Image related to website content

A Remarkable Test of Resilience: Cederberg's Recent Encounter with Mother Nature

8 Aug 2023

Over the past two months, Cederberg has stood witness to the awe-inspiring might and beauty of Mother Nature. It's been a true test of teamwork, partnership, and unwavering strength. Approximately 165.5mm of rainfall graced the region, unveiling waterfalls in areas long forgotten. Locals claim this is the most rain they've seen since 1963.

The challenges were profound. With rivers surging beyond their banks, campsites and cottages were immersed, bridges succumbed, and trees toppled. Countless rocks cascaded from mountains to rivers, while roads and trails faced perilous compromise. Hiking trails are now in the process of assessment.

In these trying times, unity and resilience took center stage. Communities rallied together, farmers extended their hands, and emergency repairs commenced. Matjiesrivier, Algeria Bosdorp, Langkloof, and Heuningvlei were isolated as roads vanished under water. Some endured several days without power, resorting to coal and gas stoves for warmth. Yet, Cederberg's spirit remained undaunted.

Remarkable support poured in. West Coast District Municipality, Disaster Management, and the FPA played vital roles. Gift of the Givers emerged as heroes, distributing sustenance and warmth to those in need. Helicopters delivered supplies to isolated spots. Local farmers joined forces with CapeNature, mending roads and delivering essential supplies.

Our dedicated teams have been hard at work to repair the damages caused by the floods across all reserves. From damaged trails to affected accommodations, we're leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to restore these natural havens to their former glory. The skilled trail maintenance crews are meticulously working on repairing trails, ensuring that our hiking paths remain safe and accessible for our guests to enjoy.

We're grateful for your understanding and patience as we work tirelessly to restore the reserves to their full glory. Your support fuels our dedication, and we can't wait to share the renewed beauty of these landscapes with you.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further updates on the repair progress and the reopening of specific reserves and hiking trails.

Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Image related to website content
Share:

Related News

Minister Bredell square
16 May 2025 by Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
The Western Cape’s natural wonders continue to be a key economic contributor to the tourism sector

Through the peak summer season in December 2024 and January 2025, there was a tremendous influx of visitors to CapeNature-managed provincial reserves, with over 146 550 overnight and day visitors passing through many reserve gates. Minister Bredell unpacks why more visitors are seeking nature-based attractions when it comes to deciding on a holiday destination.

Boosmansbos Shrew
13 May 2025
Elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew recorded for the first time in 46 years!

One of the Western Cape’s most mysterious mammals, the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani), has made a reappearance, 46 years after it was last recorded! Conservationists from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and Helihack, together with volunteer biologists found one of these tiny mammals in CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.

Hero Blog Image
30 Apr 2025
CapeNature’s annual 40% discount is back - Embrace nature, embrace winter!

Wonderful winter experiences at affordable prices! Keep warm, embrace nature! CapeNature’s annual 40% winter discount on select accommodation at camping and glamping spots this May – July, is back!

Kogelberg Nature Reserve waterfall copyright Scott Ramsay 96 WEB
22 Mar 2025
Water is the lifeline that sustains us all and our future

Today is World Water Day! The 2025 theme for the annual United Nations World Water Day is “Glacier Preservation”. These unique and very sensitive ecosystems, holding vast volumes of global freshwater have started to melt at alarming rates due to global warming.

African Penguin Spheniscus demersus stock image 2
14 Mar 2025
CapeNature welcomes in principle agreement to protect the African Penguin

CapeNature is thankful that the government, seabird conservation organisations and the pelagic fishing industry have worked together to reach an in-principle agreement on overfishing restrictions around critical penguin breeding areas.

World Tourist Guide Day 3 210225
21 Feb 2025
Celebrating South Africa’s storytellers on International Tourist Guide Day

In celebration of the invaluable role played by professional tourist guides, CapeNature, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, hosted an interactive event at Walker Bay Nature Reserve to mark International Tourist Guide Day.