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Rock art · Clanwilliam, Western Cape
Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Easy trail along the Brandewyn River in Pakhuis Pass that passes rock shelters with San rock paintings: human figures, elands, zebras and other animals.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Sevilla Rock Art Trail
The Sevilla Rock Art Trail is on a farm along the Pakhuis Pass road, about 35 km east of Clanwilliam, in the northern Cederberg. The trail follows the Brandewyn River through a valley of sandstone rocks and stops at nine shelters with San rock paintings, created by the hunter-gatherers who lived in the area for thousands of years.
The paintings, in red, yellow and white ochre, depict human figures in rows, hunting scenes and animals such as elands, zebras and antelopes. According to CapeNature, Cederberg rock art dates from about 300 to 6,000 years ago. A leaflet provided with the permit explains each shelter and what is known about the meaning of the images.
The path is sandy and rocky, nearly flat, about 4 to 5 km return, and suitable for most ages. On hot days there are river sections with pools.
On the road from Clanwilliam, the Pakhuis Pass road cuts through sculpted sandstone cliffs. Near the top of the pass is the grave of the poet C. Louis Leipoldt, in a cave by the roadside.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About two to three hours for the complete trail, including stops at the shelters.
Best time
Early morning, before the heat, especially from December to March. Flowers usually appear in the valley in August and September. Avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer.
How to get there
From Clanwilliam, head east on the Pakhuis Pass road toward Wupperthal and Calvinia for about 35 km. The trail starts at a farm by the roadside, where you buy the permit; there is a sign at the gate.
Tip
Buy the permit before entering the trail and bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is little shade. Do not touch the paintings or wet them to photograph.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sevilla Rock Art Trail
Do you need a permit for the Sevilla Rock Art Trail?
Yes. The permit is sold at the farm where the trail begins, on the Pakhuis Pass road, and comes with a leaflet that explains each shelter.
Is the Sevilla Rock Art Trail difficult?
No. The path is almost flat, about 4 to 5 km return, and takes two to three hours including stops. The main concern is the heat in summer.
How old are the paintings on the Sevilla Rock Art Trail?
There is no dating for each individual painting. According to CapeNature, the Cederberg paintings date from roughly 300 to 6,000 years ago.
How far is the Sevilla Rock Art Trail from Clanwilliam?
About 35 km east, along the Pakhuis Pass road, around a 40-minute drive.