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Cave · Clanwilliam, Western Cape
Stadsaal Caves
A set of grottoes and wind-carved arches in the sandstone of Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve in the Cederberg, with a nearby shelter containing rock paintings of elephants.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Stadsaal Caves
The Stadsaal Caves are in the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, on the eastern side of the Cederberg, managed by CapeNature. The name, in Afrikaans, means city hall: the main cave is a large dome opened in the sandstone by wind and rain over thousands of years, with vaults, arches and stone columns.
Near the caves, in a rock shelter, there are San rock paintings showing human figures and elephants, an animal that no longer lives in the region. CapeNature estimates the reserve’s paintings are between 300 and 6,000 years old.
In the same reserve is Truitjieskraal, with an interpretive circular trail of about 1.5 km among sandstone formations and shelters with paintings. The reserve lies in the transition zone between the fynbos and the Succulent Karoo vegetation and is part of the World Heritage area of protected sites of the Cape Floral Region.
Access is via a dirt road, and visits require a permit, which includes the gate code or key.
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 an hour to the caves and the painting shelter; half a day to include the Truitjieskraal trail.
Best time
Late afternoon, when low light enhances the color of the sandstone, or early morning in summer because of the heat. Avoid the dirt road in heavy rain.
How to get there
It is on the eastern side of the Cederberg, in the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve. Uitkyk Pass is closed after the floods of May 2026. For the central Cederberg valley and Matjiesrivier, use southern access via Citrusdal and Op-die-Berg, or via Ceres, and check conditions with CapeNature before travel. The caves’ entrance is beside the dirt road.
Tip
Buy the permit beforehand at CapeNature offices in Algeria or Matjiesrivier or at tourism posts on Cederberg farms, and note the gate code. Bring water: there are no facilities in the area.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Stadsaal Caves
Do you need a permit to visit the Stadsaal Caves?
Yes. The permit is sold at CapeNature offices in Algeria and Matjiesrivier and at the tourism posts of the Cederberg farms, and includes the gate code or key.
What are the Stadsaal Caves?
Caves and arches carved by wind and rain in the sandstone of the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve. Nearby is a shelter with San rock paintings depicting elephants and human figures.
How do you get to the Stadsaal Caves?
By car, via the southern access to the Cederberg, through Citrusdal and Op-die-Berg or via Ceres. The Uitkyk Pass is closed after the May 2026 floods. For the central Cederberg valley and Matjiesrivier, use the southern access via Citrusdal and Op-die-Berg, or via Ceres, and check conditions with CapeNature before travelling.