We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Mountain cottages in an ancient secret valley For everyone and every occasion | |
![]() | 083 285 6766 |
![]() | R303 Regional Road, Citrusdal |
![]() | http://www.cederkloof.co.za |
![]() | bookings@cederkloof.co.za |
![]() | Cederkloof Botanical Retreat |
![]() | cederkloof |
Cederkloof Botanical Retreat: Cottages, camping, hiking, weddings, private parties
Last updated: Thursday, 18 May 2023
Friends of ours have got this magical place in the Cederberg mountains near Citrusdal: “Where the bubbles are so pure you can drink it”; the Wise Woods lead you on a journey of inner discovery; and that’s just some of the seven special things our team found at this oasis.
Cederkloof is just 15 minutes away from Citrusdal. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
On the road to the famous Baths Hot Springs, you’ll see a steel sign that reads “Cederkloof Botanical Retreat”. The route takes you past an open plain, and once you turn onto the gravel, you are suddenly transported to a secret valley with mountains and small forests.
Even though you are minutes away from Citrusdal, a small town in the Western Cape, all you will hear is a soft wind rustling through the trees and birds tweeting among the cottages. It’s the kind of isolation where the moon is the brightest light source and the stars are perpetually scattered across the sky.
There are two hiking routes in the kloof. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
There are 10 self-catering cottages on site, cascading down the kloof and almost completely hidden from the gravel road. The rustic cottages, with French wooden doors and Mediterranean-style tiles, have a long veranda with heated electric jacuzzi.
Every corner of the little house is completely surrounded by nature and has everything you need for a getaway, including fresh coffee beans and a grinder, big pots and pans to cook a family dinner and even loadshedding lamps. Some of the cottages are bachelor-style and others are two bedrooms.
There’s a minimum two-night stay at Cederkloof. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
The Bell tents, located across from the main house and swimming pool, looks like something from a fairy garden. A small wooden bridge leads you to tents under an indigenous forest. In each is a cosy double bed, kitchenette and electricity. This is great for additional accommodation for bigger groups and events.
Cederkloof embraces nature with its two outdoor bathrooms, where you can shower under the trees in complete privacy and has a cheeky sign on the bathroom door saying “5 minutes per person (or double up and make it more fun)”.
Each tent can take 1-2 people. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Cederkloof Botanical Retreat has two magical hiking routes, with some sweet treasures hidden within each route. The Feetjie (fairy) Trail is a quick 25 minute stroll halfway up the kloof and descending along the length of the cottages, with a stream separating the trail and houses. Along the route are inspirational signs “balance”, “truth”, and “love”, guiding you into the kloof and coming to rest in the Wise Woods.
A more challenging hike is the Klein Olifants Trail, a two-hour trek which takes you to vistas over the Olifants River valley, the majestic Cederberg Mountains and the Sneeuberg Nature Conservancy that gets covered in snow in winter. The environment is characterised by little caves and rock arches. The trails are also suited for mountain biking and trail running.
There are stunning pitstops along both hiking trails for meditation or picnics. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
The Lawn of Love, as Cederkloof calls it, is the heart of the retreat, in between the cottages and tents at the main house. A truly magical site for nuptials, the vintage lounge and lawn can host 36 to 400 people for a wedding reception.
The bride and groom can say “I do” anywhere from the forest, a floating deck on a dam, or in an amphitheatre in the mountain, and come back for an epic party on the large veranda at Opstal House. Book out the entire retreat and let the music and revelry continue into the night. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a wedding venue fee.
All guests can be accommodated on site. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Every inch of land is filled with holistic thought, from the inspirational signs along the hiking trails to the note left on your fridge, saying “bubbles so pure you can drink it”.
All along the trails are random steel chairs hidden within the trees where you can sit in silence. Wooden bridges lead you to massive rock arches and reveal sunset spots, perfect for yoga and meditation (or even a nightcap). It’s like finding Neverland.
The Power Flower Festival held at the retreat also focuses on the holistic atmosphere where it is set. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
The Opstal House isn’t just a perfect venue for a wedding, it’s a space for all celebrations. Inside it’s snug and cosy, with a built-in bar and leather couches, and the stoep has twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling.
Families and friends can gather to celebrate a 30th, 40th, 50th while the kids run around the lawn or take a dip in the pool.
Or celebrate your team. Two of the cottages have wifi with large dining tables on the veranda, giving your team the chance to bond in nature and clear your thoughts for the ultimate brainstorming session.
Cottage 9 and 10 have wifi. Image: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Cederkloof is a healing and rejuvenating getaway, whether you’re there to recharge and reconnect, get married or have a special milestone birthday, work or stay the year.
Find it: R303, Regional Road (The Baths), Citrusdal
Price range: From R1,150 per night; R850 for tents
Book: Via cederkloof.co.za or by emailing bookings@cederkloof.co.za
Contact on: 083 285 6766, @cederkloof
By Lara van Zyl
---
Float and party on a lilo at Wolfkop Weekender.
Check out these 10+ unique camping spots.
Here are 14+ special birthday party venues.
Treat your company with these team building ideas.
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?
Taste beer, gin and more made from mead (until June)
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Local craft beer tasting even ...
Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners
8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...
Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Affordable healthy food at this city ...
Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
Picnic in the Parks, fun workshops for ...
Book a picnic basket, get it delivered to the park + do interactive workshops
At Distiller’s Union you get to also pick the flavour, colour + drink craft beer
Bar Keeper is open on Sundays till ...
Order 1 bottle to many cases online or in store, get it delivered same day, cold
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get craft beer and pizza
Weekend market that has it all
Craft beer, kids playpark, aqua golf, target shooting, donkeys and more
Ever imagined a rock ‘n roll ...
Silent disco, wine barrel tables + rock star murals at Black Elephant Vintners
Kids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...
BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!
3+ ways to get your breath back and ...
Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...
Get Irie On The Sunset Deck At Strolla ...
Weekend sunsets at Strolla mean live DJs and reggae (Rivertones)
Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...
Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails