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Please could you share this amazing nature experience - [22 going, with 2 spots available] - Soulful Biedouw Valley Rocklands Stay, Sacred Rock Art Sites, Sacred Rocklands Day Walks in the Northern Cederberg. We will be staying at Biedouw Vallei Wegbreek - https://biedouwvalleiwegbreek.co.za. It will be an incredible Easter Weekend Summer Cederberg Venue, especially as all the walks on offer will start from where we are staying. Long Weekend Away – Extended Summer Easter Weekend Away – 6 Days / 5 Nights - Wednesday 16th April 2025 – Monday 21st of April 2025. Please note that Friday and Monday are public holidays over the Easter Weekend, so you will need to take off work on Wednesday and Thursday.Biedouw Valley Wegbreek Accommodation is renowned for its stunning location on the banks of the Biedouw River in the Biedouw Valley. It offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, ideal for relaxation and unwinding. The beautiful surrounding landscapes make it a perfect destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat. The area is also known for its dramatic rock formations, hiking trails, ancient rock art sites, bird-watching opportunities, and natural water features, such as year-round waterfalls and rock pools along the trails.
As a bonus, Stargazing - for night owls, the unpolluted night skies offer opportunities for spectacular stargazing.
PLEASE NOTE AS THIS TRIP FALLS OVER THE EASTER WEEKEND & THIS IS A POPULAR VENUE. This is definitely one for the bucket list and not to be missed.
The distance of Trails on offer over the 4 days will be R42km – All trails on offer start from our accommodation.
Cost: R 2885.00 per person. The payment will include your accommodation for the 5 x nights, self-catering accommodation, permit fees, organising / facilitator fees and the various guided activities on offer.
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OUR ACCOMMODATION ON OFFER
We will be staying at Biedouw Valley Wegbreek in 6 x self-catering chalets - https://biedouwvalleiwegbreek.co.za - Biedouw Vallei Wegbreek is set on the banks of the Biedouw River. Accommodation is provided in 5 x two-bedroom chalets and a 4-bedroom Chalet called the Kliphuis. Each chalet comprises an open-plan kitchen and lounge with 2 bedrooms with a double bed and 2 bunk beds and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. In each room there will be a max of two people. All bedding and towels are supplied. Each unit has its own covered braai on a stoep with beautiful views of the farm, the river and the mountains. Each unit has its own covered braai on a stoep with beautiful views of the farm, the river and the mountains. To cool off in the summer, you can enjoy a dip in the dam nearby and visit the rock pools and waterfalls.
The stunning Biedouw Valley is bordered by the Biedouw Mountains to the north and the Tra-Tra Mountains to the south, just 32 kilometers from Clanwilliam in the Cederberg.
The stargazing opportunities are going to be awesome. The best thing about the venue is that all the trails that we will be doing over the stay are fairly close to where we are staying. This long weekend will give you the chance to experience some of the best that Northern Cederberg has to offer in this unique group-share sacred experience.
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"This will also be the first April visit during the warmer months to the Northern Cederberg and I am really excited to explore the Biedouw Valley Wegbreek, which promises delightful swimming experiences. The area offers various options for swimming, including cooling off in the dam, taking a dip in the rock pools, and enjoying the natural waterfalls. The crystal-clear waters provide a refreshing escape from the heat, and the rivers, characterized by their rock pools, potholes, waterfalls, and rapids, maintain their flow throughout the year, ensuring an enchanting and ever-present natural beauty.
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LIFT SHARING TO THE VENUE
“Meeting Point is located about 3h30min from Central Cape Town CBD.”
Where possible, there will be opportunities to share transportation and save on petrol costs when traveling to the venue.
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SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES ON OFFER:
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TOTAL DISTANCE ABOUT 42km—PLEASE NOTE MODERATE FITNESS IS REQUIRED as the trail distances are over four days. This will allow us enough time during the day to appreciate the scenery and take a swim in some of the beautiful swimming spots along the way. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore this trail, enjoy its stunning surroundings, and connect with people who share similar interests.
