Maltese Cross

Hiking up to the Maltese Cross is possibly the classic central Cederberg hike. The impressive rock outcrop is your reward for walking up the fairly steep kloof.

Getting there: from the Dwarsrivier Office head north-west (up towards Algeria) for about 500m; from Algeria, look out for the sign which is about 1km after the sign for Lot’s Wife. Turn left at the signpost and follow the signs for 5km up the fairly rough dirt track to the parking lot of the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory.
-32.49971279321795, 19.25300009092048
Permits: available from the office at Dwarsrivier (Sanddrif)
Distance: 7.26km
Difficulty: fairly steep trail

At a glance

We did this hike in June in light rain. There was plenty of water all the way to the top of the kloof. We were fairly protected from the wind in the kloof, but the approach to the Cross and the Cross itself are exposed and we had to bundle up in beanies, scarves and gloves under our full waterproof gear.

We used Slingsby’s Cederberg map to plan and complete the route.

On our way past the Office after the hike, we popped in at Cederberg Wines where we were hosted by two young students who were simply superb hosts. They clearly mistook us for royalty as we came away laden with wine and were more than slightly tipsy after being treated as such.

They were in the process of finishing a new cellar and tasting room.

The low-down

From the far left corner of the parking lot, follow the obvious trail down to the river which you will cross on a pole bridge. From here it is a simple matter of following the trail up the kloof, Klipbokkloof until it tops out just before reaching the Cross.