WOLFBERG ARCH HIKE
The Wolfberg Arch Hike is one of the most spectacular and rewarding hikes in the Cederberg mountains, offering hikers an unforgettable journey through dramatic sandstone landscapes.
Famous for its colossal natural rock arch and its neighbouring Wolfberg Cracks, this trail is a must-do for adventurers visiting the Western Cape. Whether you’re drawn by the geology, the views, or the challenge, the Wolfberg Arch remains a crown jewel among South Africa’s wilderness hikes.
WHY HIKE THE WOLFBERG ARCH?
The Wolfberg Arch is a towering sandstone formation that has been sculpted over millions of years by wind and weather.
It stands on a high plateau, framing endless mountain views and glowing in shades of orange and red as the sun moves across the sky. For many hikers, the moment of reaching the arch is both humbling and exhilarating.
Unlike shorter trails in the region, the Wolfberg Arch Hike combines variety and challenge. You’ll navigate steep ascents, explore narrow cracks in the cliffs, and traverse a rugged mountain plateau before arriving at the arch itself.
The trail captures everything the Cederberg is known for—unique geology, wide-open wilderness, and unforgettable vistas.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
- Location: Cederberg Wilderness Area, about 250 km north of Cape Town
- Trail length: Approximately 13–16 km (round trip, depending on the route)
- Time required: 6–8 hours for a day hike
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous – requires fitness and some scrambling
- Permit: Required from CapeNature or Sanddrif Holiday Resort
Hike it as a long day hike or as part of a multi-day Cederberg adventure. Some hikers choose to overnight near the arch or on the plateau for the magical experience of sunrise and sunset in this remote wilderness.
STARTING POINT: WOLFBERG CRACKS
Start the hike at Sanddrif Holiday Resort. You an buy your permits at the office and from there drive to the parking where the hike starts from. From here, the trail climbs steeply up the slopes of the Wolfberg massif.
Early on, you’ll encounter the famous Wolfberg Cracks, enormous fissures in the cliffs that serve as passageways to the plateau above.
There are two main routes through the cracks:
- The Small Crack: Narrow and cave-like, requiring crawling and scrambling through tight spaces. A thrilling option for adventurous hikers.
- The Large Crack: Wider, more accessible, and suitable for those who prefer a less technical ascent.
Either way, the Cracks are an adventure in themselves, offering cool shade, towering walls, and an otherworldly atmosphere. Once you’ve navigated the Cracks, you emerge onto the plateau—a dramatic highland of sculpted rock formations and sweeping views.
ROUTE TO THE WOLFBERG ARCH
From the top of the Cracks, the trail continues across the plateau towards the arch. The terrain is rugged but relatively level compared to the steep climb up. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating rock shapes sculpted by erosion, as well as patches of hardy fynbos vegetation.
After around two hours of hiking on the plateau, the arch comes into view: a colossal stone span, more than 15 metres high, rising dramatically against the sky.
Standing beneath it, you’ll feel dwarfed by the scale of this natural wonder. The arch is an ideal spot to rest, enjoy a picnic, and take in the panoramic views of the Cederberg.
For photographers, the Wolfberg Arch is especially striking at sunrise and sunset, when the sandstone glows deep orange and the surrounding mountains are bathed in soft light.
DIFFICULTY & FITNESS LEVEL
The Wolfberg Arch Hike is considered moderately strenuous. The ascent through the Cracks involves steep climbing, and depending on which crack you choose, it can require scrambling or squeezing through tight spaces. Once on the plateau, the hike is less technical but still long, with exposure to the sun and wind.
Hikers should be reasonably fit and comfortable with uneven terrain. Very young children or those with limited mobility should not attempt this hike.
WHAT TO BRING
Because of the length and remoteness of the trail, preparation is key. Essentials include:
- Water: At least 2–3 litres per person, as there are no reliable water sources on the trail.
- Food and snacks: Enough to keep your energy up for a full day.
- Hiking boots: Sturdy shoes with good grip are essential for scrambling and rocky terrain.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the Cederberg sun can be intense.
- Warm layers: Weather in the mountains changes quickly, and it can get cold even in summer.
- Navigation: A GPS, map, or guide—although the route is fairly well-marked, the plateau can be disorienting.
- Camera: The arch and surrounding landscapes are incredibly photogenic.
BEST TIME TO HIKE TO THE ARCH
The Cederberg is best explored in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when temperatures are mild and the fynbos is at its best. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures climbing above 35°C, while winter brings chilly conditions and the possibility of rain.
If you want to photograph the arch, plan your hike so you arrive in the late afternoon or early morning when the light is most dramatic.
CAMPING AT THE ARCH
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the Wolfberg Arch Hike is to extend your adventure into an overnight trip. Camping near the arch allows you to witness both sunset and sunrise from this spectacular location, with the sandstone glowing fiery orange in the evening and soft gold in the morning.
There are informal camping spots close to the arch where hikers can pitch a tent on the rocky plateau. While there are no facilities, the remoteness adds to the magic—you’ll fall asleep under some of the clearest night skies in South Africa, with the Milky Way stretching brightly overhead.
If you choose to camp, remember:
- Bring sufficient water, as there are no natural sources nearby.
- Pack warm clothing—the plateau gets very cold at night, even in summer.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles: take all litter with you, avoid damaging the fragile vegetation, and minimise your impact.
- Note that permits are required for camping and can be purchased from Cape Nature.
Camping at the arch is a bucket-list experience, perfect for photographers, stargazers, and those who want to immerse themselves fully in the wilderness of the Cederberg.
GUIDED HIKES
While the Wolfberg Arch can be hiked independently, many visitors choose to join a guided hike. With a guide, you gain local knowledge about the geology, plants, and history of the Cederberg, as well as the security of knowing the route is safely managed.
At Cape Trek, we offer guided hikes to the Wolfberg Arch, tailored to your fitness level and interests. Whether you want to combine the Cracks and Arch in a full-day adventure or spend a night camping on the plateau, we ensure a safe, memorable experience in this wild and beautiful landscape.