Iconic Campsite in the Cederberg Gets a Makeover
CapeNature has completed a number of upgrades at Algeria, Cederberg Wilderness to offer an even better holiday experience ahead of the festive season. Avid campers will be happy to know that the communal ablution facilities at the ever-popular camping site got a lovely face-lift with several upgrades and improvements implemented. As we enter the holiday season, travellers are looking for family-friendly and fun experiences where they can marvel in the beauty of nature, without compromising the comforts of home. New solar lit walkways light up previously dark areas at the campsites so that visitors can navigate more easily and cautiously, specifically at night.
One of the most prominent makeovers was the replacement of the iconic low-water bridge that served campers and hikers alike for more than four decades. This enhances the aesthetics of the campsite and improve visitor safety. The newly designed bridge is an engineering masterpiece in a protected area which is wider and provides safer thoroughfare. In keeping with the entity’s eco-tourism mandate of creating a safe and accessible natural space for all, the new low-water bridge has been designed and built to last for decades. In addition, it will also protect the crossing during possible future flood events.
The months of construction also provided a number of job and SMME opportunities in the local Cederberg community.
Currently Algeria has the capacity sufficient electricity to power the entire site, including 48 camp site, three ablution block, eight self-catering units, the Conservation Operation office complex and stores, and staff housing. Phase 2 of the PV solar lithium battery set-up will be concluded by end of March 2023, which will ensure that will allow for the reserve to store surplus electricity and enabling them to go completely off grid and not affected by future loadshedding at all.
Looking to the future, CapeNature will also be introducing wood-fired hot tubs at selected camp sites. This will make Algeria one of only a handful of campsites in the Western Cape that offers this unique experience.
CapeNature Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access, Mr. Sheraaz Ismail added, “With the Western Cape tourism season set to pick up in the coming weeks, we are happy to provide visitors with fresh and upgraded facilities, making their stay more comfortable and safer at our reserves. The various upgrades will breathe new life into the reserve but also into the tourism sector of the local community and beyond. CapeNature, together with its partners in the value continues to be economic hub for the West Coast and the Western Cape, contributing to job creation, SMME advancement and overall economic sustainability.”
Cederberg Wilderness Area remains one of the most undisturbed and secluded places in South Africa. A trip to this West Coast nature reserve means immersion in a landscape of stark grandeur, a place both dry and shining, desolate yet so rich. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, rock formations, and extraordinary examples of ancient San rock art, as well as the increasingly rare Clanwilliam cedar tree, visitors to the reserve are also spoiled for choice with an array of different outdoor holiday destination options.
Don’t miss out! Call 087 087 8250 today to make a booking, email us on reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or book now.
Wood-fired hot tub at Garskraal cottage at Algeria, Cederberg Wilderness
The new bridge will ensure a safer crossing, also in the event of floods.
Cars can comfortably cross the new low-water bridge.
Related News
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.
CapeNature hit by widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage
CapeNature is assessing widespread damage across its Protected Areas following several days of severe weather that have affected multiple reserves and surrounding communities through electricity outages, flooding and disrupted road access across the Western Cape. Successive cold fronts brought heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and localised flooding across the Province, resulting in infrastructure damage, blocked routes and disruption to operations.
Western Cape fire season shows record early intensity and significant increase in fire activity
The 2025–2026 summer fire season began with exceptional intensity for CapeNature – official statistics showed a sharp rise in fire ignitions, high temperatures, and a large expanse of burnt areas across the Western Cape. Historically, the fire season is considered to run from 1 October to 31 March. However, activity began as early as September 2025, well before the traditional high-risk period from November onwards.
Wildfires intensify as climate shifts, CapeNature warns in emergency podcast series
CapeNature has released a special series of its acclaimed Green Noise podcast, offering an urgent and deeply human perspective on South Africa’s recent wildfire season. The series has a particular focus on the devastating fires in the Cederberg Wilderness and changing weather patterns. The fire in the Cederberg Wilderness, which ignited on 22 December 2025 along Uitkyk Pass