Simbavati Cederberg Ridge

Highlights

• Panoramic views over the Cederberg Mountains from an 7,400-acre fynbos farm
• Two and a half hours' scenic drive from Cape Town or the Winelands
• Romantic sleep-out option on the private terrace of Superior Pool Suites
• Guided rock-art excursions to the Sevilla Trail and the High Cederberg
• Farm-to-table dining with daily fresh-baked breads, pastries and gelato
• Walking and mountain-bike trails leading straight from the lodge

The Details

Cederberg Ridge sits on a 7,400-acre working farm overlooking the natural fynbos and the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve beyond. The setting is wild and quiet, yet reached on a straightforward two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town or the Cape Winelands, making it an easy add-on to a Mother City stay.

The lodge has the feel of a modern African farmhouse, with vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and natural textures throughout. Large French windows open onto a covered stoep and dining deck that look across indigenous gardens to the mountains. Two swimming pools, a library and a firepit area round out the communal spaces.

This is one of the best regions in the world for San rock art, with around 2,500 documented sites in the surrounding Cederberg. The area is also the only place on earth where rooibos tea is grown, and the night skies, far from any city, are exceptional for star-gazing.

Accommodation

There are 11 rooms and suites across four categories: Luxury Suites, Superior Pool Suites, Superior Suites and Classic Rooms. The three Luxury Suites are airy and wood-finished, with cosy window seats, free-standing baths positioned to catch the view, indoor showers leading to outdoor showers, and stone terraces offering both sun and shade. Air-conditioning keeps rooms cool in summer and wood-burning fireplaces warm them in winter.

Superior Pool Suites add a private plunge pool and are the only category that can be set up for the romantic sleep-out on the terrace, where guests fall asleep under the Cederberg night sky.

Activities

Activities are geared to both active and leisurely guests. Guided and self-guided walking trails leave straight from the lodge, alongside marked mountain-bike trails on the farm with bikes available to borrow. Guided excursions head into the High Cederberg to Stadsaal Caves and Cederberg Cellars for wine tasting, or to the Sevilla Rock Art Trail to see San paintings with an interpretive guide.

Other excursions include rooibos farm tours, sunset boat cruises on the Clanwilliam Dam, a West Coast trip with lunch at Muisbosskerm, spring flower viewing in the Biedouw Valley in August, citrus and table-grape farm tours combined with a visit to the Lemoenland School community project, and visits to Clanwilliam Town and Museum. Evening star talks at the firepit make the most of the dark skies.

Spa

A restful spa offers a selection of authentic African and traditional massage techniques and treatments.

Dining

The kitchen follows a 'Berg to Plate' philosophy, drawing on fresh produce from the surrounding farms and local flavours. The chef bakes fresh breads, croissants and Danish pastries daily, alongside house-made sausages, macaroons and gelato. Menus change seasonally with a choice of starters, mains and dessert, and two vegetarian dishes are always offered at dinner; vegan and special-diet requests are accommodated.

Private dinners can be set up in the Library, on the Terrace or on the Pool Deck for anniversaries and special occasions, and romantic picnics for two can be arranged on the farm.