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@@ Biedouw Valley Waterfall & Potholes River Trail
Trail distance - [6.85km] - Trail Map Route
https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5524909.html
The trail starts from the accommodation and follows the Heuningsvlei River. It then leads into a section of boulders known as the Devil’s Playground. On the way back, we will pass by an impressive waterfall and then follow the Klein-Doring River.
Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer: https://bit.ly/3VckjNt - If you are using your phone, you can zoom into the trail or even rotate the trail view to give you a better idea of the trail on offer.
** FEATURES ON ROUTE **
Awesome river swimming spots are located at various rapids, swirling river potholes, and swimming areas along the route. Additionally, there is an impressive waterfall on the route.
The Devil’s Playground is a common name for an area of huge, jumbled boulders that resemble an enormous child’s game of blocks. This area is located on the slopes west of the Biedouw Jeugkamp, between there and Heuningvlei. The bouldering community has given some of these unusual rock features names, such as Mind Games, Heart of the Devil, Devil’s Advocate, Playing with Fire, and Tapped Out.
*** The hiking trail starts from our accommodation. There will be optional swimming stops along the route.
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@@ Biedouw Valley River Canyon Trail
Trail distance - [12.95km] - Trail Map Route
https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5524895.html
The trail starts from the accommodation and follows the Biedouw River, then goes up alongside the Biedouw River Canyon, which divides Bushmans Kloof from Mertenhof farm. Along the river section of the trail, there is an impressive waterfall, and we will also visit the Imax and the Upper Biedouw sacred rock art sites, both of which are interesting rock art sites. The trail also offers some awesome views up the Biedouw Valley and towards Kraaiberg. The Biedouw Valley is famous for its stunning springtime flower display, where a vibrant carpet of colorful blossoms covers the landscape, creating a truly breathtaking and unforgettable sight.
Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer: https://bit.ly/3KcBckP - If you are using your phone, you can zoom into the trail or even rotate the trail view to give you a better idea of the trail on offer.
** FEATURES ON ROUTE **
You can discover fantastic river swimming spots along the rapids, amidst swirling river potholes, and at various idyllic locations along the route, including a breathtaking waterfall.
Imax is a remarkable rock art site situated at Bushmans Kloof, with a stunning view
overlooking the Biedouw River upstream of Mertenhof. The site gets its name from the high curved rock wall, which bears a striking resemblance to the screen of an Imax cinema. This site is extraordinary because it can only be reached by climbing through a narrow crack that descends from a height of at least 100 meters above the ground.
Upper Biedouw Cave : upper + “milkbush pass” [Khoi]; a rock art site on the Bushmans Kloof reserve, situated in the upper Biedouw Valley as the name suggests. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Khoi culture, with its well-preserved rock art depicting the rich heritage of the region.
*** The hiking trail starts from our accommodation. There will be optional swimming stops along the route.
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@@ The Realm via DMZ Bouldering Trail
Trail distance - [7.85km] - Trail Map Route
https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5525144.html
The trail starts at our accommodation and leads to the famous bouldering site known as "The Realm." Along the way, we will navigate through a maze of twisting trails, passing various rock formations with intriguing names such as Angry Scorpion, Trust Issues, Hungry Eyes, and Eye of the Tigress. After that, we will explore another trail that goes through the well-known bouldering rock site called The DMZ boulder field. This area is known for its diverse, jagged, and unique rock shapes, located next to the boundary fence of Bushman's Kloof. Finally, we will return to our accommodation using a different route.
Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer: https://bit.ly/3KcBckP - If you are using your phone, you can zoom into the trail or even rotate the trail view to give you a better idea of the trail on offer.
