down the kloof.
Camp fires
No.
Other attractions
Crystal clear pools to swim in lower down the kloof, a wide variety of birds, animals and plants and beautiful scenery to inspire photographers and artists.
Dangers
The general area has had muggings, so be alert.
Contacts
Entry through Calabash: Contact MCSA Jhb Section for permits and paying parking for Calabash and Utopia : admin@jhb.mcsa.org.za ; Entry through Mountain Sanctuary Park: Their parking and access fees apply, (and you still need permits from the MCSA) . See their website: www.mountain-sanctuary.co.za.
Disclaimer
Mountaineering (climbing and hiking) is de facto an activity which carries certain inherent risks. Neither the MCSA, nor any of its members or representatives accept responsibility for any deaths, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person or for any theft, loss or damage to any property that result from participation in MCSA activities, no matter in what manner caused and whether allegedly due to negligence or not.