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Natural formation · Clanwilliam, Western Cape
Wolfberg Cracks
Narrow cracks that cut through the sandstone cliff of Wolfberg, in the central Cederberg valley. The trail climbs through the cracks to the plateau and can continue to the Wolfberg Arch, a stone arch.
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 Wolfberg Cracks
The Wolfberg Cracks are deep fissures in the Wolfberg sandstone cliff, a mountain on the eastern range of the central Cederberg valley. The trail starts in the Dwarsrivier valley, climbs in switchbacks up the slope and enters the cracks—passages between rock walls that lead to the top of the mountain.
There are two routes: the wide crack, which is a steep ascent but without technical sections, and the narrow crack, with stretches where you must squeeze between rocks and climb using your hands, only for those with experience. Return trip to the top of the cracks is about 5 km, with roughly 560 meters of ascent.
From the top, the trail continues across the plateau, among wind-sculpted rocks, to the Wolfberg Arch, a freestanding stone arch about 15 meters high. The return trip to the arch takes a full day: CapeNature estimates about 8 hours and recommends the route only for those with good fitness.
On the way to the trail, the valley rocks form the so-called Valley of the Red Gods. The Wolfberg Cracks are also a well-known climbing spot. CapeNature maintains restrictions in mountain areas after the December 2025 fire and the May 2026 floods; confirm that the cracks and the route to the arch are open before planning the hike.
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
Three to four hours to climb the cracks and return; about 8 hours to reach the Wolfberg Arch.
Best time
From March to May and September to November, when days are milder. Start early: in summer afternoons often exceed 35 °C on the range. Avoid rainy days, when the rock becomes slippery.
How to get there
It is in the central Cederberg valley, next to the Dwarsrivier farm. Uitkyk Pass is closed after the May 2026 floods. 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 trail starts at a parking area near the farm that sells the permit and provides the gate code. Confirm with the operator that the cracks are open and that permits are available before you go.
Tip
Buy the permit at the farm where the trail starts before you climb and carry at least 3 liters of water per person: there is no water on the route. Enter the narrow crack only if you have experience with easy climbing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Wolfberg Cracks
Is the Wolfberg Cracks trail difficult?
It is a steep ascent, about 5 km return and roughly 560 meters of elevation gain along the wide crack. The narrow crack requires easy climbing and is suitable only for experienced people. To Wolfberg Arch, CapeNature estimates about 8 hours.
Do you need a permit for the Wolfberg Cracks?
Yes. The permit is sold at the farm where the trail starts, in the Dwarsrivier valley, and includes the code for the parking gate.
How high is the Wolfberg Arch?
About 15 meters. It is a freestanding sandstone arch on the high Wolfberg plateau, several hours' walk from the cracks.
What is the best time to visit the Wolfberg Cracks?
In the autumn and spring months, March to May and September to November. In summer, start at dawn; in winter, avoid rainy days.