I've been a visitor to the Cederberg since 1982. I'm passionate about this area and its people, who live a fascinating lifestyle, many off the grid. I'm privileged to be called a friend, a virtual 'member of the family' by some of the people. This blog is my personal record of more than 35 years visiting this fantastic, rugged and mountainous region of the Western Cape, South Africa. The photo above shows the house that C Louis Leipoldt's family occupied. Now used as guest accommodation.

Recent Posts

Geminid meteor shower - Cederberg 2018

Arriving when the famed Geminid meteor shower will be waning, the Cederberg will still proved to be a great observation spot.

The 2018 Shower is being heavily punted by the media, especially Google which has honoured the vent with a special Avatar to mark the occasion.



Although the shower will have peaked by the 15th December, and will be more dominant in the Northern Hemisphere,  there should still be some residual activity when I plan to do my grand Cederberg stayover, 2018.

See Geminid meteor shower 
Ref: Earth Sky by Bruce McClure https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-geminid-meteor-shower

CULTURAL HERITAGE PHOTOS - SANDDRIF

A long time ago, Brian Walsh was the district forest officer for the Cederberg Region during the days when National Department Bosbou owned and controlled the forestry in Algeria, the mountain routes and campsites, prior to the takeover by Cape Nature.

Brian was an avid promoter of tourism and helped set up a number of forest campsites, including Algeria. His son Neville, a close friend of mine, introduced me to the Cederberg in 1982 when I first visited Dwarsrivier/Sanddrif on a trip he organised. Brian also set up Tokai Forest picnic area and well known Tweede Tol campsite above Wellington/Bains' Kloof.

He recently shared a few of Brian's photos with me, which included the following two historical images from the 1960s.

I believe they show the Kleinhuis (On Huisie today) and Groothuis on Sanddrif.

Here are the scan's of Brian Walsh's original black and white photos:

They are amazing records of the cultural history and architecture of the area.


I believe this may be the 'Klein Huis' farm Sanddrif. (Today's One Huisie)


Possibly the back of the 'Groothuis' farm Sanddrif.

Photos are copyright the Heirs late Brian Walsh - curated by Gareth Griffiths.







The Night of a Hundred Million Stars

Who needs Hollywood? In the Cederberg you can view far more stars and on a dark night they twinkle across the ages at the viewer.




This photo taken at the legendary Sanddrif December 2016.

Can't wait for my next visit.

Playing the Moon Toon

The Cederberg is one of the best places to play and photograph at Full Moon. Here, check it out ... The soft orb that is the moon gently rises over a windswept mountain landscape




Like what you see?


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