** FEATURES ON ROUTE **
The DMZ, short for "The Dead Man's Zone," is an intriguing expanse of massive boulders nestled next to the boundary fence of Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve. These imposing rocks create a striking and memorable landscape, adding to the area's unique allure.
"The Realm" is a striking area within the boulder fields of the Rocklands. It is distinguished by its elaborate maze of narrow alleyways and a wide variety of unique rock formations that make it a standout destination for rock climbers and nature enthusiasts alike.
*** The hiking trail starts from our accommodation. There will be optional swimming stops along the route.
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@@ Biedouw to Heuning Vlei via Groot Gang Trail
Trail distance - [14.65km] - Trail Map Route
https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5525093.html
The trail starts from the accommodation and follows the Heuningvlei River until we reach the Heuningvlei / Biedouw Day Walk Trail. We will then continue along this trail to Gat se Kop, which runs alongside a large river gorge called Groot Gang. Upon reaching Gat se Kop, we will be treated to breathtaking views of Heuningvlei, a beautiful outpost/village in the Cederberg Mountains. A swimming hole will be at the Heuningvlei River for our lunch break.
After lunch, we will return via the Heuningvlei/Biedouw Day Walk Trail. At the end of the Groot Gang section of the trail, we will ascend through a different section of the Devil’s Playground to observe more of the unique and spectacular landscapes and weathered sandstone rock formations on our way back to the accommodation.
Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer: https://bit.ly/3WS1LTW - If you are using your phone, you can zoom into the trail or even rotate the trail view to give you a better idea of the trail on offer.
** FEATURES ON ROUTE **
Biedouw se Gang : “Biedouw’s passage” [Kh/Afr] A cleft in the enormous rock pavements that fringe the south western edge of Bushmans Kloof
Heuningvlei is one of fourteen outpost villages of the Moravian Mission Church at Wupperthal. Twenty-five families are currently living here and are mainly involved in subsistence farming, planting sugar beans, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. The community is also renowned for using traditional methods to produce dried fruit and for organically cultivating Rooibos tea. More info about Heuingvlei’s History -
https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA00423203_2576
*** The hiking trail starts from our accommodation. There will be optional swimming stops along the route.
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UPPER BIEDOUW CAVE
This lonely and isolated shelter has a frustrating number of paintings which are
too faded to decipher. Exfoliation of the rock surface has also damaged many of
the images. The tall, elegant figures used in the chapter heading adorn the left-
hand side of the main rock face; there were at least two more figures in the
group but these have largely faded away.
Most caves have their own, unique painting and UPPER BIEDOUW is no
exception. Faded but still visible is this extraordinary set of figures, standing or
walking upon a fine double line.
The "conglomerate" figures of a procession of walking people are unique in
this area. The painting seems to portray one group setting out and leaving
another behind. Three smaller figures (children?) seem to be returning to the
group on the right. Double lines are commonly associated with trance visions
but otherwise none of the usual criteria for trance images seem to apply here.
Both left and right walls of the shelter contain other conglomerate images, including this
enigmatic group that may portray hunters carrying an antelope.
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ABOUT THE BIEDOUW VALLEY
The beautiful and fertile Biedouw Valley is surrounded by the Biedouw Mountains to the north and the Tra-Tra Mountains to the south. It is located just 32 kilometers from Clanwilliam in the Cederberg. The valley's name may have originated from the large number of Botterbome (Butter Trees in Afrikaans) that grow in the kloof. The largest of the Tylecodons is the Tylecodon Paniculatus, which can reach heights of around 2 meters.
The Biedouw Valley truly comes to life after the rains, transforming into a breathtaking display of spring flowers that captivates visitors. Local farmers refrain from letting their herds graze in the Valley during the flower season to preserve this stunning natural scenery. The best time to witness this spring phenomenon is typically in mid-August, although it depends on the amount of rainfall. After a good winter of rain, the dry land of Agter-Pakhuis can turn into a carpet of spring flowers, creating a beautiful sight for all to enjoy.
