trek transport guide
Getting to Cederberg: Cape Town, Sanddrif & Permits
How to reach Cederberg — 3-hour drive from Cape Town, gravel roads to Sanddrif, permits at reception and no public transport.
By Lee2 min read
Hiked by Lee
Self-guided
Last verified
Cederberg is ~3 hours north of Cape Town — mostly tar, then gravel into the wilderness. There's no bus to Sanddrif; you need your own car or a hired vehicle.
Also read: Complete Guide · Accommodation · Trek overview
Trail access point
| Base | Sanddrif / Dwarsrivier area |
| Arch trailhead | Sanddrif campsite |
| Maltese Cross | Near Dwarsrivier Farm |
| Region | Cederberg Wilderness Area, Western Cape |
From Cape Town
Cape Town → N7 north → Citrusdal area → gravel to Sanddrif (~3 h total)
| Detail | Notes |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~250–300 km |
| Last hour | Gravel — rough but manageable |
| Vehicle | 2WD OK in dry season; high-clearance better |
| Fuel | ~ZAR 600 round trip; fill up before gravel |
| Rental | Standard cars work; check rental gravel policy |
On arrival
- Check in at Sanddrif reception
- Buy trail permits (Arch, Cross, caves)
- Buy wild camping permits if overnighting on trail
- Unload at cottage or campsite
- Download offline maps — no cell signal on trails
Maltese Cross access
Separate trailhead near Dwarsrivier Farm — short drive from Sanddrif. Permits at farm or Sanddrif reception.
International visitors
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fly to CPT | Cape Town International |
| Rent car | Automatic 4×2 fine for dry season |
| Stock food | Cape Town supermarkets before driving |
| Timing | Leave early — avoid hiking in midday heat Day 1 |
Exit
Return same route to Cape Town, or continue up the West Coast / N7 for a longer road trip.
Pre-trip checklist
- Sanddrif cottage/campsite booked
- Car fuelled and spare tyre checked
- Offline maps downloaded
- Cash/card for permits and Sanddrif shop
- Tell someone your hiking schedule (no signal on trail)
Related planning
- Itinerary — Day 1 arrival
- Cost guide — fuel budget
- Navigation — offline maps essential
- Boesmanskloof — other Western Cape multi-day option
Next guide
Cederberg Accommodation: Sanddrif & Wild Camping
Where to stay in Cederberg — Sanddrif cottages, campsite, wild camping at Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross permits.
