Cederberg Complex Fire Update
The wildfire in the Cederberg, which started on 22 December, continues to be actively managed by firefighting agencies. The affected area is now measured at just over 34 000 hectares. While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain.
The fire has moved through Algeria, Driehoek, Kromrivier, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal. Importantly, no lives have been lost, and no houses have been destroyed. Property damage has been limited to a wooden cottage and a caravan at Driehoek. At present, no structures are under immediate threat.
This past week has been exceptionally demanding and has once again highlighted the remarkable co-operation and resilience shown by firefighting agencies, local communities and neighbours working together under challenging conditions.
Ground firefighting resources remain deployed between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, where teams are actively monitoring and safeguarding properties in the Eastern Cederberg.
Active firefighting continues around Maraisberg and between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas, with multiple ground teams deployed. Tactics include direct firefighting, monitoring, and strategic burn-outs along firebreaks and jeep tracks to prevent further spread.
Resource coordination is being led by CapeNature, West Coast District Municipality, and the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association, with support from Working on Fire (WOF) and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS). As the fire edge has moved, the Cape Winelands District Municipality joined operations today as the fire enters their jurisdiction.
What this fire has again clearly demonstrated—and must be reiterated with landowners—is the critical importance of well-maintained access roads and firebreaks. Cleared defensible space around homes is essential, as dense vegetation, large trees and bushes close to structures pose the greatest risk, particularly when fires spot or jump into thick fuel loads around buildings.
Visitor Access and Closures
Visitors wishing to access the Cederberg are advised that all CapeNature-managed properties are currently closed. This includes:
- All hiking trails
- Algeria and Bosherberge Campsites
- Stadsaal
- Truitjieskraal
The following private properties are also closed:
- Driehoek
- Kromrivier – Cederberg Park (temporarily closed)
Sites that remain open include:
- Sandrif
- Wolfberg Cracks
- Oasis
- Nuwerus
CapeNature requests members of the public and social media users not to share outdated images, misinformation or unverified reports, as this creates unnecessary panic. Much of the area burnt consists of old fynbos veld, which is a fire-adapted ecosystem, and we anticipate healthy regeneration following good winter rains.
CapeNature extends sincere thanks to everyone who has supported firefighting teams, including donations of refreshments, which are greatly appreciated and help sustain crews in the field.
Further updates will follow this evening.
Related News
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
Western Cape to benefit from CapeNature’s 2026 Greening Initiative
CapeNature is launching a fun and engaging greening competition for schools and communities across the Western Cape. The competition will start on 13 April 2026 to coincide with International Plant Appreciation Day and will run until 15 May 2026. The initiative aims to inspire learners and community members to actively participate in protecting the environment.
A follow up: The potential impacts of Red Swamp crayfish in Western Cape waters
Since first being found in the canal systems of lower Olifants River in 2022 by CapeNature officials, invasive Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are being found further afield in the Western Cape at an alarming rate. This freshwater species is globally recognised as a seriously damaging invasive species.
Over 43 000 Cape Gannets on Lambert’s Bay Bird Island this breeding season
Bird Island is alive with the sounds and spectacle of seabirds, with an estimated over 43 000 Cape Gannets currently making the island their home this breeding season. The thriving colony reinforces Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay, as one of South Africa’s most important gannet breeding sites and highlights the impact of ongoing marine conservation work.
Water Week: Protecting Our Most Precious Resource
Water is fundamental to life and essential to our daily wellbeing. While this may seem widely understood, it remains important to continually remind ourselves of the value of this finite resource. Although approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater available to sustain ecosystems and human needs.
New SASS accreditor supports river biomonitoring in the Western Cape
CapeNature continues to strengthen its role in freshwater conservation through the expertise of its staff, with freshwater ecologist Jeanne Gouws receiving her South African Scoring System (SASS) accreditation as an accreditor. Having successfully passed every three-yearly assessment since 2007, she is now the official Western Cape SASS accreditor.