“The /Xam (Cape Bushmen/San) who established their territory in the upper reaches of the Biedouw River in the Cederberg area must have been the envy of their peers. In this mountain stronghold, they would have been away from the routes taken by the pastoral Khoi moving south from what is now Namibia to the grazing lands of Namaqualand from about 77 BCE. They also wouldn't have been bothered much by land- and game-hungry European farmer settlers until the mid-1700s.”
The valley is renowned for its captivating rock formations, adding to its charm and providing opportunities for exploration and geological appreciation.
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ROCK ART IN THE CEDERBERG
The Cederberg mountains, located in South Africa, boast some of the most renowned San rock art sites in Southern Africa. This region is believed to possess the most extensive collection of rock art globally. With over 2500 identified rock art sites in the broader Cederberg area, these sites date back as far as 250 to 8000 years ago. These ancient rock paintings hold immense significance as they offer valuable insights into the ancestral heritage of Southern Africa, providing a window into a bygone era and culture that has largely faded into history.
The Cederberg region boasts a rich array of rock art, predominantly featuring San rock paintings. However, in addition to the San art, remarkable examples of Khoi-Khoi paintings and engravings are also found in the area. These culturally significant sites are accessible for visitation in both the central and northern areas of the Cederberg, including the renowned Rocklands area.
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BOOKED IN ADVANCE DUE TO THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY & THE POPULARITY OF THIS VENUE.
Rocklands is well-known for its world-class bouldering. As a result, accommodations need to be booked in advance.
I look forward to you joining us. Love and blessings. Iain
This will be a six-day/five-night away trip, starting on Wednesday from 2 p.m., with arrival no later than 3 p.m. if you are coming from work for the start of the event and our opening circle. We will end on Monday afternoon from 11 a.m. for our closing circle get-together and sharing. Please check that you can commit to these times before joining.
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PLEASE NOTE:
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"VERY IMPORTANT" -- Please email or call me directly to check for availability and to book. Please do not just mark yourself as "going" on Facebook or Meetup. You can reach me at [email protected] or contact Iain Macdonald at Tel: 072 3272840 for more information. When making a booking, please provide your cell number, email address, full name, surname, and the number of people attending. You can also send me a message on WhatsApp.
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PLEASE NOTE JOINING REQUIREMENTS FOR WEEKENDS AWAY
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Anyone can join the day adventures or come on the Sunday hikes that I offer ;-)
Unfortunately, for the weekends away, anyone is welcome to join as long as they have done TWO of the regular Sunday Walks in the last 12 months before booking a weekend away or a multiday hike trip. If they have done two of the walks in the past 12 months but have not walked in a while, ONE of their last walks needs to have been done in the past six Months before the event.
As we are a hiking group firstly, the weekends away are offered first to those that come more regularly
This structure/qualifying requirement has been put in place so that I can gauge your fitness levels and determine whether you can cope with the hike on offer. The main reason for joining on hikes before booking for the event is that you will know some of the regulars going
Attending one of the walks before the event can help you feel more connected, as you'll already know some of the people attending. The weekend getaways offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, group sharing, and quiet time. Joining a walk also gives me an opportunity to meet you and for you to see what's on offer in person. These weekend trips are suitable for people with moderate fitness levels. There's extra time on the trails to enjoy nature and take photos, as well as free time to explore the area where we're staying. If the weather is warm, there's usually a chance to go for a swim.
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"This is the only moment that is real. To be here and now, and enjoy the present moment is our most important task. - Thich Nhat Hanh
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==> TOTAL COST & HOW TO BOOK
Cost: R 2885.00 per person.
The payment will include your accommodation for the 5 x nights, self-catering accommodation, permit fees, organising / facilitator fees and the various organised guided activities on offer.
This will be a self-catering option, with a shared communal dinner on each of the nights
Please note that bookings will be on a first-come, first-served basis with payment, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The self-catering accommodation where we are staying is located just 30 km from Clanwilliam or 286 km from Cape Town. Whenever possible, we will share transportation to get there.
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BANK DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
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Please email full details with confirmation of payment including
[email protected]
STANDARD BANK
Iain A. Macdonald / Current Account
Account number - 070336709 /
Branch Code - 020909
Corner Lower Long and Hans Strydom Street
Cape Town – South Africa
Please email full details with confirmation of payment including
Full Name and Surname
Contact numbers
Number of People
Occupation
Level of Fitness
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TERMS OF BOOKING
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Payments for group events must be made in advance for accommodation, adventure activities, or permits, and therefore no refunds are available. However, if there is a waitlist and the spot gets filled, the person joining must meet the joining requirements listed in the invite.
If you're unable to attend one of the adventures, it's important to find a replacement yourself, as I can't guarantee that a replacement will be available.
I also have the right to reschedule or cancel a tour if the minimum number of participants isn't met, or if the booking is cancelled by the third-party operator, or if the weather conditions are unsuitable. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.
IMPORTANT - When making a booking, please take note of the requirement to have participated in at least one Sunday walk in the six months prior to the event. If you fail to meet this requirement, you won't be able to attend and will unfortunately forfeit your booking, with the above cancellation policy applying.
For more info or directions, contact Iain Macdonald on Tel: 072 3272840 or [email protected] - Please note that bookings will be on a first-come first-served basis with payment, so book early to avoid disappointment.
"Please note -- No Pets or Children allowed on this Soulful weekend away
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I intend to organise activities, weekend retreats, and nature walks in different parts of our beautiful country to provide a peaceful and soulful space for like-minded individuals to connect and share similar interests. You can find a list of previous events and retreats at https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulfulnaturewalks/events/?past and information about upcoming events at https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulfulnaturewalks/events/.
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=> What is included:
Accommodating 22 guests comfortably in 6 self-catered cottages. Linens and towels provided.
=> What is not included:
Food for meals. You are welcome to bring your own coffee / tea / soft drinks / alcohol / snacks.
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Kitchen: Fully Equipped
Electricity: YES
Bathroom: Warm/cold water available
Pots, Cutlery and crockery supplied: YES
Linen supplied: YES
Towels Supplied: YES
Swimming Towels Supplied: NO
Fireplace: YES
Swimming: YES
Walks/Hikes: YES
Special interests: Birding, views
Braai facilities: YES
Bathroom Facilities: Shared bathroom.
No Smoking in Rooms:
Cell Phone Reception: NO /
Wifi: NO -- can send WhatsApp’s at reception
MEALS ---
Each person will organise breakfast and lunch for themselves. Bring your own braai meat for the second and third nights. However, each night, we will still have a shared vegetarian communal dinner. Each will bring two side vegetarian dishes to share with the group.
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==> LEVEL OF FITNESS
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@ -- The walks from 16 April 2025 to 21 April 2025 are suitable for an Intermediate level of fitness and include some steps along the way.
@@ If you can walk up Lion’s Head with ease, you can manage this route @@@ -- If you have any doubts about the type of walk or pace in terms of fitness level, please call, and I can advise accordingly.
@@@ -- Extra time has been allocated for breaks along the way and to enjoy the spectacular scenery below
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==> DIRECTIONS
FROM CAPE TOWN
To get to Clanwilliam, turn off the N7 and continue straight past the main street of Clanwilliam on your right and over the Jan Dissel River bridge. Stay on this road for another 34 km (the R364 to Calvinia), over the Pakhuis Pass, past Travellers Rest, and into the Biedouw Valley.
The self-catering accommodation where we are staying is located just 30 km from Clanwilliam or 286 km from Cape Town. Whenever possible, we will share transportation to get there.
More details to be sent out closer to the time with map included.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Biedouw Vallei Wegbreek, Moorreesburg, South Africa
